Specialist Recruitment
The Government Communication Network
Government Communication Network (GCN) brings together all the communication professionals working in UK government departments and agencies. They include specialists in media relations, strategic marketing, electronic, internal and stakeholder communication, as well as writers, editors and designers. A number of posts are periodically available in the MOD.
GCN was set up in January 2005 to replace the former Government Information and Communication Service (GICS), in line with the recommendations of the Phillis Review. It helps communicators across government develop their careers and promotes the wide range of skills needed for modern, professional and integrated government communication.
DSTL
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is part of the MOD. Our purpose is to maximise the impact of science and technology (S&T) for the defence and security of the UK. We are a trading fund run on commercial lines.
Dstl provides the Government with a wide programme of scientific and technical support based on deep and widespread research, supporting UK military operations now and in the future. This is delivered from internal and external resources. Dstl works externally with the best people with the best ideas around the world – from very small companies to world-class universities and defence companies - and internally in niche areas which are sensitive, operationally critical or international in nature and must therefore be done within Government.
Dstl is responsible for the planning, formulation and delivery of the overall S&T requirement for UK defence and security as directed by the MOD's Research and Development Board.
Civilian Medical Careers in the MOD
The Ministry of Defence employs around 180 civilian doctors who undertake a wide variety of interesting and challenging roles within the department. Our posts are mainly based in the United Kingdom although some of our doctors enjoy posts supporting the Armed Forces in locations such as Germany and Cyprus. For information on careers as a doctor in the Armed Forces please see the Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy pages (links available on the right hand side).
Civilian Doctors working within the MOD can expect an excellent benefits package covering full support (including financial) for Continuous Professional Development and financial allowances for any on call or supervisory/training role. Other benefits include generous annual leave entitlement, season ticket loans, choice of defined benefit or stakeholder pension, CPD support including financial and leave and free access to sporting/mess facilities.
All our medical posts are advertised on-line on the Vacancies page and in the British Medical Journal. Please see below for an explanation of the different job types. For further information, please use the contact details given on the job advert you are interested in.
However, outlined here is only a small proportion of the wide range of medical professions that we have jobs for. Other fields such as Nursing, Physiotherapy and Dentistry are well represented in the MOD, and are advertised as above.
Civilian Medical Practitioner
The majority of jobs (around 140) are for Civilian Medical Practitioners who carry out duties akin to those of a General Practitioner in the NHS. They provide primary care for Service personnel and, mainly in Germany, for dependent families and Civil Servants supporting the Armed Forces.
You could expect to work in any location where there is a significant service population. This could be an Army Base, an RAF Station or a Dockyard. There are a number of posts in Germany and occasionally posts become available in Cyprus and Nepal. As well as providing primary health care services you could be involved in more specialised areas such as aviation medicine or occupational health.
Qualification Requirements
Full GMC registration Certificate of Prescribed/Equivalent Experience from JCTGP Current certificate of Hepatitis B immunity These and any other requirements will be included in advertisements.
Medical Officer
Most jobs involve Medico Legal activity or the provision of specialist medical advice within certain fields, e.g. Hyperbaric (Diving), Radiation, Aviation and Medical Screening coordination. These jobs will not normally involve clinical contact.
You could expect to work in any location where there is a significant service population. Posts overseeing the medical screening process for entry to the Armed Forces will be located at regional Recruitment Selection Centres.
Qualification Requirements
Full GMC registration Entrants may have trained and practised initially in any of the disciplines in the hospital service, public health medicine, general medical practice or occupational health. A registrable higher specialist qualification and experience may be required. Current certificate of Hepatitis B immunity (only if clinical contact required) These and any other requirements will be included in advertisements.
Civilian Consultant
The Ministry of Defence employs around 25 Civilian Consultants in various locations in the UK and abroad, including Germany and Cyprus. Although numbers are relatively small, the MOD employs Consultants in a range of specialisations including Consultant Psychiatrists, Consultant Physicians, Consultant Paediatricians, Consultant Anaesthetists, and Consultants in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation.
Civilian Consultants are employed on terms and conditions of service which are analogue to the NHS. Jobs are approved by the respective Royal College before advertising, with a member of the appropriate College sitting on the selection board.
Qualification Requirements
Applicants for Civilian Consultant posts should be fully registered with the General Medical Council and be on the Specialist Register. Certificates to confirm Hepatitis B immunity and any other requirements will be included in specific job advertisements. Those posts which involve dealing with children and vulnerable adults will require CRB clearance.
Other benefits
Those jobs based abroad also attract a tax free cost of living allowance for those applicants who are domiciled in the UK. Free accommodation is also available for up to 5 years. Choice of the NHS Pension Scheme or stake holder pension.