RNAD Coulport – Deputy NSAG Chairperson – Navy Command

The outstanding opportunities offered within Navy Command are multifaceted, meaningful and exciting and support our 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. Navy Command provides an open, flexible, supportive and encouraging work environment and Civil Servants and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of exciting and bold jobs in different subject areas, from finance; legal services; personnel and HR; project planning and handling contracts, to media and communications. Royal Naval Armaments Depot (Coulport) is the UK Strategic Weapons Facility. Its Primary Role is to process, store and issue the UK’s Strategic Deterrent to the Royal Navy. A department of HM Naval Base Clyde, It is a facility which frequently operates 24/7 throughout the year!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

The Deputy Nuclear Services Authorisation Group Chairperson will enable and support the primary chair within MOD Authority Intelligent Customer, overseeing day-to-day management of the NSAG administrative function, the onsite quality inspections and contractor interface.

The RNAD(C) NSAG is one of several authorisation groups within HMNB Clyde that are empowered to authorise procedures affecting the operation of Nuclear Safety Implicated (NSI) infrastructure equipment and services. The NSAG(C) authorises procedures for these services on the Coulport site and acts in concert with the other authorisation groups, namely, Shiplift Docking NSAG (DNSAG) for berthing procedures and the Procedural Authorisation Group (PAG) for submarine systems procedures.

Collectively, the authorisation groups offer a mechanism for the review and control of work on the site which ensures that authorised procedures reflect the requirements of the site operating rules, authorisation conditions and the nuclear safety justification.

As the Chairperson of this group you are expected to provide authorisation on behalf of the Duty Holder and assurance in return that the nuclear supporting estate presents as little risk as possible using the ALARP principle to people and interfacing equipment.

This post is the first line manager to the Deputy Chair, and will have access to dedicated administrative support, you will also indirectly lead a cadre of some 60 engineers providing the role of Nuclear Procedure Coordinators.

Knowledge or experience working in a Nuclear Steam Raising Plant (NSRP) Nuclear Weapon (NW) or Strategic Weapon System (SWS) area would be advantageous; with the ability to demonstrate the understanding of that environments needs and regulatory requirements and subject areas for Supporting, maintaining, processing, handling, and storage in a nuclear environment.

This role requires an engineering background; experience working within a nuclear authorised site or a similar high hazard, high consequence, low frequency environment in a permissioning role or similar, demonstrating all the attributes to work at pace with a focus on safety would be advantageous.

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

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service

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

• Nuc 1.2. Nuclear Safety/Nuclear Security Management Systems
• Nuc 6.2. Nuclear Weapon, Interfacing Equipment Maintenance and Supporting Infrastructure Maintenance

The Ministry of Defence offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work-life balance for employees. Alternative Working Patterns, in accordance with policy, can be considered where it can be accommodated by the business, but there may be occasions when a presence on site out of standard working hours classed as overtime may be required. All working patterns and flexibilities are subject to agreement with the Line Manager.

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

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:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• A very competitive pension scheme
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative & Hybrid working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season ticket loans
• Enhanced parental, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• Free Car Parking
• Assisted Travel Scheme

Coulport also offers an on site Civil Service gymnasium, onsite parking and a canteen for normal working hours.

This post offers First Appointment Expenses to new recruits to the Civil Service to assist with costs incurred as a result of relocation or move of home (HM Revenue and Customs restrictions apply). Reimbursement of expenses up to the value of £8,000 will apply only when a move of home is deemed to be vital.

The post does not offer relocation expenses to existing civil servants. 

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. 

Job contact :

• Name : Derek Waller
• Email : derek.waller726@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk