Army – Library & Information Service Officer
UK Ministry of Defence
Date: 5 hours ago
City: Camberley, England
Contract type: Part time
HQ Leadership, Education & Development Gp, Robertson House, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Camberley, GU15, 4PQ
We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week). You should expect to be able to periodically travel to other ALIS sites across the south of the United Kingdom, notably Aldershot, Bulford and Warminster to work alongside other ALIS staff as necessary.
Job Summary
The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army employs around 12,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.
The Army Library and Information Service (ALIS) provides library and information services to Army Personnel, regular and reserves worldwide. ALIS supports information needs required for operations, defence engagement and professional development. Responsible for the strategy, development, management and maintenance of the ALIS Online website and wider virtual presence and marketing on Defence Information Systems and related ALIS content on the Defence E-Library & Defence Gateway (e.g. Defence Connect) in accordance with Army Library and Information Service (ALIS) requirements to meet defined customer and target organisation needs.
The role offers the developmental opportunity of supporting and developing people over a geographically disperse network, using online systems and supporting the strategic direction for the provision of an information service to the benefit of Army personnel. The role may require you to periodically travel to other ALIS locations in the South of the UK.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
This exciting opportunity is one of four key Higher Executive Officer staff roles in the ALIS area. Based out HQ Leadership, Education & Development Group HQ, Robertson House, Camberley this role directly supports the leadership of ALIS with staff outputs in support of ALIS through the management and development of the ALIS Online areas of responsibilities. The role will also be expected to execute ALIS media, marketing and comms for the whole of ALIS across the Army (both virtual and physical), liaise with ALIS sub-units to coordinate other ALIS publicity activity, and support ALIS in developing Information Literacy outcomes.
In this role you will assist management with the development and execution of the annual ALIS media, marketing & communication plan. Liaises closely with other ALIS staff to ensure coherent and effective ALIS Online provision for all Army & Defence stakeholders. You will have opportunities for involvement in wider ALIS projects and programmes and have other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with your Line Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
ALIS Online
In this role you will assist management with the development and execution of the annual ALIS media, marketing & communication plan. Liaises closely with other ALIS staff to ensure coherent and effective ALIS Online provision for all Army & Defence stakeholders. You will have opportunities for involvement in wider ALIS projects and programmes and have other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with your Line Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
ALIS Online
Essential Skills Required:
You must have or be able to show evidence of working towards a Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals approved qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Alternatively, you will have achieved certification and have equivalent experience of professional information work or have an NVQ level 4 (or equivalent) in library and information studies plus experience of professional information work.
As a Librarian it is expected that you would be a chartered librarian of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and are/or intending to re-validate your Chartership on a regular basis.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.
Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include:
A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history.
At application stage you will be assessed against the following:
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
At interview stage you will be assessed against the following:
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected].
We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuing you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation. However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week). You should expect to be able to periodically travel to other ALIS sites across the south of the United Kingdom, notably Aldershot, Bulford and Warminster to work alongside other ALIS staff as necessary.
Job Summary
The Ministry of Defence employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army employs around 12,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army.
The Army Library and Information Service (ALIS) provides library and information services to Army Personnel, regular and reserves worldwide. ALIS supports information needs required for operations, defence engagement and professional development. Responsible for the strategy, development, management and maintenance of the ALIS Online website and wider virtual presence and marketing on Defence Information Systems and related ALIS content on the Defence E-Library & Defence Gateway (e.g. Defence Connect) in accordance with Army Library and Information Service (ALIS) requirements to meet defined customer and target organisation needs.
The role offers the developmental opportunity of supporting and developing people over a geographically disperse network, using online systems and supporting the strategic direction for the provision of an information service to the benefit of Army personnel. The role may require you to periodically travel to other ALIS locations in the South of the UK.
This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
Job Description
This exciting opportunity is one of four key Higher Executive Officer staff roles in the ALIS area. Based out HQ Leadership, Education & Development Group HQ, Robertson House, Camberley this role directly supports the leadership of ALIS with staff outputs in support of ALIS through the management and development of the ALIS Online areas of responsibilities. The role will also be expected to execute ALIS media, marketing and comms for the whole of ALIS across the Army (both virtual and physical), liaise with ALIS sub-units to coordinate other ALIS publicity activity, and support ALIS in developing Information Literacy outcomes.
In this role you will assist management with the development and execution of the annual ALIS media, marketing & communication plan. Liaises closely with other ALIS staff to ensure coherent and effective ALIS Online provision for all Army & Defence stakeholders. You will have opportunities for involvement in wider ALIS projects and programmes and have other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with your Line Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
ALIS Online
- Manage, develop and assure ALIS Online web pages and ALIS content on the Defence Gateway (Defence Connect), ALIS content on the Defence E-Library on Defence Intranet.
- Liaison with electronic content suppliers for ALIS Online.
- Conduct statistical & qualitative analysis of ALIS Online web page usage to inform decision making, inform media, comms & marketing and to direct future online ALIS developments for the whole Army.
- Ensure compliance with ALIS and Army IT Management Policy requirements.
- Provide guidance & instruction to users on the full range of ALIS facilities, including the Internet, and other electronic sources, books & periodicals.
- Support the development & execution of ALIS Information Literacy programmes and education as directed to customers seeking help.
- Act as ALIS electronic copyright focal point.
- Develop, plan, execute & evaluate in conjunction with line management and other stakeholders, targeted and Army wide ALIS communication plan.
- Assist in the delivery of online communication initiatives, physical & online briefings to Army units & courses when required in support of ALIS media and comms plans.
- Support Army users to correctly identify (via future effective Information Literacy support), the accessing of specialist military information services for the Army/Defence in support of operations, training, exercises and military education courses, including personal and professional learning development.
- Support the development and execution of ALIS Continued Professional Development activity as directed.
- Conduct own personal & professional ALIS training and education.
In this role you will assist management with the development and execution of the annual ALIS media, marketing & communication plan. Liaises closely with other ALIS staff to ensure coherent and effective ALIS Online provision for all Army & Defence stakeholders. You will have opportunities for involvement in wider ALIS projects and programmes and have other duties commensurate with the grade as agreed with your Line Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
ALIS Online
- Manage, develop and assure ALIS Online web pages and ALIS content on the Defence Gateway (Defence Connect), ALIS content on the Defence E-Library on Defence Intranet.
- Liaison with electronic content suppliers for ALIS Online.
- Conduct statistical & qualitative analysis of ALIS Online web page usage to inform decision making, inform media, comms & marketing and to direct future online ALIS developments for the whole Army.
- Ensure compliance with ALIS and Army IT Management Policy requirements.
- Provide guidance & instruction to users on the full range of ALIS facilities, including the Internet, and other electronic sources, books & periodicals.
- Support the development & execution of ALIS Information Literacy programmes and education as directed to customers seeking help.
- Act as ALIS electronic copyright focal point.
- Develop, plan, execute & evaluate in conjunction with line management and other stakeholders, targeted and Army wide ALIS communication plan.
- Assist in the delivery of online communication initiatives, physical & online briefings to Army units & courses when required in support of ALIS media and comms plans.
- Support Army users to correctly identify (via future effective Information Literacy support), the accessing of specialist military information services for the Army/Defence in support of operations, training, exercises and military education courses, including personal and professional learning development.
- Support the development and execution of ALIS Continued Professional Development activity as directed.
- Conduct own personal & professional ALIS training and education.
Essential Skills Required:
- You must have or be able to show evidence of working towards a Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals approved qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Alternatively, you will have achieved certification and have equivalent experience of professional information work or have an NVQ level 4 (or equivalent) in library and information studies plus experience of professional information work.
- You should have experience of Information Literacy delivery within a Library & Information Service in order to potentially be able to drive change forward within ALIS in this area
- Have some experience of leading diverse teams to maintain Library & Information services as well as be able to initiate, manage and evaluate change.
- Be able to communicate clearly & effectively both face to face and via online means.
- You must be comfortable with dealing with multiple stakeholders at all levels.
- Should have good MS Office experience in order to exploit data to determine organisational performance, especially against changes to marketing, media & comms and be able manage various records and catalogues online.
You must have or be able to show evidence of working towards a Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals approved qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Alternatively, you will have achieved certification and have equivalent experience of professional information work or have an NVQ level 4 (or equivalent) in library and information studies plus experience of professional information work.
As a Librarian it is expected that you would be a chartered librarian of Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and are/or intending to re-validate your Chartership on a regular basis.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Working Together
The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.
Other Benefits For Army Civil Servants Include:
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
- Highly competitive pension scheme
- Personal and professional development of skills
- Alternative working patterns for many roles
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
- Enhanced parental and adoption leave
- 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
- Learning and Development
A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history.
At application stage you will be assessed against the following:
- CV
- Behaviours - Changing & Improving, Communicating & Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, and Working Together.
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
At interview stage you will be assessed against the following:
- Behaviours - Changing & Improving, Communicating & Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, and Managing a Quality Service.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [email protected] .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.
The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : Stuart Barltrop
- Email : [email protected]
- Email : [email protected]
Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [email protected].
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