Receptionist - Navy Command Headquarters

About Navy Command Headquarters Business Services

The Navy Command Headquarters Business Services Team, situated in the Leach Building at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8BY, operates under the Chief of Staff HQ. This team supports all divisions of Navy Command Headquarters through efficient management of security, postal services, travel, transport, facilities, I-Hub management, administrative support, and conference services. The Head of Business Services (HdBS) oversees the team of 46 personnel and ensures cost-effective, efficient delivery of services while managing reporting, training, discipline, and welfare. The Unit Security Officer reports to HdBS, who in turn reports to the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff (DACOS) HQ. Working hours are 37 hours per week.

Role Summary

The Receptionist acts as the professional initial contact point for visitors entering Navy Command HQ. Responsibilities include verifying visitor identity, issuing access passes in line with security clearance, handling telephone enquiries, responding to incidents and emergencies, coordinating during building evacuations as the focal point for visitors, and assisting the Security Team with relevant administrative duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate front desk reception duties at Navy Command Headquarters.
• Verify visitor identities to maintain building security.
• Distribute access passes aligned with security clearance levels.
• Answer and redirect incoming telephone calls appropriately.
• Provide initial support in incidents and emergencies.
• Manage visitor coordination during building evacuations.
• Support Security Team with administrative tasks as necessary.

Candidate Profile

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Numeracy proficiency and computer literacy including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Behaviours Assessed

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary is £27,866, plus an £8,072 contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include tailored learning and development opportunities, flexible work environment, inclusive culture, 25 days paid leave rising to 30 days after five years service, and employer pension contribution of 28.97%. Relocation expenses are not provided. A six-month probation period applies for external new Civil Service recruits.

Additional Information

• Travel expenses to interviews are not reimbursed.
• Review of pay-related allowances is ongoing and may affect current allowances.
• Childcare vouchers will not be accessible upon joining MOD, but other government schemes may be available.
• The MOD enforces a smoke-free working environment policy with some exemptions; smoking and tobacco use on premises are generally prohibited.
• Applications must be truthful; plagiarism or AI-generated content not based on personal experience are prohibited.
• Successful candidates will undergo criminal record and security checks, including security clearance at the Security Check level and Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks.
• Nationality eligibility includes UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth nationals with UK work rights, qualifying EU and related nationals, and others per specified guidelines.
• The MOD adopts zero tolerance towards unacceptable behaviours, including harassment and discrimination; candidates dismissed for such reasons within five years are ineligible.
• Applicants will be required to declare outside interests pre-employment to manage potential conflicts.
• This role does not sponsor visas under the skilled worker points-based system.

Recruitment Process

• Applications will be assessed via Success Profiles focusing on behaviours and experience.
• Candidates must provide CV outlining job history and a personal statement (max 250 words) demonstrating motivation and alignment with essential requirements.
• Disabled candidates meeting minimum criteria will be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme.
• Feedback provided only to those attending interviews or assessments.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service promotes equal opportunities and embraces diversity, offering schemes such as the Disability Confident Scheme and support for veterans. It is committed to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds as outlined in the Civil Service People Plan and Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.