Security cleared jobs news roundup: November 2023
We’re rounding up some of the biggest security cleared stories of the past few weeks. In November, a multi-million-pound investment for military homes was announced, new jobs are set to launch in telecoms, the UK continued to invest in its space sector and the British Army’s apprenticeship schemes were recognised as ‘Outstanding’.
Military homes set for £400m investment
Thousands of military homes are about to be modernised following a £400 million investment over the next two years, as outlined in the Defence Command Paper Refresh. This will ensure “good quality” accommodation is provided to service personnel and their families.
The multi-million-pound investment is set to deliver kitchen and bathroom refits, boiler upgrades, damp and mould remediation, extensive refurbishment packages and major work for thousands of properties.
Speaking on the deal, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Our Armed Forces go above and beyond to serve and keep us safe, so it’s imperative they live in good quality accommodation – often that is not the case. I will not stand by and let this continue. This funding is just the beginning and military accommodation will always be a top priority.”
Fareham telecoms firm looking to double growth
ANS Digital Transformation is set to use a six-figure investment from HSBC UK to double its workforce, creating at least 50 new jobs in the process. The funding will support the firm to work on new contracts, driving growth and creating new careers in the local area.
Phil Brooks, CEO at ANS, added: “The funding from HSBC UK is crucial for scaling up our workforce, providing new jobs with the vast majority coming from the local area where we have great relationships with nearby universities.”
The deal came through HSBC UK’s new commercial broker scheme, which allows accredited commercial finance brokers to supply leads to the bank’s relationship managers. This, in turn, will support HSBC UK to provide help to expanding businesses.
UK to bolster ‘crucial space awareness’
The UK Space Agency and UK Space Command have recently announced that a new contract has been awarded to Spaceflux. This is set to facilitate the development of a new ground-based space camera-telescope in Cyprus.
Dubbed project ‘Nyx Alpha’, the investment is set to help the UK monitor objects in geostationary orbit as far as 36,000 km above the Earth’s equator. Primarily, this will provide vital information on the position of British satellites and the contract represents another huge boost to the UK’s ever-growing space industry.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, commented: “Building and operating this new sensor in Cyprus will enhance our ability to track objects, avoid collisions and protect the satellites we depend on for daily life. The procurement marks a significant development for both the UK Space Agency and UK Space Command.”
British Army apprenticeships commended by Ofsted
Following an Ofsted report, the British Army was rated ‘Outstanding’ for its approach to personal development, behaviour and attitudes. It was also deemed ‘Good’ for its quality of education, leadership and management and overall effectiveness.
A group of 20 inspectors spent a week assessing the training delivered through all 39 of the Army’s apprenticeship programmes, which take place across 130 UK locations. They gave special recognition to the ways in which apprentices “made good progress in gaining and consolidating the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be successful".
Right now, the British Army is recruiting for over 10,000 positions across the UK. This includes more than 200 unique jobs, covering everything from frontline combat and helicopter pilots to chefs and support roles.