Candidate Information Pack: Your Journey With DSTL Starts Here

001
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Candidate
Information
Pack
Your journey with Dstl starts here
Welcome We are Dstl What we do Inclusion Our people The rewards Join us Contact us
Tap the circles
Thank you for your

interest in working for Dstl 002
Thanks for your interest in Dstl. Dstl is an scientific advancements, so our work has real value
extraordinary organisation that delivers world- and we’re all extremely dedicated.
class science and technology with the sole purpose of
keeping the UK, our armed forces, security services, and We cannot think of another organisation that has the
our citizens, safe and secure. breadth, impact and depth of science and technology
capability that we have at Dstl. We welcome the rich
We are immensely proud of our culture of inclusion and diversity of our people, who fuel ideas and innovation,
of our workforce who believe strongly in fairness for enriching our experiences and driving our success.
all. Our role as leaders is to enable our people to thrive,
succeed and achieve their real potential. We are better together and hope you will join us.
Dstl’s purpose remains focussed on helping address Good luck with your application.
the biggest challenges that face Defence and
Paul Hollinshead Robyn Wedderburn Security. We’re a world-leader in our field with one
Chief Executive Chief People Officer aim — protecting lives. We have experts making huge
We are Dstl
We are the science inside Innovative
UK Defence and Security. We deliver world class science and technology. 003
Since we were formed in 2001, our talented scientists

and technologists have built an enviable reputation
Collaborative
for innovating world class science and technology. We have inside knowledge and are government-savvy,
We are able to deploy our inside knowledge and to interpret and connect.
understanding of government to interpret and
connect requirements and stakeholders. Impactful
We harness deep operational understanding of
We bring together lots of different people and a
defence and security needs.
huge range of disciplines in science and technology.
We have lots of variety in our projects, roles and
Our values were developed by our people, who told us
opportunities, making every day a day to explore
what means the most to them. They reflect who we
and get excited.
are, what we are proud of and how we behave both
individually and collectively.
As Dstl has developed to provide S&T solutions to
the challenges within the operating environment,
our values — that capture our beliefs and
principles — are also evolving.
What we do at Dstl —
Satellite control milestone
The first UK Government-owned satellite ground
case studies
station for over 15 years, operated by Dstl, will be
capable of conducting in-orbit research and concept
demonstrator missions for future UK space operations.
Dstl will develop and test software for satellite 004
operations, and train civilian and military personnel in
satellite mission operations. The ground station tasked
Shaping future mobility its first satellites in 2020 before progressing to control
multiple satellite missions and other ground assets by
The future of the British Army’s fighting vehicles has
been influenced by Dstl’s operational research on the end of 2021. Concept aircraft
lethality, protection and mobility capability options, champions new approachs
in support of the £2.8 billion contract for 500 Boxer
Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIV). Boxer’s modular As part of the FCAS (Future Combat Air System)
design enables it to be configured as a troop carrier, Programme, Dstl led the Lightweight Affordable Novel
ambulance, command vehicle and equipment Combat Aircraft (LANCA) concept to champion new
carrier. Dstl’s operational research also helped shape approaches which may radically reduce the costs and
recommended lethality and survivability upgrades timescales of traditional combat air capability. The
for the Challenger 2 Life Extension Project to provide initial phase with three industry teams explored novel
effective and modernised Main Battle Tanks until 2040. design and development of uncrewed aircraft to work
alongside current and future combat aircraft. The
second phase will mature the down-selected system
with initial flight test of the demonstrator air vehicle
potentially taking place as early as 2022.
Inclusion
One of our main aims at Dstl is to create a workplace
where you feel you belong and can be yourself at work
Our Networks
without fear of being judged or treated differently. SexualOrientation and Gender 005
Identity Network
Dstl has signed up to the Race at Work Charter, the
Faith and Culture Network
Armed Forces Covenant and the Derby House Principles;
showing the commitment we have, to ensuring that Parents and Carer Network
diversity and inclusion is embedded into the very heart Alternative Working Network
of our organisation.
Gender Equality Network
We recognise the importance of honest feedback from New Starters Network
our employees and have a number of employee support
Enabled Network, for people with
networks covering different protected characteristics
and interests. These groups are used to drive change, visible and non-visible disabilities
assist with policy updates and amendments; and to
provide support for individuals who may need it.
The support of these networks enables us to create

a safe working environment where everyone feels
comfortable to bring their true selves to work.
What our
I have three children and have used
flexi-time, alternative working patterns
and childcare vouchers over the last 10 years. I also
people say
feel grateful that I was able use use Dstl’s Employee
Assistance Programme to to access counselling to help
me deal with anxiety.
Joe / Engineer 006
We’re a world-leader in Ship visits have been the most fun, I’ve never
done anything like it before. I’ve been on the
our field with one aim, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Argus which is amazing. When
protecting lives. you’re in the hospital department, you feel like you
could be anywhere, not floating on a ship! I went
We have experts making huge scientific advancements, on the Queen Elizabeth, one of the nations aircraft
so our work has real value and we’re all extremely carriers, they are incredible.
dedicated because we keep the country safe and secure. Eleanor / Trainee Medical Physicist
Working at Dstl is very interesting, being

We know that everyone has different experiences and
involved and working with Defence and
that everyone works in different ways. So we encourage
the Armed Services, meeting people who have done
you to work in a way that suits you, which often leads
incredible things. Also, the flexible working hours and
to the best results.
when and how work is undertaken, is a great bonus,
especially for anyone with obligations outside of work,
such as child-care.
Joan / Scientist
The total reward package

In addition to offering Excellent learning and development to ensure
everyone fulfills their potential. Chartership
flexible working our reward and accreditation support. Dstl will pay for 007
package includes: membership of 2 relevant professional bodies

or institutes
� Hours worked over your standard week can be hours
In
year monetary rewards (bonus) for
banked and taken as time off over the calendar year.
exceptional work
You could take up to 3 days of worked hours in any
one month. � Cycle to work scheme - worth up to £4000
� Pension. An excellent pension scheme with � Assistance with rental deposits

employee contributions from 4.5% and Employer
Staffdiscounts for high street and online shopping,
contributions between 26% and 30% of salary.
restaurants and days out including access to Civil
Pension contributions are paid via Salary Sacrifice so
Service Sports Council, Blue Light Card and Defence
are collected before tax is applied to your salary
Discount Scheme
Generous annual leave, 25 days when starting
� The Dstl Club supports lots of different activities
(excluding bank holidays) rising to 30 days after 5
such as archery, crafts, cycling, cricket, photography,
years’ service and the ability to buy and sell up to 5
sailing and tennis, to name just some of the active
days holiday per annum
groups on site
Maternity,adoption or shared parental leave of up
� On site facilities including parking, restaurants,
to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory
coffee shops and gym (current subscription £18
pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity
per month)
leave of 2 weeks full pay
The way we work

Home working or
We bring together lots This can mean alternative working patterns such as:
Job share
other flexible
arrangements
of different people and a Part time, job-share or reduced hours

Reduced and 008
Part time compressed
huge range of disciplines Compressed hours (working longer days to working hours
achieve full time hours over a shorter week)
in science, engineering Annualised hours (a specific number of hours
and technology. over a calendar year)
Workingfrom home or other flexible The flexible and smart working arrangements
We have lots of variety in our projects, roles and
arrangements offered by Dstl have made balancing the
opportunities, making everyday a day to explore
competing needs of work and family life considerably
and get excited.
easier and less stressful. The unpredictable needs of
school age children are at odds with traditional full
Flexible working is all about empowering and
time working. Flexible and smart working empowers
entrusting colleagues to think about how, when
me to schedule my time to meet business and home
and where they work, to deliver the best outcomes.
demands without burning annual leave allowances
or unnecessary line management negotiations.
Andy / Commercial Services

Start your journey

Applying for a role at Dstl application or our application process please contact
our recruitment team at Dstl Recruitment and we will
Dstl recruits external candidates in accordance with the support you in any way we can. 009
Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles of Fair
and Open Competition. We also welcome applications from people who have
been out of work for some time but who have previous
We follow the Civil Service Success Profiles recruitment relevant experience. We appreciate that returning to
framework. Comprehensive Guidance for Candidates work after an extended career break can be daunting.
about the Success Profiles and recruitment into the We will support you to refresh your skills, develop your
Civil Service is available on the gov.uk website. confidence and provide a supportive network across
Dstl to help you integrate into the organisation.
We are committed to furthering inclusion in Dstl and
as part of this we welcome applications from people
of all backgrounds. If you would like to discuss your
Pre-employment
Shortlisting and checks and
assessment start date
Applying to Offer
Dstl (results)
1. Applying
How to apply to Dstl The full application form will ask you for specific
information about your suitability for the role you
To apply for a role with Dstl you’ll need to complete are applying for. There may be technical questions 010
the online application process on Civil Service Jobs. and you may be asked to provide statements
This will vary depending on the role but the first step against Civil Service Behaviours.
is to complete your personal information, the short
application form. All our recruitment is name blind (anonymous) so
instead of uploading a CV you may be asked to
You may be asked to take a Civil Service Sift Test: these copy parts of your CV into a form or to complete a
are online ability tests designed to test your ability in a Personal Statement. There may be guidance about
specific area, e.g. Verbal Reasoning, Customer Service what to include in your Personal Statement, but if
Skills, Numerical Reasoning. Guidance, hints and tips not think about how your skills and experience meet
and practice tests can be found on gov.uk. You will the requirements for the role, or why you want to
need to successfully complete any tests before you work with Dstl.
go onto the next stage of the application so please
Pre-employment
do make sure you complete these as soon as you can. If at any stage of the application process you Shortlisting and checks and
would like help or assistance please contact assessment start date
Dstl Recruitment and we will do what we can
Applying to Offer
to support you. (results)
Dstl
2. Assessing
Shortlisting Assessment
Your application will be reviewed by the hiring All roles will use a structured interview lasting 011
manager, assessing the evidence you have provided approximately 1 hour which is technical and
against the criteria stated on the advertised vacancy. behavioural based. However the assessment process for
Those who score the highest will be invited to each role will be explained in the advertisement on Civil
an interview. Service Jobs but might also include:
Work-based exercise
Personality questionnaires
Pre-employment
Applying to Offer
Dstl (results)
3. Outcome
Your results
We aim to provide the results of any interviews or 012
tests on Civil Service Jobs within 5 days of the event.
If you have taken any psychometric assessments

feedback can be arranged. Certain candidate reports
will be available and provided to you.
Should you be successful, the hiring manager or a

Talent Acquisition Adviser will contact you to discuss
terms and conditions. Once agreed you will receive
an offer of employment via Civil Service Jobs.
Pre-employment
Applying to Offer
Dstl (results)
4. Next steps
Pre-employment checks Start date
Due to the nature of our work, all employees need a Once our pre-employment checks are complete we will 013
level of security clearance; the level will be detailed contact you to arrange and agree a start date and take
in the advertisement and on the job description. you through the final part of your onboarding.
This can take some time so the hiring manager will
keep in touch while the checks are ongoing. On your first day you will receive your IT equipment
and ID. You’ll also attend a training session taking you
If you don’t already hold security clearance you through our systems allowing us all to stay connected.
will be sent a link to UK National Security Vetting We also have a structured induction programme to
(UKNSV) where you will need to complete an online support all new starters which you can work through at
form. UKNSV will conduct checks and issue a your own pace.
security clearance.
Your line manager will ensure that you are introduced
We will also need to conduct health checks and to your colleagues and also explain how things work
Pre-employment
we ask for an employer’s reference, these are all here, answer your questions and cover any team Shortlisting and checks and
requested and submitted online. If you have any specific health and safety or security requirements. assessment start date
questions about these checks, please contact
Applying to Offer
dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk. (results)
Dstl
Thank you for your interest in

working with Dstl and taking 014
the time to read this information

Contact us Discover more
For further information, Click the icon below to watch the incredible range
contact dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk of work we do at Dstl in just over a minute.
Watch our video
© Crown Copyright, Dstl 2022

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001

Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

Tap the circles

Thank you for your

Since we were formed in 2001, our talented scientists

The support of these networks enables us to create

Joe / Engineer 006

Working at Dstl is very interesting, being

The total reward package

package includes: membership of 2 relevant professional bodies

� Pension. An excellent pension scheme with � Assistance with rental deposits

The way we work

of different people and a  Part time, job-share or reduced hours

Andy / Commercial Services

Start your journey

If you have taken any psychometric assessments

Should you be successful, the hiring manager or a

Thank you for your interest in

the time to read this information

Watch our video

© Crown Copyright, Dstl 2022

You might also like

of different people and a Part time, job-share or reduced hours