The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. 

The Army Adventurous Training Group is required to deliver Leadership and Resilience Training to the RN, Army and RAF.  

This is enabled through the following 10 activities:

• Sub Aqua Diving
• Off Shore Sailing
• Parachuting
• Paragliding
• Gliding
• Mountaineering
• Caving
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Skiing

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuring you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently - we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation.  However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

However, 100% onsite attendance is required for this position due to the in-person nature of the role. Occasional remote working at discretion of Line Manager.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

We are looking for a motivated and dynamic individual to join our team responsible for processing up to 8000 applications a year, allocating training places to service personnel. The Training Administration Officer is often the first contact for queries and provides a welcoming and helpful response to assisting applicants to find the right course and exercise to help them to prepare for training at the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre.  

Working alongside two other Training Administration Officers, this particular post specifically looks after exercise and expedition planning, movement booking and exercise attendance and will be trained to understand the other Training Administration Officers areas. The three Training Administration Officers work closely together as a critical team providing training administration.

The Training Administration Officer is key to the initial welcoming and positive response to all potential students. The role also provides critical checks on applications as part of the Safety Management System, collating course and exercise feedback, advising management of trends and issues, and reviewing processes to develop better customer support.

Key responsibilities for an Administration Officer include:

• Responding to queries advising on appropriate courses and exercises, attendance requirements and general sailing training enquiries.
• Process and prioritise applications through the Ministry of Defence Online Booking System.
• Checking and assisting applicants with form completion.
• Loading courses, managing arrivals and cancellations.
• Coordinating instructor, yacht availability, exercise locations and courses.
• Collating course reports, feedback and training data.

Suitable individuals will be provided with training to understand the operating systems and the Royal Yachting Association training scheme. All staff are encouraged to understand the Royal Yachting Association sailing training scheme by voluntary involvement in sailing training as part of induction training.

We provide up to two weeks a year for dedicated personal development, as well as regular staff training and development.

Essential skills required for a Training Admin Officer:

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Microsoft Excel, in order to collate, store and present data.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative with a flexible and proactive approach to work.
• Must have experience of working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment including the ability to work calmly to achieve deadlines.
• Must have high integrity and act with discretion to deal with confidential matters appropriately.
• Communicate confidently with a wide range of people, providing help and advice on enquiries.Must be well organised with good interpersonal and communication skills
• Evidence of collaborative work with a team.

Desirable skills: (these are not essential, but are nice to have)

• Evidence of recent professional development and willingness to develop further.
• Experience of working in a training environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of Adventurous Training

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

• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

The Army 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 Army civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• 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 and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• 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 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.

Job contact :

• Name : Tim Wood
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]