Royal Air Force - Equality and Diversity

from PinkPaper.com: http://jobs.pinkpaper.com/ArticlePage.aspx?fid=69

Attention! - By Haydn Price

This issue we’re focussing on careers in uniforms. Haydn Price checks out some of Britain’s main uniformed services and what it takes to have a career in them.

Royal Air Force

Around 3,000 Royal Air Force servicemen and women are currently deployed on operations around the world, from those involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts to those stationed on the front line in theatres of combat.

Over the last few years, the RAF has also played a crucial role in underpinning security in the Falkland Islands, protecting the airspace over the UK, providing a search and rescue service, delivering vital relief aid after the earthquake in Pakistan and, most recently, contributing to the flood relief efforts in Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.

The RAF has jobs for people who don’t have any formal qualifications and others that need you to have certain specialist skills.

If you join as an airman, airwoman or non-commissioned aircrew, there are opportunities to progress into management roles, or even to go for your commission and become an RAF Officer.

As an RAF Officer, some early promotions might be based on your experience, however, in time promotion will be based on merit alone.

There are over 50 career opportunities within the RAF and current vacancies include a variety of roles, from air steward to ICT specialists.

The RAF recruits men and women from all backgrounds to fulfil a variety of jobs. You are expected to have a good level of fitness, for your own well-being and so that you can carry out your work effectively, whatever your job.

Every application is treated in its own merits but candidates will be required to give details of any civilian convictions you may have which are considered unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 before any application to join the RAF can be considered.

On equality issues Squadron Leader Mark Abrahams MBE says the RAF’s attitude towards LGBT matters has changed immensely over the last five to six years.

He explains: “People are judged and valued on their ability to do their job and the contribution they make to the team effort – ultimately, when they can be themselves, people produce their best.”

The RAF is a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions Programme and has robust equality and diversity policies and procedures in place.

The RAF became a member of Stonewall in 2006 and participated in the 2008 Workplace Equality Index.

The RAF’s LGBT forum meets on a fairly regular basis at Air Headquarters and has direct access to policy staffs.

The force values every individual’s unique contribution irrespective of race, ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or social background.

The fliers say their service offers a life of adventure, travel and sport coupled with top-class training, competitive pay (including non-contributory pension), free medical and dental care, and six weeks holiday per annum. The social scene is great too; mixing with like-minded people means that you are guaranteed to make friends for life.

Anyone interested in a career in the RAF can speak to a special adviser on 0845 605 5555 or visit www.rafcareers.com.