Victory Squadron (VS) Leading Hand
Terms of Reference (TOR) provide a framework to assist in achieving objectives and clarifying accountability. Whilst approved TOR is a major contribution towards improved management, ultimately it is up to the individual leader to deliver effective and efficient outputs using leadership, professional ability, and management skills. Thus, TOR should not be prescriptive and post holders are expected to exercise initiative and be innovative, which may require operating outside their TOR. In these circumstances post holders are not to be constrained by their TOR in achieving success but must ensure that their line manager is kept informed.
The Victory Squadron Leading Hand (VSLH) will be an essential part of the Phase II Trainees Transition to Sea and may be assigned to work for a Professional Divisional Officer (PDO) who may also be their Line Manager (LM) and Divisional Officer (DO).
Purposes
Primary Purpose. To assist in the Transition to sea of Phase II Trainees within VS providing functional support through mentoring.
Secondary Purpose. To assist with Divisional care, administration, and organisation of VS trainees.
To assist in the Executive function in the smooth running of Victory Squadron.
Superiors
- VSLH is accountable to their respective PDO as detailed by the VS Warrant Officer.
- VSLH is under functional authority of the Training Officers.
Authority
VSLH is authorised:
- To report matters to VS Staff that may cause concern with regards to the Care and Welfare of any Phase II Trainee and indeed Staff.
- To liaise with VS OIC, Training Officers, PDO, Petty Officers, Leading Hands as required to achieve their primary and secondary purpose.
- In the absence of the PDO and with authorisation, may correspond directly with other Establishments and Ships in matters of Care and Welfare of Phase II Trainees only.
- In the absence of the PDO and with authorisation, may liaise with HMS COLLINGWOOD instructor and supporting organisations to achieve their Care and Welfare responsibilities for Phase II Trainees only.
- In the absence of the PDO and with authorisation to be the PDO initial Point of Contact for VS Phase II Trainees only in the absence of nominated PDO.
- May issue Remedial Training and Minor Administrative Action to rectify any shortfall.
- Will ensure that Phase II Trainees have the required Naval Core Training and competencies applied prior to graduation to achieving Gained Trained Strength.
Principal tasks
The principal tasks of the VSLH include but are not limited to the following:
- To act as an essential part of the new arrival’s education and induction into VS ensuring any work related and relationship matters are highlighted through the Chain of Command
- To conduct HMS COLLINGWOOD VS Duty Leading Hand duties, providing care and welfare of VS PH II trainees only. To maintain a presence within the VS Admin office, alongside members of HMS COLLINGWOOD duty watch, between the hours of 1600-0800 Monday-Thursday, 1200 Friday to 0800 the following Monday. Furthermore, to ensure maintenance of annual duty competency.
- To be a Divisional Leading Hand assisting the PDO with administration, Care, Welfare of Trainees and provide support to individuals who may be at risk.
- Prepare for the PDO, pre-joining administration for new joiners and maintain associated VS Spread Sheets.
- Prepare for the PDO, leaving administration for trainees who achieve Graduated Trained Strength, liaising with external authorities in the absence of the PDO. To organise HMNB Portsmouth visits.
- To assist when required with chaperoning additional visits as directed by the Command.
- Carry out Executive Daily Rounds conforming to the Daily Cleaning Chits of their nominated accommodation block (to include unoccupied mess decks) and manage defects, ensuring that Phase II Trainees are mentored through the process throughout.
- To be the first POC for matters which do not require the immediate attention of the PDO. This may include Remedial Training, Minor Administrative Action, trainee guidance with administration and Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) and trainee’s routine queries.
- To supervise and co-ordinate the submitting of weekend and training standdowns. They are to ensure that contact addresses and phone numbers are available and up to date on JPA prior to leave. Countries of interest should be highlighted to the command for appropriate approval.
- Conduct daily care and welfare assurance checks on Under 18 (U18) at the morning muster and independently as required.
- To conduct any other appropriate tasking as directed by the OiC, TO, VSWO or DO.
Accountability
- VSLHs are directly accountable to the VSWO and TOs.
- VSLHs are functionally responsible to the nominated VS PDO.
Other orders
Nothing in these TORs is to be construed to relieve the subject rating of the obligation to comply with BR3 or other orders issued by higher authority.
