Navy Command – Authorisation Group Chair

His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (HMNB Clyde) is home to the United Kingdom’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, Astute Class Attack Submarines, Mine Hunting Capability and 43 Cdo Royal Marines. It is an operational support and maintenance base, within the Navy Command TLB and comprises both Faslane and Coulport sites. HMNB Clyde’s primary purpose is to provide engineering and logistical support to the Royal Navy in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD). This is achieved by ensuring at least one Vanguard Class submarine is on patrol at sea every day of the year.        

RNAD Coulport is responsible for the storage, processing, maintenance and issue of the Trident Weapon System and the ammunitioning of all submarine-embarked tactical weapons.

The purpose of the Authorisation Group Chair (AG Ch) is, on behalf of the HMNB (HM Naval Base) Clyde Faslane Site Operator (Superintendent Faslane Site (SFS)) and the appropriate Assistant Head Capability, to be responsible to the Authorisee for the safe introduction of new systems, structures and components such as the effect on ‘Day to Day’ control of NP, NW and WiH Authorised Activities and that the Risk from the Activities is managed such that it is reduced ‘ As Low as Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). The AG Chair discharges this responsibility by ensuring:

Nuclear

1. Suitable and sufficient Operating Instructions (AC 24) are in place for all Authorised Activites and that they are Authorised for use prior to commencement of the Activity e.g. AG Procedures, AG Instructions and HP Logics. (NUC 6.1 and 1.2).
2.  Appropriate oversight and supervision are imparted on activities important to the delivery and implementation of such that Nuclear and Explosive Safety (AC26) is not compromised. (NUC 6.1, 1.1 and 1.2,).

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week

On Behalf of the HMNB Clyde Faslane Site Operator (SFS) and appropriate Assistant Head Capability the AG Chair is responsible for ensuring the Authorisee of the safe introduction of new systems, structures and components such as the effect on ‘Day to Day’ control of NP, NW, and WiH Authorised Activities and that the Risk from the Activities is manged such that it is reduced ‘As Low as Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). The AG Chair discharges this responsibility by ensuring:  

A. Suitable and sufficient Operating Instructions (AC 24) are in place for all Authorised Activites and that they are Authorised for use prior to commencement of the Activity e.g., AG Procedures, AG Instructions and HP Logics. (NUC 6.1 and 1.2) Ensuring:

1. That the Production, Maintenance and Development of the OIs is consistent with Authorisee’s Policies and Standards and Relevant Good Practice (RGP) in the wider Nuclear Enterprise (ONR/DNSR Technical Assessment Guides (TAGs), Technical Inspection Guides (TIGs), Safety Assessment Principles (SAPs) and NRPA Level 4 Methodologies etc.
2. That the OIs fully address the Safety Case and Design Intent Requirements with identification/highlight of those aspects critical to maintaining the CSFs i.e., AC23 Operating Rules/Operating Constraints and AC27 Engineered/Administrative Safeguards.
3. The OIs are consistent with industry good practice and legislative requirements e.g., LOLER, PUWER, RIDDOR, COSHH, Confined Space Regulations etc.
4. The OIs are cognitive to the end user (operator) this being achieved by demonstration and understanding and where appropriate formal training.
5. The OIs are appropriately verified and validated by appropriate SME and Operators this including where appropriate ‘slow run through’ of the scoped activity.
6. The OIs are formally reviewed at the Nuclear Services Authorisation Group (NSAG) and authorised for use.
7. The OIs are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain consistent with the Safety Case and Design Intent Requirements and RGP with appropriate capture of LFE.

B Appropriate oversight and supervision are imparted on activities important to the delivery and maintenance of Nuclear and Explosive Safety (AC26). (NUC 6.1, 1.1 and 1.2) Ensuring:

1. That all activities are appropriately permissioned prior to commencement with appropriate SMAs, and control is in place e.g., Hold Point Control, Nuclear Safety Clearance (NSCF, C12), Activity Logics etc.

2. That High Hazard Activities (i.e., those that can directly lead to a loss of CSFs) e.g., Fault recovery on Class 1 and Class 2; ensure direct control is imparted with a duly authorised co-ordinator appointed in accordance with AC26.

     3. Directly impart oversight, supervision, and control on the following activities:

            C* Embarkation (High Hazard)

            Fault Recovery on Class 1 and Class 2 SSC (High Hazard)

            As relief PAG Chair Docking of LUSMs at Rosyth

            As relief Chair for Shiplift Docking of NPW including dockings with NW and  TWS                      embarked (High Hazard)

      4.  The formal appointment of Nuclear Procedure Co-ordinators (NPCs) and appropriate               oversight of their maintenance of qualification.

C. That Nuclear / Explosive safety is maintained when Site Activities not scoped by the safety case & design intent arise.

D. That all commissioning activities demonstrates compliance with the safety case and design intent requirements as detailed in the Safety Commissioning Schedule and the programme logic (AC 21) (NUC 1.1 and 1.2).

The AG Ch will be able to demonstrate previous experience in operational delivery in a nuclear safety driven environment. This should include operational experience of management of nuclear facilities in support of Pressurised Water Reactors.

The AG Ch must have strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision and a proven history of delivering high quality outcomes to time and cost.

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

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Changing and Improving

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

  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.  

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Job contact :

• Name : Peter McCluskey
• Email : peter.mccluskey887@mod.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.uk