Opportunity Review: Passes and Permit Clerk at RAF High Wycombe
This review offers a professional insight into the Passes and Permit Clerk position at Babcock's RAF High Wycombe location, aimed at helping prospective candidates evaluate its alignment with their career aspirations.
The Opportunity: A Vital Role in National Security
As a Passes and Permit Clerk, you will be instrumental in ensuring the secure and efficient operation of RAF High Wycombe. This role is more than just administrative; it's a key component in maintaining a safe and secure environment, supporting critical defence operations. You will be responsible for managing access control for personnel and vehicles, a task that requires diligence, accuracy, and a strong sense of responsibility. Working closely with RAF Police and the Military Provost Guard Service, you will foster essential relationships that contribute to the smooth functioning of the site.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Meaningful Contribution: Play a direct role in supporting national security and defence efforts, offering a sense of purpose and importance in your daily work.
- Structured Environment: The role operates within a well-defined framework, providing clarity on responsibilities and expectations.
- Skill Development: While specific qualifications aren't rigid, the role offers excellent opportunities to develop crucial skills in organisation, communication, analysis, and problem-solving.
- System Training: Comprehensive training will be provided on the SISYS access control system, equipping you with valuable technical skills.
- Career Progression Support: Babcock emphasizes a value-driven approach, welcoming candidates with the right attitude and willingness to learn, and offers excellent development opportunities.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: The compensation of £25,493 is enhanced by a robust benefits package, including:
- Generous holiday allowance and holiday trading options.
- Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance.
- Access to Aviva DigiCare+ for digital GP services, health checks, and nutritional advice.
- Employee share scheme and shopping savings portal.
- Payment of professional fees.
- Special paid leave for reservists in the armed forces.
- 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering.
- An employee assistance programme supporting overall wellbeing.
- Inclusive Culture: Babcock is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from all backgrounds and supporting reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities.
Key Considerations for Candidates:
- Security Clearance: A mandatory requirement for this role is the ability to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) / Security Check (SC) security clearance. Candidates should review UK government guidelines on security vetting to understand the eligibility criteria, which can be influenced by nationality, place of birth, and residency history.
- On-Site Presence: The role is full-time (37 hours per week) and is exclusively based at RAF High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Candidates must be comfortable with this fixed location.
- Team Environment: While the role offers a degree of autonomy, it's also described as thriving in small team environments, suggesting a need for strong interpersonal skills and collaborative spirit.
- Adaptability and Responsibility: The position demands a high degree of responsibility, adaptability, and self-motivation, particularly in handling sensitive access control procedures and potentially high-profile visits.
Career Path Guidance:
For individuals seeking a stable, secure role within a respected organisation that values its employees, the Passes and Permit Clerk position at Babcock presents a compelling opportunity. It's an excellent entry point into the defence sector, offering a chance to build foundational experience in security operations and administrative management. The emphasis on personal development and a comprehensive benefits package makes this a role that supports long-term career growth and overall wellbeing. If you are a highly organised, responsible, and customer-focused individual with an interest in national security, this role could be a significant step in your professional journey.