Commandant, Royal College of Defence Studies Ministry of Defence

£100,000 per annum (more may be available for an exceptional candidate)

SCS Pay Band 2 Reference: 14006 Closing date: 23:55 on Sunday 13th October 2019

1 Contents

Person Introduction About us The Role Specification

Recruitment Benefits Process FAQs Contact us

Diversity & Inclusion

Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity Commandant Royal College of Defence Studies

Air Marshal Edward Stringer is the Director I am pleased to advertise an exciting General of Joint Force Development, and DG and challenging role within the MOD’s Defence Academy, within Joint Forces Command. Royal College of Defence Studies For those familiar with military terminology he is (RCDS). The RCDS is an internationally the de facto ‘J7’ for the UK’s Military Strategic renowned institution committed to Headquarters. For those not so steeped, he owns developing strategic thinkers and the conceptual element of UK fighting power: leaders. In an international concepts & doctrine, training & education, environment, which provides exercise & experimentation, lessons learned & perspectives and insights from around innovation. Before that he was Assistant CDS the world, we seek to inspire study, (Operations) in the MOD in Whitehall, essentially stimulate thinking and stir and the MOD’s operations director – from UK flood- relief to the Deterrent. Previously he had been contribute to debate on contemporary ACAS, the RAF’s Assistant Chief, responsible for strategic issues. Through contact and all policy interaction with MOD and for the RAF exchange across boundaries, in which the views of others are Board’s business. He arrived there from seeing respected, the diverse international membership of RCDS the inside of the Pentagon as CDS’ Liaison Officer provides a unique and enriching experience for all. Lifelong to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. A previous friendships are made and provide a global professional and social Commandant Air Warfare Centre and head of RAF network of trusted interlocutors. Intelligence he has had operational commands in Libya, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans. A one- Edward Stringer time Jaguar pilot and weapons instructor (QWI) he first saw action in the Gulf War in ’91 and in the

no-fly zone (NFZ) operations that followed. Air Marshal Edward Stringer CB CBE RAF Director General, Joint Force Development

Joint Force Development, the Defence Academy, and the RCDS

The purpose of Joint Force Development the Force Development of Defence Members share one thing in common; (JFD) is to anticipate and best prepare our capabilities cannot be divorced from the they must be high flyers in their armed forces for the challenges of Government’s Fusion Doctrine. profession. Already in positions of tomorrow. Permanently running an responsibility, they will be selected on the analytically-based cycle of generating, The RCDS Course is in strategic basis of their potential to reach the testing and codifying operating concepts leadership and international studies, highest ranks in their parent organisation, that give the UK’s armed forces, and focusing on defence and security issues either as top decision-makers or as those of its allies and partners, the edge at the national strategic level – the level at strategic advisers. A few over our adversaries. which governments take decisions on Parliamentarians participate in the course these issues both nationally and within the each year, on a part-time basis, under the Joint Force Development as an international community. It runs annually Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust organisation comprises the more militarily- over an academic year from September to Scheme. oriented units of Joint Warfare (JW), the July. Standing Joint Force Headquarters In addition to the main annual course, the (SJFHQ), both located at Northwood, and UK Members are nominated by the three College has taken on the organisation of the Development, Concepts and Doctrine military services or by other Government the annual UK Pinnacle courses (for 2-3* Centre (DCDC) based at Shrivenham, Departments. Overseas Members are officers and their Whitehall counterparts with the more academically orientated recruited from some 50 countries each now tasked each year by the National Defence Academy that includes all of our year on the basis of invitations sent by the Security Adviser); the annual UK/US staff colleges and many training schools; Ministry of Defence through diplomatic Rising Stars Course (at 1* level); and has the most senior of which is the Royal channels. The majority of Members are a role as a partner organisation in CDS’s College of Defence Studies. The Defence from the Armed Forces, but other Strategy Forum. In addition, it is expected Academy aims to educate our people to Members are drawn from the diplomatic that the College will take on responsibility better understand the future, and to service, the Civil Service, police forces for the new National Security Community prepare our workforce to confidently meet and other areas in the public sector. Senior Faculty courses, tasked by the its challenges. The Commandant RCDS Private sector and non-Governmental NSA and collectively owned by National is expected to play a part in the overall organisation participation is also sought in Security Council Departments and enterprise of JFD, which increasingly the interests of broadening the base of Agencies, designed to help senior officials includes a pan-Government element as experience and garnering wider and officers reach a common perspectives.

understanding of ‘best practice’ strategy making and strategy implementation in the National Security domain. This requirement is a fallout of the Chilcot report into the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The college has in recent years sought to widen its appeal and impact on the UK and international debate on strategic issues and thinking by hosting additional events and seminars, such as the four Strategic Seminars a year where senior speakers address an invited audience. It is often used by a range of senior Government boards as a venue for away- days and other brain-storming sessions. The College is headed by the Commandant, supported by a serving military 2* Deputy and four Senior Directing Staff (SDS) who provide support, supervision, guidance and mentoring to the Members throughout their time on the RCDS Course. The SDS are assisted in this task by academics from King’s College London, one of the Defence Academy’s academic partners. The College has an annual budget of c. £4.5M.

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The 5th largest defence budget in the world With over 20 Operations in over 25 countries And £178bn Planned Expenditure on Equipment and Support over the next

10 years

Source: “Defence in Numbers 2016”

About the Ministry of Defence

In the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) we set Our vision out plans for stronger defence with more ships, more planes, more troops at readiness, better equipment for special forces, and more for cyber. We will protect our people, territories, value and The first duty of Government is to defend our country and to keep interests, at home and overseas, through strong armed forces and our people safe. Our national security and our economic security in partnership with allies, to ensure our security and safeguard our go hand-in-hand. Our strong economy provides the foundation to prosperity. invest in our security and global influence, which provides more opportunities at home and overseas to increase our prosperity. We have four strategic objectives: In a more dangerous world, we have chosen to use our hard- earned economic strength to support our Armed Forces and give 1. Protect our People: We will defend and contribute to the them what they need to help keep Britain safe. We will increase security and resilience of the UK and Overseas Territories, defence spending every year and continue to meet NATO’s target protect our people abroad, maintain the Continuous At Sea to spend 2% of GDP on defence for the rest of the decade. Deterrent and conduct operations as required.

Our Defence Purpose is to: protect the people of the United 2. Project our Global Influence: We will contribute to Kingdom, prevent conflict, and be ready to fight our enemies. improved understanding of the world and increase our influence in the regions that matter to us, through strategic Our Aims are to: intelligence and the global defence network. We will reinforce international security and the capability of our  Mobilise: to make the most of existing capabilities; allies, partners and multilateral institutions.  Modernise: to embrace new technologies to assure our competitive position; and 3. Promote our Prosperity: We will contribute to the UK’s  Transform: to radically improve the way we do business. economic. security, support our industry including through innovation and exports, continue to invest in science and This is to ensure we are prepared for the present and fit for the technology and contribute to the wider skills and citizenship future. development that support British society.

4. Maintain a strategic base and integrated global support so we must work effectively with our Allies and partners. And we network, and manage the Department of State: We will must spend our budget wisely. maintain an agile strategic base and global support network that enable the command, generation, preparation, Therefore, the National Security Adviser is leading a national projection, sustainment, maintenance, operation and security capability review that will include examination of the policy redeployment of military capability in support of the Defence and plans, that support implementation of the national security objectives. This reflects the nature of the Department as a strategy, and help to ensure that the UK’s investment in national Strategic Military Headquarters as well as being a security capabilities is as joined-up, effective and efficient as Department of State. We will command UK military possible, to address current national security challenges. The operations worldwide, while providing the necessary review will also be informed by work which has already been enablers such as infrastructure, equipment, logistics and commissioned in response to recent national security-related medical. incidents. The outcome of this work, due later this year, will need to be implemented. Defence in a Changing World Our People The National Security Strategy and SDSR15 highlighted the changing and increasingly uncertain international security context Every hour of every day, our people are supporting operations in which Defence must operate. The associated National Security around the globe, protecting Britain’s shores, developing world- Risk Assessment concluded that the risks and threats faced by the class weaponry, and partnering with our international allies. UK have increased in scale, diversity and complexity; the However, our success depends on our people – our Whole Force increasing threat posed by terrorism, the resurgence of state- – Regulars and Reservists, civil servants and contractors, all based threats, the impact of technology, and the erosion of the working as one. rules-based international order are now particular challenges for the UK. We have made major reforms to how the MOD and Armed We require: Forces are organised and operate to ensure that we can maximise our investment in Defence capabilities.  Leadership at every level of Defence that is Inspiring, Confident and Empowering: making the right decisions at We must adapt to stay ahead, configure our capability to address the right time for the right reasons – and learning from the tomorrow’s threats, not yesterday’s, build more versatile and agile things that go wrong; forces for the future, and ensure our people have what they need  Strong Armed Services with a war-fighting ethos and a to do what we ask of them. We cannot do everything on our own, willingness to adapt and an effective Ministry of Defence, working together to make Defence as a whole stronger;

 Modern, innovative ways of doing business, where What we aim to achieve: individuals accept responsibility for decisions and we weed out duplication, red-tape, waste and delay.  Ensuring MOD has a good quality evidence base to make decisions and direct resources. We employ all kinds of people across a wide range of interesting and rewarding jobs and if you join us you will be doing work that  Each person who works in defence feels and believes they makes a difference and really matter. Click here to hear more from are treated fairly and that the work practices and our staff on their experiences of the Ministry of Defence. environments correctly support their individual needs to enable them to do their job effectively. Employer of Choice  Business leaders and managers, both individually and collectively in Top Level Budgets (TLBs), intuitively factor The vision for Defence People is that our outputs are delivered by diversity and equality into their decision making. the right mix of capable and motivated people who appropriately  Individual members of staff understand their role and take represent the breadth of the society we exist to defend, now and in responsibility for making the MOD diversity and inclusion the future. philosophy a reality, such that policies are implemented and

the gap between the rhetoric and experience is closed. People in Defence must bring diversity of talent, experience, personal characteristics, perspective and background; this is not  Assuring that MOD is legally compliant across the equality only morally right, but is fundamental to the operational spectrum. effectiveness of Defence.

We strive to be an employer of choice, through recognising, encouraging and celebrating diversity. We aim to be an organisation that not only encourages everyone to be themselves in the workplace but makes a clear link between embracing individual diversity and the successful delivery of Defence outputs.

Force for Inclusion

A copy of the MOD’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2018 is also available to download from the Civil Service Jobs website. In it, the Department details its commitment to Defence harnessing the power of difference to deliver capability that safeguards our nation’s security and stability.

About the role

Job Title Security Clearance Increase Members’ knowledge of high- level defence and security related issues Commandant, Royal College of Defence Please note that the successful applicant in a global context. Studies. will need to hold, or be prepared to apply for, Developed Vetting level security Deliver agreed outputs and targets as Location clearance. The position is reserved for effectively, efficiently and economically as Belgravia, London. UK nationals only. possible, while remaining within delegated resource control targets and exploiting Periodic travel will be required to MOD Overall Job Purpose income generation opportunities. Main Building London, HQ and the Chair the RCDS’s Management Board Defence Academy, Shrivenham, Wiltshire. Reporting to the Chief Executive Defence and manage the College’s Service and Academy (Def Ac), the main duties of the Salary Civilian workforce in accordance with all Commandant are to: the relevant Service, Civil Service and £100,000 per annum. Maintain and enhance the position of the departmental regulations. Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) More may be available for an exceptional Manage a complex, international lecture as the most prestigious and effective candidate. programme and host high profile visits, at defence higher education college for all times acting as an ambassador for the The salary for this post is set within the serving officers, officials and business College, the Defence Academy and the Senior Civil Service Payband 2 range. people in the world, focused on the MOD. development of international strategic Existing civil servants will be appointed in thinkers and leaders. Develop the RCDS as an associate line with the Civil Service pay rules in college of the Def Ac, working under DG Ensure the RCDS delivers the place on the date of their appointment. JFD and with other Colleges to improve international course to the highest quality the overall performance and reputation of Contract Type standards, while always striving to the Academy. improve it. This role is being offered on a permanent As a member of the Defence Academy basis. Executive Committee and JFD Boards, to

support and advise the DG in the direction Engage, on behalf of the RCDS and and leadership of both the Def Ac and Defence Academy with relevant Think wider Force Development for UK Tanks and academic institutions. Defence.

Work with the DG and key Whitehall leaders to enhance the offering under the umbrella of the RCDS-based, Commandant-led National Security Faculty. This delivers a range of short interventions to educate rising leaders from across Government, principally but not exclusively in security related issues and is RCDS’ main growth area in the era of Fusion Doctrine. Deliver shorter courses such as the annual ‘UK Pinnacle’ course (for 2-3* officers and their Whitehall counterparts plus one US official) and UK/US Rising Leaders course (at 1* level) as well as other cross-Government initiatives. Act as a role model for both Members and other directing staff, establish a close relationship with, and give guidance to, all course participants and lead their assessment. Lead the visit programme, which includes visits to individual companies, institutions and other national and overseas tours.

Person Specification

You should address each of the following of government and the Armed Desirable: essential criteria by providing evidence in Forces. your statement of suitability.  It would be beneficial to have  Strong strategic and planning skills. experienced the RCDS as a Member. However, applications  Outstanding interpersonal from a wider circle are also Essential Criteria: communication skills, both written encouraged, e.g. senior figures and oral, with the ability to  A proven track record of from the academic and Think Tank influence and persuade both inside management and leadership at sphere who have specialised in and outside the RCDS – strong Board level, with wide and recent security and related issues. networking and relationship knowledge of strategic security and building skills. defence issues, international affairs and the workings of government;  An empathy with widely different ideally including the management cultures with the ability and

of a mixed Service/Diplomatic and emotional intelligence to ensure civilian staff of high-calibre that officers and officials from individuals. different countries realise their full potential on the course.  First class intellectual skills with the

personal presence, stature and  The commitment to drive high self-confidence to generate levels of quality and service and credibility in a senior multinational the integrity and resilience to be a military, diplomatic and academic role model for both members and context, and the ability to operate the permanent staff of the College. effectively across the highest levels

Benefits of working for the Civil Service

Whatever your role, we take your career and development are too ill to continue to work or die before you retire. Visit Civil seriously, and want to enable you to build a really successful Service Pension Scheme for more details. career with the Department and wider Civil Service. It is crucial that our employees have the right skills to develop their careers Generous Annual Leave and Bank Holiday Allowance and meet the challenges ahead, and you’ll benefit from regular 25 days annual leave on entry, increasing on a sliding scale to 30 performance and development reviews to ensure this development days after 5 years’ service. This is in addition to 8 public holidays. is ongoing. As a Civil Service employee, you’ll be entitled to a large range of benefits. If you have 5 years previous eligible service with MOD, another Government Department, the UK Armed Forces or the Public Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Sector (including the Northern Ireland Civil Service, Local The Civil Service values and supports all its employees. Authorities and the NHS) you may be eligible for additional leave from the outset, up to a maximum of 30 days. We have strong and pro-active staff networks, special leave policies for hospital appointments, reasonable adjustments put in This will be complemented by one further day paid privilege place for those who need them, and diversity talent programmes to entitlement to mark the Queen’s Birthday. help everyone irrespective of background, to achieve their potential. Staff Wellbeing Pension This role is available full-time and there may be the opportunity to offer flexible working arrangements. Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package. Generous paid maternity and paternity leave which is notably A competitive contributory pension scheme that you can enter as more than the statutory minimum offered by many other soon as you join where we will make a significant contribution to employers. the cost of your pension; where your contributions come out of your salary before any tax is taken; and where your pension will Childcare benefits (policy for new employees as of 5 April 2018): continue to provide valuable benefits for you and your family if you The government has introduced the Tax-Free Childcare (TFC)

scheme. Working parents can open an online childcare account and for every £8 they pay in, the Government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2000 a year for each child or £4000 for a disabled child. Parents then use the funds to pay for registered childcare. Existing employees may be able to continue to claim childcare vouchers, so please check how the policy would work for you here. Onsite facilities Opportunity to use onsite facilities including fitness centres and staff canteens (where applicable). Season Ticket and Bicycle Loan

Interest-free loans allowing you to spread the cost of an annual travel season ticket or a new bicycle. Sick Pay

Occupational sick pay.

The Recruitment Process Should you encounter any issues with your online application Application please get in touch with us via: [email protected] To apply for this post, you will need to complete the online application process accessed via the advertisement listed for this th role. This should be completed no later than 23:55 on Sunday, 13 Selection Process October 2019 and will involve uploading the two documents outlined below: Isabel Doverty a Civil Service Commissioner, will chair the 1. A CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities process. The Civil Service Commission has two primary and achievements. Please ensure you have provided reasons functions: for any gaps within the last two years  Providing assurance that selection for appointment to the Civil 2. A Statement of Suitability (no longer than two pages) Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. explaining how you consider your personal skills, qualities and For the most senior posts in the Civil Service, the Commission experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with discharges its responsibilities directly by overseeing the particular reference to the criteria in the person specification recruitment process and by a Commissioner chairing the Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have selection panel. limited information on which to assess your application against the  Hearing and determining appeals made by civil servants under criteria in the person specification. the Civil Service Code which sets out the Civil Service values Please ensure that both documents contain your full name. – Impartiality, Objectivity, Integrity and Honesty - and forms part of the relationship between civil servants and their As part of the online application process, you will be asked a employer. number of diversity-related questions. If you do not wish to provide a declaration on any of the particular characteristics, you will have More detailed information can be found on the Civil Service the option to select 'prefer not to say'. The information you provide Commission website when submitting your application will help us monitor our progress towards the Civil Service becoming the most inclusive employer by 2020. See the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for more information.

In addition to Isabel, the other panel members will be: the role and the organisation. Please note this is not part of the formal assessment process.  Air Marshal Edward Stringer – Director General Joint Force. You will be asked to attend a panel interview in order to have a  The panel will include an independent member. more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and

professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the The final selection panel interviews are likely to be held at MOD Person Specification. Main Building or RCDS London. Full details of the assessment process will be made available to Shortlist shortlisted candidates. You will receive an acknowledgment of your application through Offer the online process. Regardless of the outcome, we will notify all candidates as soon The panel will then assess your application to select those as possible after the final interview. demonstrating the best fit with the role by considering the evidence you have provided against the criteria set out in the ‘Person Specification’ section. Failure to address any or all of these may affect your application.

The timeline later in this pack indicates the date by which decisions are expected to be made, and shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter. Assessment

If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to take part in a series of assessments which could include psychometric tests and a staff engagement exercise. These assessments will not result in a pass or fail decision. Rather, they are designed to support the panel’s decision making and highlight areas for the panel to explore further at interview. You may also have the opportunity to speak to Air Marshal Edward Stringer prior to the final interview to learn more about

Expected Timeline

We will try and offer as much flexibility as we can, but it may not be possible to offer alternative dates for assessments or interviews. You are therefore asked to note the below timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process, in order to meet the dates given. Please note that these dates may be subject to change. The anticipated timetable is as follows:

Advert Closing Date 23:55 on Sunday 13th October 2019

Shortlist Meeting Week commencing 21st October 2019

Assessments 28th October – 4th November 2019

Panel Interviews Week commencing 11th November 2019

FAQs

Can I apply if I am not currently a civil servant? What nationality do I need to hold in order to apply?

Yes. This role is open to suitably qualified people in the external To be eligible for employment to this role you must be a UK market and to existing civil servants and those in accredited Non- national. Departmental Bodies. For further information on whether you are eligible to apply, please Is this role suitable for part-time working? visit Gov.UK.

This role is available full-time and there may be the opportunity to Reserved for UK Nationals offer flexible working arrangements. Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and Will the role involve travel? intelligence, might be reserved for British citizens, but this will not normally prevent access to a wide range of developmental Some travel within the UK and internationally will be required. opportunities within the Civil Service. Where will the role be based? This is a reserved post. Belgravia, London. Is security clearance required?

Periodic travel will be required to MOD Main Building London, HQ Yes. If successful you must hold, or be willing to obtain, security and the Defence Academy, Shrivenham, Wiltshire. clearance to DV level. More information about the vetting process can be found here Travel and subsistence costs will be reimbursed in line with departmental policy. Unfortunately, relocation costs will not be What reasonable adjustments can be made if I have a reimbursed. disability? Can I claim back any expenses incurred during the We are committed to making reasonable adjustments in order to recruitment process? support disabled job applicants and ensure that you are not disadvantaged in the recruitment and assessment process. No. Unfortunately we will not be able to reimburse you, except in exceptional circumstances and only when agreed in advance.

If you feel that you may need a reasonable adjustment to be made, or you would like to discuss your requirements in more If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the detail, please contact: [email protected] Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. in the first instance. What should I do if I think that I have a conflict of interest? Do you offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Persons? Candidates must note the requirement to declare any interests that might cause questions to be raised about their approach to the Disabled applicants who meet the essential selection criteria in the business of the Department. job specification are guaranteed an interview. Selection will be on merit. If you wish to claim a guaranteed interview under the If you believe that you may have a conflict of interest please Disability Commitment, you should complete the relevant section contact [email protected] before of the online application. It is not necessary to state the nature of submitting your application. your disability. Will this role be overseen by the Civil Service Commission? Yes. As this role is one of the more senior posts within the Civil Service, a Commissioner will oversee the recruitment process and chair the selection panel. More detailed information can be found on the Civil Service Commission website. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles

What do I do if I want to make a complaint?

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact [email protected] in the first instance.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to becoming interesting and challenging role – or doing things differently and the most inclusive employer in the UK. inspiring colleagues, then the Civil Service is the place for you. Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and  We are committed to understanding, respecting and professional development. representing as broad a range of views and backgrounds as we have in UK society. We know that diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to an effective, modern Civil Service. What’s next?  Our vision is to ensure the Civil Service represents modern  You’ve taken the first step Britain and is a truly inclusive employer – an example to and looked through this other employers. We will create an organisation where job pack to understand the diversity is not only respected and valued – but celebrated. skills and experience needed to perform this role. Now join us in achieving our ambitions What’s in it for me? and let us help you  We want to maximise the potential of everyone who achieve yours. Read chooses to work for us – regardless of background. more.  If you’re interested in becoming a world class leader, developing your career with us – starting with this

We encourage all candidates to discuss the role further before submitting an application If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact: [email protected]