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This blog post was published under the 2015-2024 Conservative Administration

https://insideDIO.blog.gov.uk/2021/05/06/be-part-of-the-special-relationship/

Be part of the special relationship

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: United States Visiting Forces Infrastructure Programme, Working at DIO

Three aircraft attached to plinths at RAF Lakenheath.
RAF Lakenheath is a major United States Air Force base in the UK. [Crown Copyright]
Did you know that one of our closest allies, the United States of America, has had military forces permanently stationed in Britain at the invitation of the UK government since World War II?

United States Visiting Forces

The legal status and overarching framework for the stationing of United States Visiting Forces (USVF) in the UK comes from NATO agreement in 1951, the Visiting Forces Act 1952 (which incorporates the NATO agreement into UK law), and some supplemental bilateral arrangements and measures that have been put into place between our two countries. Under the agreements, certain UK military bases and individual buildings are made available to the United States Department of Defense.

A white man in a suit stands in front of an American flag and a Union flag. He is looking at a woman holding a camera.
Mark Keen is DIO's Head of International Stakeholder Engagement for the United States Visiting Forces. [Crown Copyright]
DIO is a big part of this relationship. We undertake a multitude of works from maintenance activities through to the development of new buildings and facilities. We provide and manage military family housing, schools and fitness areas. DIO serves as the appointed ‘agent’ of the UK government for maintenance, repair and construction works for USVF, ensuring we maintain stewardship of everything our American friends occupy on behalf of our own Secretary of State for Defence.

Due to the ever-increasing pressures of today’s global society it is paramount that all our defence and USVF military requirements are fulfilled. This must be done not only in a timely fashion but to exceptional standards, while ensuring that the estate complies with all UK legislative standards. This demands a high level of professionalism to meet the delivery speed requirements of the USVF but creates comradeship and the close community of achieving a common goal.

Expanding the team

In order to fulfil the needs of the estate, we are significantly expanding the DIO USVF delivery teams. This is an exciting time for people to join the team and be part of a great community with a platform to show excellence in their delivery capability. This unique opportunity to join a fast-paced team environment is supported with ongoing career development and training platforms that are renowned within the Civil Service. If you believe you have what it takes and want to be part of the next chapter within DIO USVF, then check out Civil Service Jobs.

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