DIO - Deputy Training Safety Officer - North Devon

Job summary

The DIO OS & Trg, UK DTE – Deputy Training Safety Officer (DTSO) Braunton Burrows Training Area (BBTA) is accountable for ensuring that they conform with all DIO TLB processes and operating procedures. The DTSO is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of ‘Safe Place’ on Military Training Facilities (MTF), and where applicable, the wider ‘Safe System of Work’ relating to military training so the ‘Safe Place’ is not compromised. This will include amongst other duties, the utilisation of current IT software for the management and authorisation of user training requests, the delivery of training safety briefs, and for leading user site reconnaissance visits. The post holder will primarily be based at Royal Marine Barracks (RMB) Chivenor, if necessary, they will be expected to travel between other MOD sites within their region in order to provide support. They will be directly responsible to, and under the direction of a DIO Training Safety Officer (TSO). The post holder will comply with all current regulations relating to their role and in particular for the delivery of safe-place for the following types of Dry military training; Dismounted, Mounted, Littoral and Aviation. Current military experience is essential to understand the procedures for such training so that safety is not compromised and the user may achieve optimum training benefit. A high level of cross country driving ability is required due to the nature of the terrain and training can be provided to achieve this.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

Job description

1. Leadership and Management of the Defence Training Estate - 10%

• Demonstrate a personal commitment to the DIO Guiding Principles
• Support line manager in delivering departmental goals
• Ensure own compliance with mandatory requirements e.g. H&S training
• Promote strong working relationships both within the team and with other teams across DIO and MoD.

· Deputise for the Training Safety Officer as required.

2. Management and Control of Ranges and Training Areas - 30%

· Comply with the Provisions of DSA 03 OME in the management of Fieldcraft Training Areas (FTA).

· Apply ‘Safe Place’ in accordance with JSP 375 Ch 8 – Safety Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work.

· Report accidents and incidents, including incursions and near misses, on the estate in accordance with regulations and policy.

· Brief and advise users on safety procedures and conduct of training.

· Support the completion of Gross Error Checks through checking of Safe Activity Assurance Forms (SAAF 1930) including and sketch maps (FTAs).

· Monitor compliance with published Standing Orders & current civil legislation.

· Contribute to FTA management and training related safety issues including the production of associated risk assessments and Standing Orders.

· Support and advise all mandatory inspections and enact all recommendations as appropriate.

· Assist in the management of OME & legacy UXO in accordance with the relevant regulations.

• Understand the Christies Devon Estates (CDE) / MoD Licence and Natural England (NE) ‘Consenting Protocol’ (SSSI Licence) in order to operate / manage BBTA within the boundaries of these licences.
• Conduct on site inspections and observe user activity to ensure ‘Safe Place’ is not compromised. A presence on the area may be increased within busy periods of military activity and/or public holidays.
• Ensure public safety through safeguarding measures, such as; local rules enforcement, byelaws, site information, warning signs, verbal discussions and briefings.
• Ensure the security of MOD facilities and that directed Health, Safety, Fire and Environmental Protection measures are implemented and adhered to, within the constraints of the CDE and NE licences and permissions
• Act as ‘On Call Duty Officer’ when appointed.

3.Range and Training Area Availability 10%

· Monitor the contract service delivery output identifying variances, failures in performance and report accordingly.

· Assist in the co-ordination of the estate management at BBTA and in the maintenance & development of the military training facilities with the Industry Partner (IP) and stakeholders; Christies Devon Estates (Land Owner), Natural England (SSSI) and North Devon AoNB.

4. User Interface 30%

• Provide authorised trainers with safety briefings and advice including weapons, ammunition and pyrotechnic usage and any restrictions and limitations to activity.
• Advise users on how to achieve optimum training benefit.
• Support maintenance of the ecological and environmental sustainability of the training area consistent with environmental designations.
• Support the TSO in managing internal and external stakeholders and safeguard the reputation of the MOD.
• Manage, allocate and authorise training area bookings on the Bidding and Allocations Management System (BAMS).
• Manage safe-place for air activity as required.
• Prioritise training bids to maximise utilisation based on an understanding of user training objectives and the operational need.
• Maintain and enhance professional working relationships with the industry partner, landowners, conservation groups, local government and civilian stakeholders to foster good relations and achieve rural estate strategy objectives and obligations.
• Provide training area activity weekly returns NLT 3 working days before the following week to the Industry Partner (IP) Team Leader, so that the IP can allocate TAO’s to BBTA for key issues, training area clearances and maintenance.
• Provide weekly blank & pyro training returns to Coastguard to minimise ‘callouts’ of the Lifeboat and Coastguard due to military coastal activity.
• Consult with local emergency services and review casualty response plans annually.

5. Training Optimisation 15%

· Manage and de-conflict competing users’ aspirations for training facilities so as to minimise conflict, maximise training benefit and ensure users achieve their training objectives most effectively.

· Identify and support the development of infrastructure projects and rationalisation opportunities to improve the estate and enhance the training User experience within the constraints of the CDE and NE licences

6 Any other task appropriate to grade 5%

Person specification

• Experience of Military Live and Dry Training from a planning / delivery perspective in an Individual and Collective training environment. (Essential),
• Experienced in, Mounted & Littoral training (Desirable).
• Exposure to Safety Risk Management (Desirable).
• Exposure to Defence Safety Authority Regulations. (Desirable).
• Exposure to JSP 375 – Management of Health and Safety in Defence.(Desirable).
• Basic competency in IT (MS Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PPt).(Essential).

Licences

Full UK Driving licence

Qualifications

SA (B) (Essential for all areas with LF ranges, otherwise Desirable), and (M) (Essential for areas with FTA unless (B) held).
Full UK Driving Licence (Essential)
Basic competency in IT (MS Office 365, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PPt). (Essential).

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide:

• CV details to include job history; qualifications, previous skills and experience.
• A Statement of Suitability. (750 Words)

At sift, you will be assessed against your Qualifications, CV and Statement of suitability and the following behaviours:

• Communicating & Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

At interview, you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

Please provide your evidence using the STAR Technique.

Situation: Describe the situation you found yourself in. You must describe a specific event or situation. Be sure to give enough detail for the job holder to understand.

Where are you? Who was there with you? What had happened?

Task: The recruitment panel will want to understand what you tried to achieve from the situation you found yourself in. What was the task that you had to complete and why? What did you have to achieve?

Action: What did you do? The job holder will be looking for information of what you did, how you did it and why. Keep the focus on you. What specific steps did you take and what was your contribution? Remember to include how you did it, and the behaviours you used. Try to use “I” rather than “we” to explain your actions that lead to the result. Be careful not to take credit for something that you did not do.

Result: Don’t be shy about taking credit for your behaviour. Quote specific facts and figures easily understandable. What results did the actions produce? What did you achieve through your actions, and did you meet your goals? Was it a successful outcome? If not, what did you learn from the experience? Keep the situation and task parts brief.

Concentrate on the action and the result. If the result was not entirely successful describe what you learned from this and what you would do differently next time. Make sure you focus on your strengths. When providing your evidence please ensure that you avoid acronyms and company specific jargon.

We require you to provide evidence and a demonstration of specific skills, knowledge or transferable experience. This will allow you to provide evidence to show a more rounded picture of your suitability for the role.

Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, however, in the event of a significant number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the lead behaviour of Communicating & Influencing, previous skills and experience and the Personal Statement.

Interviews will take place in person at: Building 63, RMB Chivenor, Barnstable, EX314AZ

The sift will take place week commencing: Monday 30 March 2026 and the Interviews to be conducted in person at RMB Chivenor, the week commencing Monday 13 April 2026.

The dates for sift and interviews may be subject to change depending on business demands.

A minimum of 2 full working days’ notice will be provided for interviews.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Richard Carter
• Email : Richard.Carter134@mod.gov.uk
• Telephone : 07811723106

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.

Attachments

DIO Candidate Information Guide Opens in new window (pdf, 1963kB)EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Candidate Information updated Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)