Docking Nuclear Authorisation Group Chair

Ministry of Defence

Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 30th September 2024

 

Details

Reference number

365896

Salary

£43,080
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

MOD - Navy

Type of role

Operational Delivery

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

HMNB Clyde, Faslane

Job summary

Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (HMNB Clyde) is home to the United Kingdom’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, Astute Class Attack Submarines,  Sandown Class Mine Hunter Vessels and 43 Cdo Royal Marines. It is an operational support and maintenance base, within the Navy Command TLB and comprises both Faslane and Coulport sites. HMNB Clyde’s primary purpose is to provide engineering and logistical support to the Royal Navy in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD). This is achieved by ensuring at least one Vanguard Class submarine is on patrol at sea every day of the year.             

RNAD Coulport is responsible for the storage, processing, maintenance and issue of the Trident Weapon System and the ammunitioning of all submarine-embarked tactical weapons.  

The primary purpose of the Authorisation Group Chair (AG Ch) is, on behalf of the HMNB (HM Naval Base) Clyde Faslane Site Operator (Superintendent Faslane Site (SFS)) and Assistant Head Docking Capability, to be responsible to the Authorise for the safe introduction of new systems, structures and components such as the effect on  ‘Day to Day’ control of NP, NW, and WiH Authorised Activities and that the Risk from the Activities is manged such that it is reduced ‘As Low as Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). The AG Chair discharges this responsibility by ensuring: 

Nuclear

  1. Suitable and sufficient Operating Instructions (AC 24) are in place for all Authorised Activities and that they are Authorised for use prior to commencement of the Activity e.g., NSAG Procedures, NSAG Instructions and HP Logics. (NUC 5.4, 6.1 and 1.2).
  2. Appropriate oversight and supervision are imparted on activities important to the delivery and implementation of such that Nuclear and Explosive Safety (AC26) is not compromised. (NUC 5.4, 6.1, 1.1 and 1.2,).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

Job description

On Behalf of the HMNB Clyde Faslane Site Operator (SFS) and Assistant Head Docking Capability the AG Chair is responsible for ensuring the Authorisee of the safe introduction of new systems, structures and components such as the effect on ‘Day to Day’ control of NP, NW, and WiH Authorised Activities and that the Risk from the Activities is manged such that it is reduced ‘As Low as Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). The AG Chair discharges this responsibility by ensuring:  

Suitable and sufficient Operating Instructions (OIs) (AC 24) are in place for all Authorised Activities and that they are Authorised for use prior to commencement of the Activity e.g., NSAG Procedures, NSAG Instructions and HP Logics. (NUC 5.4, 6.1 and 1.2) Ensuring:

  1. That the Production, Maintenance and Development of the OIs is consistent with Authorisee’s Policies and Standards and Relevant Good Practice (RGP) in the wider Nuclear Enterprise (ONR/DNSR Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs), Technical Inspection Guides (TIGs), Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs) and NRPA Level 4 Methodologies etc).
  2. That the OIs fully address the Safety Case and Design Intent Requirements with identification/highlight of those aspects critical to maintaining the CSFs i.e., AC23 Operating Rules/Operating Constraints and AC27 Engineered/Administrative Safeguards.
  3. The OIs are consistent with industry good practice and legislative requirements e.g., LOLER, PUWER, RIDDOR, COSHH, Confined Space Regulations etc.
  4. The OIs are cognitive to the end user (operator) this being achieved by demonstration and understanding and where appropriate formal training.
  5. The OIs are appropriately verified and validated by appropriate SME and Operators this including where appropriate ‘slow run through’ of the scoped activity.
  6. The OIs are formally reviewed at the Nuclear Site Authorisation Group (NSAG) and authorised for use.
  7. The OIs are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain consistent with the Safety Case and Design Intent Requirements and RGP with appropriate capture of LFE.

 Appropriate oversight and supervision are imparted on activities important to the delivery and maintenance of Nuclear and Explosive Safety (AC26). (NUC 5.4, 6.1, 1.1 and 1.2) Ensuring: 

  1. That all activities are appropriately permissioned prior to commencement with appropriate SMAs, and control is in place e.g., Hold Point Control, Nuclear Safety Clearance (NSCF, C12), Activity Logics etc.
  2. That High Hazard Activities (i.e., those that can directly lead to a loss of CSFs) e.g., Fault recovery on Class 1 and Class 2; ensure direct control is imparted with a duly authorised co-ordinator appointed in accordance with AC26 (This includes not limited to DAPs).
  3. Directly impart oversight, supervision, and control on the following activities:
    • C* embarkation
    • Fault Recovery on Class 1 and Class 2 SSC (High Hazard).
    • As PAG Chair Docking of LUSMs at Rosyth
    • As Chair for Shiplift Docking of NPW including dockings with NW and TWS embarked (High Hazard)

The formal appointment of Nuclear Procedure Coordinators (NPCs) and appropriate oversight of their maintenance of qualification.

That Nuclear / Explosive safety is maintained when Site Activities not scoped by the safety case & design intent arise.

There is appropriate oversight and supervision on Factory Acceptance Tests and installation tests this including but not limited to the testing of AC27 Safety Systems (timings etc) ensuring all results are retained i.a.w. AC25.

 That all commissioning activities demonstrates compliance with the safety case and design intent requirements as detailed in the Safety Commissioning Schedule and the programme logic (AC 21) (NUC 5.4, 1.1 and 1.2).

Person specification

The AG Ch will be able to demonstrate previous experience in operational delivery in a high hazard driven environment.  This should include operational experience of management of nuclear facilities in support of Pressurised Water Reactors.

The AG Ch must have strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and a proven history of delivering high quality outcomes to time and cost.


Qualifications

HNC in relevant Engineering Discipline or suitable equivalent

Behaviours

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

  • Changing and Improving
  • Leadership
  • Seeing the Big Picture

Technical skills

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

  • Nuc1.1 - Nuclear Safety & Security Culture
  • Nuc 1.2 Nuclear Safety Management Systems
  • Nuc5.4 Nuclear Infrastructure Procurement, Supervision of Manufacturing and Acceptance
  • Nuc 6.1 Nuclear Reactor Plant and Supporting Infrastructure Maintenance
Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,480 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
  • Alongside your salary of £43,080, Ministry of Defence contributes £11,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

    As a Civil Servant, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.

    This job role is suitable for hybrid working, which is an informal, non-contractual and voluntary arrangement, based on a business assessment of where the work is best done, blending a balance of attendance in the workplace (HMNB Clyde), and working from home as a personal choice. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.

    This post is on the MOD Civilian Nuclear Post Control List (PCL) and may attract the Nuclear Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA). This is a discretionary allowance. The post being listed on the PCL does not mean that the post holder will have an automatic entitlement to receive the RRA. The NSQEP RRA is not a contractual allowance and can be amended or withdrawn without notice in line with MOD Main and Submarine Delivery Agency policy.

    Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. Other benefits for Navy Command Civil Servants include:

    • Learning and development tailored to your role
    • An environment with flexible working options
    • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
    • Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
    • 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
    • Access to a confidential, professional support service
    • Discount schemes
    • Bicycle / season ticket loans
    • Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
    • Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
    • On-site Facilities (gymnasium, Ski Club, recreational shopping mall, café, messing facilities etc)
    • Free Car Parking
    • Assisted Travel Scheme
    • Payment of membership fees for 2 Professional Institutes  

    Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

    To hear from a range of Engineers on their positive career experiences in the Ministry of Defence, and how we champion all forms of diversity in our community please follow the link –https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi?SID=c2VhcmNoc29ydD1nZW9kaXN0YW5jZSZwYWdlY2xhc3M9Sm9icyZ1c2Vyc2VhcmNoY29udGV4dD05MTcyOTIyMCZwYWdlYWN0aW9uPXZpZXd2YWNieWpvYmxpc3Qmb3duZXJ0eXBlPWZhaXImb3duZXI9NTA3MDAwMCZzZWFyY2hwYWdlPTEmam9ibGlzdF92aWV3X3ZhYz0xOTE4MjU4JnJlcXNpZz0xNzIzNTMwOTcyLWFmMjFiMzZiZWFkYmVlMjEwNjdlZTcwZjBlNWIxNmZlYzQzZDk4ZDU=

    VAdm Paul Marshall CBE (Defence Head of Profession Engineering) in discussion with Dr Bethany Hickton regarding perceptions of Defence Engineers.

    Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working.  This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this 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 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.

    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 Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Selection process details

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

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

We are keen to hear from engineers with and without experience of working within the nuclear industry.

At sift , you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:

  • Leadership
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Changing and Improving
  • CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.
  • Personal statement of suitability. (Word count: 500)

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours/Technical Skills:

  • Leadership
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Changing and Improving
  • NC 1.1 Nuclear Safety & Security Culture
  • NC 1.2 Nuclear Safety Management Systems
  • NC5.4 Nuclear Infrastructure Procurement, Supervision of Manufacturing and Acceptance
  • NC 6.1 Nuclear Reactor Plant and Supporting Infrastructure Maintenance

Further information on Success Profiles – Civil Service Behaviours can be found in the link (Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Further information on Nuclear Competences can be found in the link

Nuclear Competence Framework.pdf (sharepoint.com)

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 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.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and 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.



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 the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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 : Roddy Oliver
  • Email : Roddy.Oliver658@mod.gov.uk
  • Telephone : 03001638343

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.

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