New Faces in Base Support Wing

OC SD/PS has been officially handed over from Flt Lt Thom Coverdale to Flt Lt Jen Gray. After an illustrious two years, Thom has handed over the role, and with it, the responsibility for Service Discipline and Personal Support on Station.

Jen has moved from RAF Waddington to take on the role, and despite a love for the countryside, is excited to live so close to London.

“This tour was my first choice, primarily due to proximity to London and the South, however I’m equally looking forward to taking on a role with such a varied and nuanced set of responsibilities. I really like what I’m seeing so far”.

The SD/PS team work in SHQ, and can be one of the first major touch points for welfare concerns. “We work as a tight knit section, however we’re in frequent contact with the Padre, the Link, the Medical Centre and other outside agencies - there really is a wealth of support available to the whole force here”.

Jen notes a passion for this welfare support as a key driver for pushing for the role.

“When I saw the job on the career management website, I thought it was something I’d love to get experience with. I’m driven by a sense of both compassion, and justice, and that seemed like an ideal fit for the job”.

The discipline aspect is also of critical importance to Stn, and it is imperative that personnel know that their voices will be heard when it comes to complaints or more serious allegations. “It is vital for me that people know the process of how we apply administrative and disciplinary action – personnel should feel empowered to report any instances of unacceptable behaviour, conduct and negligence. This is to uphold the high esteem that the Northolt is held in, and the wider RAF”.

Flt Lt Gray will be in the role for the next two years, and is looking forward to getting integrated with the team in SHQ, and seeing lots of new faces around Stn.“It is important to me to go out and meet people, and this is a great way to get your face out there and make yourself more approachable”.

The new faces in SHQ keep coming, with OC Estates, Flt Lt Claire Hood, due to handover to Flt Lt Laura McGarvey later this month.