SO2 Parenting and Wellbeing

A vacancy has occurred for a Sqn Ldr (Any Branch) to serve as SO2 Wellbeing & Parenting Support at HQ Air, RAF High Wycombe, on Full-Time Reserve Service (Home Commitment) (FTRS(HC)) Terms and Conditions of Service (TCoS), with an initial proposed start date of 30 November 2026, or earlier/later subject to candidate status.

This hybrid working role offers predominately Remote Working opportunities with the incumbent required to undertake local station duties and attend meetings at HQ Air as and when required.

SO2 Parenting and Wellbeing Support will report to SO1 Wellbeing and Resilience within the D People Directorate, will have supervisory and leadership responsibilities in providing oversight and coordination across the stress management and parenting elements of the team and to act as the SO1’s deputy in helping to oversee delivery of the wider portfolio as required. This is a key appointment within the People & Families Support area of responsibility.

The incumbent will be responsible to:

• SO1 Wellbeing & Resilience for developing and implementing the Air policy and training relating to wellbeing and stress management within the workplace and operationally for the RAF Whole Force
• Assisting the development of and implementing Defence policies that contribute to the RAF Whole Force well-being.
• Assisting the development of and implementing Defence policies that contribute and support RAF Serving Parents.
• Coordinating on non-clinical gender health and well-being issues such as breastfeeding, menstruation, menopause, men’s health.
• Deputising for SO1 Wellbeing and Resilience during periods of absence.

The specifics responsibilities are as follows:

Wellbeing & Stress Management Support

a. Support SO1 Wellbeing and Resilience to Primarily in formulating, developing, implementing and reviewing policies relating to Stress Management (non-operational and operational). Mental wellbeing and suicide prevention to reflect changing RAF Whole Force and tri-Service requirements.

b. Represent the RAF in the development, implementation and promotion of Defence well-being policies, including workplace wellbeing specific to women’s and men’s health, coordinating closely with well-being, health and related staffs in the Defence People area and sister Services.

c. Spearhead the strategy direction and governance for all Stn Health and Wellbeing Committees ensure that RAF well-being policy is implemented effectively, ensuring alignment with the RAF Strategy, the RAF Health & Wellbeing Strategy and RAF Health Report, the Occupational Well-being Survey and their supporting Action Plans.

d. Work alongside the RAF SMART in partnering with national / Defence organisations and sustain links with the Military Charities and other Third Sector organisations, advocating our recognised well-being and stress management training courses, promotion of good Parenting Support practice and initiatives offered through these organisations to the RAF Whole Force

e. Represent the RAF at events and meetings aligned with RAF Wellbeing Gender activity, including the RAF Health and Wellbeing Working Group, Defence Health and Wellbeing Comms Working Gp and Women’s Health Advisory Group (WHAG).

f. Oversee the development of internal and external communications for RAF Health and Wellbeing initiatives in line with the RAF Health and Wellbeing Strategy, its supporting Health report and in advocacy and promoting current national public health campaigns.

g. Support SO1 Wellbeing & Resilience in providing strategic direction and recognised and endorsed training on Suicide Prevention support across the RAF.

Serving Parenting Support

h. Support FS Parenting and Wellbeing in the management of SP going through their parenting processes, supporting their SME oversight, their promotion of Parenting Support policy and continuous improvement.

i. Developing Parenting Support training to prepare individuals and Line Managers for the challenges and responsibilities in this area (emotionally, physically and at work). Link in with the SO1 Wellbeing TRA and SMARTT (Trg Delivery Agents (TDA)), including Aviators Command School, Intermediate Officer Development and Future Commanders Study Period and Air Media & Comms, as required.