Ministry of Defence – Royal Navy
Head of Human Factors, Royal Navy
Job Location
Gosport, United Kingdom
Job Description
Contents
Location
Gosport, South East England, PO12 2DL
About the job
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small multi-disciplinary team of Human Factors (HF) professionals (Ergonomists and Psychologists). The HF Group (HFG) at the INM provides the Royal Navy (RN) and wider Ministry of Defence (MOD) with applied research and evidence-based consultancy in ergonomics and psychology. Recent core HF outputs include subject matter expertise support to accident inquiries and investigations, occupational stress management, fatigue risk management, ergonomic assessments of maritime equipment, platforms and land vehicles and maritime platform accommodation habitability advice. The successful candidate will manage the staff and resources of the HFG and support the integration of HF principles within the RN and MOD.
At the Institute of Naval Medicine, we offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, volleyball court, medicinal garden, plenty of car parking spaces, a canteen with indoor and outdoor seating, and two mess facilities (areas for military and civilian personnel to socialise and eat). The Institute is in the seaside settlement of Alverstoke, a short walk from award-winning Georgian era gardens and a shingle beach with views of the Isle of Wight. There are nature reserves nearby and the cities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester can be reached within 30 to 45 minutes by car.
As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.
Subscription fees for membership of approved professional bodies are paid by the Department.
Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work-life balance. In Navy Command 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. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
The primary purpose of the role is to provide a Human Factors service within the Royal Navy (RN) and wider Ministry of Defence (MOD) giving advice and undertaking high quality research where necessary, to optimise the functioning of new and existing RN systems.
The post holder will be expected to field queries and provide HF subject matter advice to RN and MOD customers, with the support of the wider HFG for specialist areas of expertise. The post holder will support the members of the HFG in determining the requirement for new work to be undertaken in response to queries, within INMs current tasking process.
The post holder will be required to provide HF expertise to accident investigations, depending on the nature of the accident, the level of support required and capability and capacity to assist. Formal training will be provided to the job holder in accident investigation through the Health and Safety Executive.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the management of scientific and technical aspects of the HFG. Critical scrutiny and technical assurance of reports and other outputs from the HFG will be expected of the post holder.
Experience of line management of a multi-disciplinary team or multi-person research project is desirable for this post. However, the post may also be suitable for individuals looking to gain expertise in this area.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake line management responsibility for 2 HSO (C2 grade) post holders and 1 EO (D Grade) post as well as Countersigning Officer (CSO) responsibilities for 2 D grade posts (all job holders are either Ergonomists or Psychologists).
The post holder will be expected to attend weekly divisional meetings to ensure the Head of Division and other Heads of Groups are appraised of the progress of work undertaken by the HF Group. The successful candidate will also chair weekly meetings of the HF Group to track progress and discuss standing agenda items.
Depending on the needs of the task, the post holder will at times work independently and at other times collaboratively with team members or colleagues in other departments. The post holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. The post requires occasional travel within the UK and sometimes overseas, each of which may include overnight stays on land and possibly at sea.
The Institute of Naval Medicine is the Naval Services Centre of Excellence, bringing together scientists and medical professionals to improve the health of the UK Armed Forces. The unique opportunities offered within are varied, challenging and exciting and support Navy Commands role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future.
In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver.
Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.
Navy Command provides an open, flexible, and inclusive work environment where civil servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in areas ranging from: finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications.
Person specification
We are seeking a competent Human Factors advisor who excels in engagement with stakeholders and can represent the Royal Navy and wider Defence to ensure the health, safety and efficiency of Defence personnel.
They will be expected to:
Manage the staff and resources of the Human Factors Group in an effective and efficient manner.
Field queries, develop new work, provide HF subject matter advice and develop a HF insight and approach to contribute to enhancing the health and safety and efficiency of Defence personnel.
Supervise and quality assure activities conducted and outputs produced by the Human Factors Group.
Engage with stakeholders, subject matter expertise support to working groups, interdepartmental liaison, external liaison with HF networks.
Support accident investigations by providing specialist ergonomics/Human factors expertise and advice.
Represent the MoD(N) on NATO groups and other working parties so that their aims are met effectively.
Since the role requires travel to other sites, sometimes out of working hours, a full driving licence is highly desirable.
Licences
Chartered membership of either the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Chartered Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics (CIEHF) is an expectation. We will accept candidates working towards this status, with documented evidence, but they must have at least three years of professional experience in their role.
Qualifications
A postgraduate qualification in either Ergonomics or Psychology is essential for this post.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
Benefits
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.
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 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.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign, each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group.
Behaviours:
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Experience:
Technical skills:
We'll assess you against the Government Science and Engineering Career Framework technical skills during the selection process:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-science-and-engineering-career-framework
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Apply scientific/technical knowledge (Level 3)
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Overseeing the technical work of others (Level 3)
At interview:
You will be asked to give a short presentation during the interview process . Details of requirements for this will be provided to candidates attending the interview at least one week in advance of the interview.
Candidates will be required to provide a CV including job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous relevant experiences and skills.
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.
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
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
Open to UK nationals only.
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).
Location: Gosport, GB
Posted Date: 9/22/2024
- Location
- About the job
- Benefits
- Things you need to know
- Apply and further information
Location
Gosport, South East England, PO12 2DL
About the job
Job summary
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a small multi-disciplinary team of Human Factors (HF) professionals (Ergonomists and Psychologists). The HF Group (HFG) at the INM provides the Royal Navy (RN) and wider Ministry of Defence (MOD) with applied research and evidence-based consultancy in ergonomics and psychology. Recent core HF outputs include subject matter expertise support to accident inquiries and investigations, occupational stress management, fatigue risk management, ergonomic assessments of maritime equipment, platforms and land vehicles and maritime platform accommodation habitability advice. The successful candidate will manage the staff and resources of the HFG and support the integration of HF principles within the RN and MOD.
At the Institute of Naval Medicine, we offer an impressive range of on-site facilities including a gymnasium, volleyball court, medicinal garden, plenty of car parking spaces, a canteen with indoor and outdoor seating, and two mess facilities (areas for military and civilian personnel to socialise and eat). The Institute is in the seaside settlement of Alverstoke, a short walk from award-winning Georgian era gardens and a shingle beach with views of the Isle of Wight. There are nature reserves nearby and the cities of Portsmouth, Southampton and Winchester can be reached within 30 to 45 minutes by car.
As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference.
Subscription fees for membership of approved professional bodies are paid by the Department.
Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work-life balance. In Navy Command 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. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.
This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job description
The primary purpose of the role is to provide a Human Factors service within the Royal Navy (RN) and wider Ministry of Defence (MOD) giving advice and undertaking high quality research where necessary, to optimise the functioning of new and existing RN systems.
The post holder will be expected to field queries and provide HF subject matter advice to RN and MOD customers, with the support of the wider HFG for specialist areas of expertise. The post holder will support the members of the HFG in determining the requirement for new work to be undertaken in response to queries, within INMs current tasking process.
The post holder will be required to provide HF expertise to accident investigations, depending on the nature of the accident, the level of support required and capability and capacity to assist. Formal training will be provided to the job holder in accident investigation through the Health and Safety Executive.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the management of scientific and technical aspects of the HFG. Critical scrutiny and technical assurance of reports and other outputs from the HFG will be expected of the post holder.
Experience of line management of a multi-disciplinary team or multi-person research project is desirable for this post. However, the post may also be suitable for individuals looking to gain expertise in this area.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake line management responsibility for 2 HSO (C2 grade) post holders and 1 EO (D Grade) post as well as Countersigning Officer (CSO) responsibilities for 2 D grade posts (all job holders are either Ergonomists or Psychologists).
The post holder will be expected to attend weekly divisional meetings to ensure the Head of Division and other Heads of Groups are appraised of the progress of work undertaken by the HF Group. The successful candidate will also chair weekly meetings of the HF Group to track progress and discuss standing agenda items.
Depending on the needs of the task, the post holder will at times work independently and at other times collaboratively with team members or colleagues in other departments. The post holder will be required to engage with customers and stakeholders at all levels, including senior military and civilian personnel. The post requires occasional travel within the UK and sometimes overseas, each of which may include overnight stays on land and possibly at sea.
The Institute of Naval Medicine is the Naval Services Centre of Excellence, bringing together scientists and medical professionals to improve the health of the UK Armed Forces. The unique opportunities offered within are varied, challenging and exciting and support Navy Commands role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future.
In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver.
Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.
Navy Command provides an open, flexible, and inclusive work environment where civil servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in areas ranging from: finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and managing contracts, to media and communications.
Person specification
We are seeking a competent Human Factors advisor who excels in engagement with stakeholders and can represent the Royal Navy and wider Defence to ensure the health, safety and efficiency of Defence personnel.
They will be expected to:
Manage the staff and resources of the Human Factors Group in an effective and efficient manner.
Field queries, develop new work, provide HF subject matter advice and develop a HF insight and approach to contribute to enhancing the health and safety and efficiency of Defence personnel.
Supervise and quality assure activities conducted and outputs produced by the Human Factors Group.
Engage with stakeholders, subject matter expertise support to working groups, interdepartmental liaison, external liaison with HF networks.
Support accident investigations by providing specialist ergonomics/Human factors expertise and advice.
Represent the MoD(N) on NATO groups and other working parties so that their aims are met effectively.
Since the role requires travel to other sites, sometimes out of working hours, a full driving licence is highly desirable.
Licences
Chartered membership of either the British Psychological Society (BPS) or the Chartered Institute of Human Factors and Ergonomics (CIEHF) is an expectation. We will accept candidates working towards this status, with documented evidence, but they must have at least three years of professional experience in their role.
Qualifications
A postgraduate qualification in either Ergonomics or Psychology is essential for this post.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Apply scientific/technical knowledge (Level 3)
- SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Overseeing the technical work of others (Level 3)
Benefits
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.
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- Access to a confidential, professional support service
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Discount schemes
- Bicycle / season ticket loans
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
- Personal & professional development, Learning and development tailored to your role
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 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.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign, each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.
We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group.
Behaviours:
We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Experience:
- Experience managing a multidisciplinary team or similar e.g. multi-disciplinary research projects.
Technical skills:
We'll assess you against the Government Science and Engineering Career Framework technical skills during the selection process:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-science-and-engineering-career-framework
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Apply scientific/technical knowledge (Level 3)
- Understands and can explain the strengths and weaknesses of analytical approaches
- Identifies what questions need to be asked rather than just answering questions that are presented
- Identifies future potential direction for programmes and long-term implications and issues
- Guides contractors and staff on appropriate methods for specific projects
- Identifies and chooses between different methodologies
- Identifies links from broader areas and new technologies
- Understands the context of their work within the organisations objectives
- Understands the limitations of their own knowledge and expertise
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING Overseeing the technical work of others (Level 3)
- Provides effective technical leadership
- Fosters openness to technical scrutiny
- Ensures that all of the technical work within their area of responsibility is subject to regular review and is personally effective in doing this
- Effective in providing recommendations if a piece of work/research needs to change direction or be terminated
- Effective in providing day to day guidance and supervision to more junior members of technical staff, or staff who are still learning on the job
- Fosters high professional standards in science and engineering, including mentoring of junior staff (whose expertise may be outside of their own area of expertise or discipline
At interview:
You will be asked to give a short presentation during the interview process . Details of requirements for this will be provided to candidates attending the interview at least one week in advance of the interview.
Candidates will be required to provide a CV including job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous relevant experiences and skills.
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.
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
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
Open to UK nationals only.
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).
Location: Gosport, GB
Posted Date: 9/22/2024
Contact Information
| Contact | Human Resources Ministry of Defence – Royal Navy |
|---|