Security cleared jobs news roundup: July 2023
We’re rounding up some of the biggest security cleared stories of the past few weeks. In July, the first sailors joined the crew of HMS Venturer, the armed forces received significant investment, Sizewell C was bolstered by additional government backing and industry leaders met in Scotland to focus on growing the defence economy.
HMS Venturer welcomes first crew aboard
Nine sailors have become the first to join HMS Venturer’s company, led by Commander Chris Cozens, the warship’s senior naval officer. These sailors will be tasked with bringing the Venturer to life and writing the ‘operator’s manual’ for the four ships set to follow.
The Type 31 frigates are intended to fulfil various roles globally, with each ship taking its name from a Royal Navy predecessor. The Venturer, for example, honours a submarine that famously torpedoed a German U-boat during WWII.
By the time the ship joins the fleet, over 100 sailors will be employed aboard. Commander Cozens commented: “This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring an inspirational and innovative ship into service quickly through highly experienced, empowered Royal Navy engineers.”
Armed forces to receive significant investment
A £2.5 billion investment and a UK Global Response Force are set to bolster the British army. The Defence Command Paper Refresh (DCP23) laid out new plans to sustain a credible warfighting force that will support Britain to act as a global heavyweight.
The guidelines describe how science and technology will fuel future endeavours, enhancing the UK’s capabilities in fields like human augmentation, robotics, energy weapons and advanced materials to gain the upper hand on the battlefield.
The DCP23 will support the prime minister’s priority of growing the economy and reducing inflation. James Heappey, minister for the armed forces, said: “We recognise that to maintain an advantage over adversaries, we have to do things differently.”
Sizewell C awarded £170 million for expansion
UK government ministers have awarded £170 million to Sizewell C for future construction, procurement of key components and expansion of the site’s workforce.
In April 2023, the UK’s energy strategy highlighted plans for eight new reactors, as well as small modular reactors, to produce 24 GWe capacity by 2050. In other words, Sizewell C could be meeting roughly a quarter of the UK’s projected electricity demand.
At its peak, the site is projected to sustain over 10,000 jobs across the UK. Grant Shapps, energy security secretary, added that the investment “demonstrates the government’s commitment to the continued development of Sizewell C” and supports the long-term aim to create more homegrown nuclear energy.
Industry leaders design Scottish defence roadmap
Leading defence organisations attended a roundtable in Scotland following a £169 million contract awarded to Thales Glasgow for the construction of an integrated optronic combat system mast, the above-water ‘eyes’ for Dreadnought submarines.
The roundtable represents the first of many biannual gatherings, aimed to ensure the sector maximises economic benefits for the UK. The working group will allow the British government and armed forces to collaborate directly with Scottish industry.
Scottish secretary Alister Jack noted: “It’s clear that Scottish skills, expertise and innovation make an enormous contribution to the UK’s defence industry, with massive benefits for our national security and economy.”