Navy Command - Safety Design Committee Control Chair

Job summary

At Navy Command, we lead, support, and sustain the Royal Navy across every theatre of operations. We coordinate the people, platforms, and missions that keep the Fleet ready for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we uphold centuries of naval tradition while driving innovation that ensures the Royal Navy’s readiness to protect our nation and secure our future.

As the authority for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarine capability, the Submarine Directorate oversees one of the most complex and critical elements of UK defence. Covering everything from in‑service management to long‑term fleet modernisation, the directorate ensures the Submarine Flotilla remains safe, reliable, and ready to meet national security requirements.

You'll be based at HMNB Clyde, home to the UK Submarine Service. It sustains the nation’s continuous at-sea deterrent and supports the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. As a centre of excellence for submarine operations, Clyde plays a critical role in national security and global stability.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

Are you an experienced nuclear safety professional looking for an opportunity to influence some of the UK's most significant defence infrastructure programmes? HM Naval Base Clyde is home to the UK's Continuous At Sea Deterrent programme and supports critical Royal Navy operations. As the SDCC Chairperson, you will provide independent challenge, assurance and expert advice on nuclear safety design submissions.

As the SDCC Chairperson you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead independent reviews of nuclear design safety submissions.
• Provide assurance that nuclear risks are understood and appropriately managed.
• Challenge and influence the development of safety documentation.
• Chair Safety Design Control Committee meetings.
• Advise project teams on the adequacy of safety arguments and evidence.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of nuclear safety arrangements.

The SDCC Chairperson is integral in ensuring the functional output of the SDCC meets the requirements of DSA02-DNSR, AC13 compliance.

Person specification

• Experience within the UK Nuclear Enterprise or other highly regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of nuclear safety management and assurance.
• Experience reviewing or assessing Nuclear Design Safety submissions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Qualifications

•HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline.

Behaviours

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

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Technical skills

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

• Nuclear Competence Framework - Competence 1.2 - Nuclear Safety ManagementSystems (Level 2)
• Nuclear Competence Framework - Competence 1.5 - Nuclear Safety andNuclear Security Assurance and Regulation (Level 2)
• Nuclear Competence Framework - Competence 4.4 -Nuclear InfrastructureConcept, Assessment, Design, Modification and Life Extension Through Life (Level1)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of 28.97%
• Personal & professional development
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle / season-ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer (up to 6 days a year)
• Assisted Travel Scheme

In Navy Command we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you’ll be supported through your learning journey and your career. This can include working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role.

You’ll have access to a variety of qualifications pathways ranging from GCSE/A-Level equivalent all the way up to master’s degree, depending on your role, your previous skills and your experience. Some qualifications even include “on-the-job” training which means minimal disruption to your working day but maximum impact.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and working from home as part of a non-contractual hybrid working arrangement. All office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to site capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of office attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this and other flexible working arrangements may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

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.

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