UK Ministry of Defence
HQ Armed Forces Recruiting - Senior Occupational Psychologist
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HQ Armed Forces Recruiting - Senior Occupational Psychologist
Senior Psychologist – Armed Forces Recruiting Services (AFRS)
Location
Bristol, Abbey Wood (North), BS34 8JH
Job Summary
Do you want to shape the future of Armed Forces recruitment?
Headquarters Armed Forces Recruiting (HQ AFR) delivers integrated tri-service recruitment—transforming how the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force attract, assess, and retain personnel. You’ll be part of a groundbreaking transition, shaping AFRS recruitment up to 2027 and beyond, under the Team Serco contract.
This role offers:
- A highly collaborative environment with military personnel, civilians, and external partners
- Opportunities for mentorship and professional growth, with tangible development evidence to support your future career
- The chance to contribute to national security by optimising the attraction and retention of high-calibre recruits
- A challenging, impactful, and transformative fit for skilled occupational psychologists
Contract specificity: 37 hours per week. Part-time or job share arrangements may be considered (provided full-time coverage can be guaranteed).
The Role
A critical Senior Psychologist position within Armed Forces Recruiting Services (AFRS), focusing on Occupational Psychology research, evaluation, and consultancy to strengthen Officer, Soldier, Sailor, and Aviator selection across online and in-person assessments.
Core Responsibilities
Psychometric Governance & Research
- Collaborate with the Principal Occupational Psychologist to validate and oversee assessments
- Develop, trial, and refine Defence Aptitude Assessment tests and behavioural/interview criteria
- Conduct systematic literature reviews, training needs analysis, and q-cognitive score calibration
- Drive decision-making with data, leveraging psychometric and statistical expertise to optimise selection processes
Leadership & Mentorship
- Supervise a trainee occupational psychologist, providing technical direction and mentorship
- Ensure development pathways and coach towards championship in Occupational Psychology (BPS/HCPC standards)
Strategic Evaluations
- Manage trials and trigger evaluations of revised selection methods across all three services
- Engage with supplier assessment teams to recommend modifications and evidence-based improvements
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Behavioural Research
- Lead a portfolio of actionable research addressing recruitment retention challenges
- Contribute to wider Defence psychological science communities
Key Statutory Compliance
- Hold current Chartered Psychologist (BPS) and HCPC registration status
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- BPS Stage 2 Qualification in Occupational Psychology (or Doctorate with Certification)
- Psychometric Training (Test User: Ability – BPS) certification
- Chartered Member of the BPS Division of Occupational Psychology + HCPC Registered Occupational Psychologist
- Proven track record in applying occupational psychology evidence to organisational decision-making (selection/policy)
- Evidence of contributing to professional development and sustaining curiosity for high-quality service delivery
- Experience analysing selection/assessment data + quantitively evaluating psychometric validity/predictive power
- Experience applying the consultancy cycle effectively
- Strong alignment with Civil Service Occupational Psychology Standards, including trust-building with stakeholders and promoting the profession’s value
Desirable Criteria
- Trainee psychology supervision experience
- Specific operational expertise in military or Defence selection
Selection Process
Assessment Criteria
- Behaviours (success profile focus):
- Changing and Improving
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing (Interviews will assess: Working Together, Managing Quality Service)
- Technical Skills (aligned with updated standards):
- Psychological assessment at work
- Learning, training, and development
- Capabilities to demonstrate:
- Impactful consultancy case studies
- Analysis in selection contexts (quantitative, behavioural exploration)
- Commitment to numerical rigour (predictive modelling, psychometrics etc.)
Process
- CV and Personal Statement Review (including proof of metrics/methods)
- Interview assessing behaviours and technical hands-on skills in assignment
- Security Checks (Security Clearance certification required prior to offer)
- 6-Month Probation Period for Civil Service new starters
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Key Opportunities & Benefits
Winner’s Reward
- £46,040 base salary (£59,377 total including £13,337 pension contribution)
- Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension (employer: 28.97% guarantee)
- 25 days + 8 holidays annual leave (rising to 30 days+ after 5 years)
- Customised Learning & Development with hands-on NQT mentoring
- Health insurance & wounderful on-site facilities (nursery, Fulcrum gym membership).
- Defence Discount Services (shopper offers, family benefits)
- Flexible/Remote working options (60% on-site baseline, pending team requirements)
- Diversity Support (engineering for disability confidence)
Note: Relocation support is not provided; visa sponsorship is strictly unavailable.
Priority Applicants: Please include proof of relevant Casebook report examples (behavioural assessment studies) and influenced workplace-analysis efforts.
Legal & Compliance Notes
- Security is mandatory: Any CV submitted is subject to criminal record checks and SC clearance.
- Upon interview, disclosure of all besides interests is mandatory (even those non-intended to serve as/posts eligible).
- This position is not available to international candidates requiring MOD visa sponsorship.
Requirements for Appointment
- Nationality: open to British/Commonwealth/EU citizens with pre-defined working rights
- Earnest Behaviour Principle: Zero-tolerance on workplace misconduct (child distraction/alcohol-related convictions within 5 years invalidate eligibility)
Closing Party
- Collaboration with the HQ Armed Forces Recruiting workplace Veterans.
Contact Details
Vacancy Owner:
- Name: Mark Watton (Senior Occupational Psychologist)
- Email: Mark.Watton120@mod.gov.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)7852 148536
This job could feed into:
- CS Disability Confident Scheme (priority for eligible candidates)
- Veterans’ recruitment prioritisation initiatives
Note: By proceeding, applicants consent for personal data usage as per MOD’s UK GDPR-compliant Policy.
Closing Date: Please see original advertisement for precise timelines.
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