At a Glance
- Tasks: Support recruitment for the UK Armed Forces by managing sensitive vetting cases and training team members.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential services across multiple sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a 6% pension, discounts, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team where personal growth and innovation are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in vetting or security administration with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38141 - 46617 £ per year.
Here at Serco, we're looking for an AFRS Vetting Specialist to join our team supporting the recruitment of candidates into the UK Armed Forces.
This is a technical and coordination role where you'll act as the first point of escalation for complex, sensitive or non-standard vetting cases, while maintaining expert knowledge of AFRS vetting requirements across the team.
You'll carry out quality assurance, coach and train Vetting Administrators, and deputise for the Team Manager during periods of absence.
Working as part of the AFRS Vetting Team, you'll play a key role in raising standards and capability across the team, while handling sensitive personal and security-related information with the highest levels of care and confidentiality.
This role is dedicated to vetting activity and does not include onboarding responsibilities.
As part of this you'll
- Act as the first point of escalation for complex, sensitive or non-standard vetting cases, resolving issues within delegated authority and escalating matters that require management, policy or security direction.
- Maintain expert, train-others-level knowledge of AFRS vetting processes, including BPSS, UKSV, identity, Right to Work, criminality, employment-history and gap verification checks.
- Undertake second checks, quality-control reviews and case audits, providing timely, constructive feedback and identifying recurring errors, risks or control weaknesses.
- Design, deliver and maintain training, coaching plans and refresher sessions for Vetting Administrators, supporting induction, accreditation and competency assessment.
- Coordinate work queues, priorities and resource deployment day to day, monitoring workflow and raising capacity or performance risks to the Team Manager.
- Produce, validate and explain operational MI, supporting reporting against service levels and recruitment priorities.
- Deputise for the AFRS Vetting Team Manager during periods of absence, maintaining operational oversight and acting as the point of contact for routine team matters, within delegated authority.
- Support implementation of policy, system and process changes, and contribute to continuous-improvement activity that strengthens compliance and candidate experience.
- Handle escalated candidate or stakeholder enquiries, ensuring responses are timely, professional and appropriately documented.
- Maintain audit-ready records and escalated suspected policy breaches, security concerns or data incidents immediately through the appropriate route.,
Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work will directly support the recruitment of people joining the UK Armed Forces.
You'll be part of a team delivering an essential service where accuracy, security and timely decision-making really matter.
You’ll gain a world of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across five vital sectors.
Personal growth, achievement and development won’t be hard to find.
You’ll also work with great people in a supportive environment where no two days are the same.
What we offer
- Flexible working considered
- Pension - 6%
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations.
These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
Substantial practical experience of vetting, pre-employment screening, security administration or a closely related regulated service, with advanced knowledge of the checks required.
Detailed working knowledge of BPSS and UKSV processes, with a strong understanding of identity, criminality, employment-history and Right to Work verification requirements.
Proven ability to interpret procedures, assess evidence, resolve complex cases and make sound recommendations within defined authority.
Experience of quality checking, audit activity or assurance controls, with the ability to identify root causes and deliver corrective feedback.
Effective coaching, training and facilitation skills, including the ability to explain complex requirements clearly and assess understanding.
Strong reporting and analytical skills, with confident use of Microsoft Excel and the ability to produce and explain operational MI.
Highly organised, with the ability to coordinate workflow, prioritise competing demands and remain composed when managing escalations or service pressures.
Clear and credible communicator, able to build effective working relationships with candidates, colleagues, managers, partners and specialist stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team, building positive working relationships and contributing to shared objectives.
Desirable
- Experience of acting as a deputy, senior administrator, technical specialist or coordinator within an operational team.
- Experience of conducting one-to-one meetings, return-to-work discussions, team briefings or routine absence-management activity under delegated authority.
- Experience of Access Screening, PEGA, UKSV portals, Konfir or Rapid Employment Verification, shared mailboxes and operational reporting tools.
- Experience of process improvement, change implementation, complaint investigation or creation of controlled process documentation.
AFRS Vetting Specialist Hybrid - Solihull, B91 3QJ (Office based initially) Salary: £27-29k DOE Full Time, Permanent Band 6
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AFRS Vetting Specialist employer: Serco Group Plc
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Mechanical Maintenance Engineer at HMP Dovegate, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave, and access to over 1,100 internal courses, ensuring you have the tools to thrive in your role while making a meaningful impact in a secure environment. Join us in creating a stable and rehabilitative setting where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AFRS Vetting Specialist
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We think you need these skills to ace AFRS Vetting Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Serco Group Plc. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Serco Group Plc and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Serco Group Plc. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Serco Group Plc's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group Plc
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Serco Group Plc.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Serco Group Plc will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Serco Group Plc and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.