Principal Inspector of Air Accidents

Job summary

We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Are you looking for a role where you can improve flight safety and make a difference to lives?

Can you lead and give direction to a team with your knowledge and experience in the Aviation industry?

Do you have an altruistic sense?

If so, we'd love to hear from you

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to move into the next step in their career in aviation industry and has the passion to not only make a difference but make a real improvement in future aviation safety.

Job description

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is part of the Department for Transport. The AAIB’s purpose is to improve aviation safety by determining the circumstances and causes of air accidents and serious incidents and promoting action to prevent reoccurrence. We investigate accidents and serious incidents to civil aircraft in the UK (including UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) and overseas where there is a UK interest.

Principal Inspectors of Air Accidents (Operations) are primarily responsible to the Chief and Deputy Chief Inspectors of Air Accidents for the organisation, conduct and control of investigations into accidents and serious incidents under ICAO Annex 13, and UK legislation.

As part of the management team of the AAIB, the Principal Inspector (Operations) has line management responsibilities for several Inspectors and Senior Inspectors of Air Accidents (Operations) and possibly other staff. Using proven leadership skills develop and nurture Inspectors and support staff, and continually identify areas for improvement to be effective in the delivery of investigations in a timely and quality manner. The role will support the management of the day to day operation of the branch including budget management, procurement, contractual approvals, recruitment and supporting overall governance activities including compliance with data protection, employment law and other regulations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams of Inspectors of Air Accidents and support staff as the Investigator in Charge. The teams may include international investigators, manufacturers, operators, designers and specialists.
• Act as a Duty Coordinator, on a rostered basis, be immediately contactable to make decisions on the AAIB’s response to occurrence notifications. Whilst on roster during working hours it is required that the DCO be in the office at Aldershot.
• Line manage Inspectors of Air Accidents (Operations) and other staff as necessary, which will include regularly providing feedback on performance, assessment against competency requirements and ensuring their continued personal development. As the managed inspectors will be commercial pilots, this will require an understanding gained from similar experience as a commercial pilot. You will also be responsible for the wellbeing of your team and provide support where needed.
• Lead as a resource manager, along with the other Principal Inspectors, ensure the availability of Inspectors of Air Accidents to be available to deploy to and effectively carry out investigations of air accidents and serious incidents. Also, to effectively manage the workload of the Inspectors.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.

Contact point for applicants

Eileen Collins,
Recruitment team,