Retention and Resettlement Officer - Army

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence, Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from cyber and digital transformation, police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, psychologists, storekeepers, and policy secretariat staff to support the British Army.

Within the MOD, the British Army delivers education and training to Soldiers and Officers to help them meet the challenges of the 21st century by training for certainty and educating for uncertainty. A significant proportion of this education is delivered by the Army Education Service (AES), which operates through a network of nine Army Education Centre Groups (AEC Gps) across the UK and Cyprus. The majority of those supported are Regular and Reserve Army personnel.

Army Education Centres are staffed by a combination of Army officers, Civil Servants and contracted civilian staff. Roles include military officers, civilian teachers, administrative staff and Digital Skills Hub personnel. Together, we work to achieve our key objective: delivering high-quality education and lifelong learning and development opportunities to Service Personnel.

The Retention and Resettlement role is an important position that helps ensure education, resettlement and transition support is delivered consistently across the Army. The post holder is responsible for overseeing service delivery, supporting a network of Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IEROs), and working with a range of partners to improve outcomes for personnel as they develop their careers and prepare for life beyond military service.

This is a varied role that combines programme management, stakeholder engagement and performance oversight, offering the opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on people's lives. The role also leads a key functional area within Educational and Training Services (South) (ETS(S)), providing direct support to ETS(S) Headquarters and advising the Commanding Officer on performance, risks and priorities relating to retention and resettlement.

The post is advertised on a 37-hour per week.

Job description

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery, governance and quality assurance of Individual Education and Resettlement (IE&R) and retention services across Educational and Training Services (South) (ETS(S)), acting as the principal point of contact for all IE&R matters.
• Oversee the delivery of IE&R services, ensuring compliance with policy, mandated processes and service standards, while providing advice, direction and escalation through the Chain of Command where required.
• Develop and maintain assurance, governance and reporting arrangements, including performance monitoring, risk management and formal reporting to governance boards, using data and insight to drive service improvement and support future policy development.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across Defence, government and external delivery partners, representing IE&R interests at key forums and ensuring services remain joined-up, effective and responsive to changing requirements.
• Lead engagement, support and professional development activities for the Individual Education and Resettlement Officer (IERO) network, including coordinating forums, continuous professional development and specialist advice.
• Oversee training requirements and outputs, including monitoring Resettlement Information Staff (RIS) course throughput, gathering feedback and supporting continuous improvement of training and service delivery.
• Exercise delegated authority for IE&R casework, including the authorisation of Post-Discharge Resettlement Authorities (PDRAs), Overseas Resettlement Authorities (ORAs), civilian work attachments and training requests, ensuring decisions are timely, consistent and compliant with policy.
• Act as the Service Single Representative (sSR) for Learning Credits and Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) activity, managing exceptions and ensuring compliance with relevant policy.
• Lead and support projects, transformation activity and digital initiatives relating to education, retention and resettlement services, ensuring organisational requirements are represented and delivered.
• Provide policy guidance and assurance to the IERO network, maintaining oversight of information management, record keeping, audit readiness and compliance with information management requirements.
• Contribute to the development of future policy and programmes, supporting improvements to resettlement services, learning opportunities and retention initiatives, including the Army Retention Effect, Life Skills and Leave Well Campaign.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post, as directed by the Line Manager.

Person specification

Essential skills required:

• Service delivery and coordination: Experience of managing or coordinating programmes, services or outputs, ensuring consistent delivery against defined standards and objectives.
• Stakeholder engagement: Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including internal teams and external delivery partners.
• Data analysis and reporting: Experience of analysing data, identifying trends, and producing clear reports to support decision-making and improve performance.
• Policy interpretation: Experience of working with policies or regulated frameworks and translating them into clear guidance to support delivery.
• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and provide advice or guidance to others.
• Governance and compliance: Experience of monitoring performance, managing risk, and ensuring activities align with agreed processes or standards.
• Planning and organisation: Ability to manage competing priorities, organise workload effectively, and deliver outcomes within deadlines.
• Digital and IT skills: Proficient in Microsoft 365 applications (including Excel, SharePoint, Teams and Power BI or equivalent), with the ability to manage data, produce reports and support collaborative working.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in education, training, skills development or career transition services.
• Understanding of workforce retention, employability or professional development programmes.
• Experience working within, or alongside, government, defence or large public sector organisations.
• Knowledge of learning funding schemes, grants or training entitlements.
• Experience supporting assurance activity, audits or quality improvement processes.
• Experience contributing to process improvement, system implementation or digital change initiatives.
• Experience of facilitating workshops, training, or professional development activity.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together

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

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Benefits (specific to role):

• 37 hours working day.
• Up to 30 days paid annual leave
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle
• Enhanced parental, non-birthing parent and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities

ETS (S) HQ specific benefits:

Free on-site easy access parking
Free access to Garrison Gym facilities
Access to large dining facility with discounted meal rates
Shared office in ETS S HQ
Discover my benefits outlines the range of benefits available to MOD Civil Servants
As an SO2 working alongside the Army, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects and a job that makes a difference.

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. There are also opportunities for some hybrid working as a staff officer in a Headquarters.

Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

The successful candidate can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

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.

At the application stage, you will be assessed against the following criteria, listed in priority order:

• Personal Statement - 500 words demonstrating your relevant skills and experience in line with the essential criteria.
• Behaviours
  • Leadership
  • Managing a Quality Service

Where a large number of applications are received, an initial sift may be conducted against the Personal Statement only. The remaining evidence submitted at the application stage will be assessed only if you are successful at this initial sift.

At interview stage, you will be assessed against the following criteria, listed in priority order:

Behaviours:

• • Developing Self & Others
  • Leadership
  • Working Together

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed and will be held in person. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs.

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.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into 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 basic (or equivalent) 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 : Robert Crean
• Email : Robert.Crean611@mod.gov.uk

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

ARMY Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 273kB)Defence Internal Brief notice Opens in new window (docx, 43kB)Candidate Information Opens in new window (docx, 32kB)Defence Civil Service Offer Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)