On Recruitment:
What sort of jobs are available for civilian staff in the MOD?
You name it - we've probably got it in the Ministry of Defence. There are over 80 different types of job represented in the Department - scientists, engineers, librarians, linguists, accountants, lawyers, estate managers, firefighters, police officers - to name but a few.
How closely do civilians work with the Armed Forces? Often directly alongside the Armed Forces in integrated teams where the special skills and expertise of civilians complements that of their military colleagues.
Civilians work overseas as well - this can include working alongside the Services in peacekeeping and in military operations, serving on board supply ships, helping run our overseas bases or working in international organisations such as NATO.
What qualifications will I need to join?
It depends on the job and the level of entry. Any specific qualifications required will be set out in the job advertisement. We also use competence based assessment as part of the recruitment process. You can view the competence standards by using the link on the right hand side.
What is the MOD's policy on equal opportunities & disabilities?
The MOD is an equal opportunities employer aiming for the widest possible diversity in its workforce and drawing recruits from every part of the community. However, we particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority people, women and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented in the MOD. For further information on this subject, please visit MOD Equal Opportunities (link on the right hand side).
As a user of the Employment Services symbol "Positive About Disabled People" the Ministry of Defence demonstrates a positive attitude to employment of people with disabilities. In line with the commitments given under the scheme all disabled people who meet the minimum essential criteria for the advertised post can claim a guaranteed interview.
As part of the recruitment process, we need to satisfy ourselves about the health of the candidates who are considered for employment with regard to their fitness for work and entry to the full benefits of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.
We would like to reinforce the fact that in most areas disability is not a cause for rejection provided you are able to carry out your work satisfactorily, given any necessary specialist equipment or training.
It would be helpful if you could provide as much information about any disability as possible as, if successful, the information you have given will enable us to help you the best we can.
Can you provide work placements & sponsorship? Sponsorship opportunities and placements are available to a limited number of students studying an approved engineering or science degree at UK universities through the Defence Engineering & Science Group (DESG) Scheme. For more information visit the DESG website (link on the right hand side)
What is a mobility obligation?
The MOD is a very large organisation with offices throughout the country and commitments abroad. Due to this, and the obligation to retain the flexibility to respond to the unique demands of our work and resulting changes to our structure, we must occasionally ask staff to transfer to a different area.
This is reflected in the standard terms and conditions of employment. It is MOD policy that staff in Band D and above (roughly speaking all management grades) should be fully mobile, and as such must be available to transfer to any location in the UK or abroad.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, and we would like to stress that we strive to match needs of the individual to the department wherever it is possible. We are pleased to say that it is a rare occurrence that a solution cannot be found that is acceptable to all parties.
This rule does not apply to administrative grades (below Band D), skill zone industrial staff, part-timers and casual employees. We do, however, ask that these groups make themselves available to work within their 'travel to work area' - a maximum travel time from home of 1 hour outside London, and 1½ hours in London. Again we attempt wherever possible to be sensitive to the needs of the individual.
All employees may be required to undertake temporary duties away from their normal place of work.
How do I get a job with the Intelligence Agencies?
The Ministry of Defence receives many enquiries about careers with MI5 (the Security Service) and the SIS (the Secret Intelligence Service - often known as MI6). Neither MI5 nor the SIS is part of the MOD.
MI5 answers to the Home Secretary and provides information about the Service and job opportunities on their dedicated MI5 website. The SIS answers to the Foreign Secretary; more information and how to apply for a position can be found on their dedicated SIS website.
Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) is not part of the MOD either and their website is available (link on the right hand side).
The Defence Intelligence Staff (DIS) is, however, part of the MOD; more information about their role in MOD can be found on their organisation page (link on the right hand side).