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- Tasks: Lead transformational change in a vital public service and shape its future culture.
- Company: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, committed to people-centred change.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence cultural change and work with passionate colleagues.
- Other info: Join a dedicated Senior Leadership Team focused on improvement and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on an essential emergency service during a pivotal transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and a track record of driving cultural change.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Join Us at a Transformational Stage for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is entering one of the most significant phases of its cultural journey. Following our latest HMICFRS inspection, we have a clear mandate and renewed momentum to evolve our culture, strengthen leadership behaviours, and build a truly inclusive, values‑driven organisation. We are now seeking an inspiring, strategic and forward‑thinking Assistant Director of People to help lead this transformation.
This is more than a senior HR role. This is your opportunity to shape the future of a critical public service, influence cultural change at scale, and create a workforce experience where every colleague feels valued, safe, respected and empowered. If you are a bold, credible and resilient people leader ready to make a lasting organisational impact, we want to hear from you.
Why This Role Matters
As the Service’s most senior HR professional, you will play a pivotal role in modernising how we lead, develop and support our people. You’ll be central to:
- Delivering a refreshed, ambitious People Strategy.
- Embedding values‑based leadership and psychologically safe working environments.
- Driving organisational culture change aligned to HMICFRS recommendations.
- Strengthening trust, confidence and fairness across the workforce.
- Supporting leaders to model the behaviours that drive a positive, inclusive culture.
This is your platform to lead transformational change within a multi‑site emergency service with a proud public mandate and a clear desire to improve.
What You Will Lead
As Assistant Director of People, you will oversee the full People Services portfolio, including:
- HR Business Partnering & Operations
- Employee Relations (including PSI oversight)
- Recruitment & Resourcing
- Payroll and Pensions
- Occupational Health
- Workforce planning and organisational development alignment
You will coach and develop leaders, modernise policy, strengthen governance, and ensure that our people practices are ethical, fair, evidence‑based and future‑focused.
About You
We’re looking for a transformational HR leader who brings:
- Significant senior‑level HR leadership experience in a complex, unionised environment.
- A strong track record of driving cultural change and delivering values‑based leadership programmes.
- Deep ER expertise, including oversight of complex cases and system reform.
- The credibility to influence at senior and political levels.
- Strong partnership skills and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strategic vision, resilience, integrity and the confidence to challenge convention.
If you’re motivated by purpose, passionate about modernising people practices, and ready to lead in an organisation that is ready to embrace change, this could be the role for you.
Why Join BFRS?
You’ll join a Service with a clear ambition for improvement. You’ll shape culture at a time when your impact will genuinely matter. You’ll be part of a committed Senior Leadership Team who value and are committed to people‑centred change. You’ll influence how an essential emergency service evolves for the future. You’ll work with passionate, capable and dedicated people across the organisation.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re excited by challenge, driven by purpose and eager to lead meaningful organisational change, we’d love to hear from you. Join us — and help shape the future of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Next steps
If this role is of interest, please visit our website https://www.bedsfire.gov.uk/careers/search for further information and to make a formal application. We ask that you include your full career history and reference your skills and experience in line with the job description and person specification within your application and supporting statement.
The selection process will take place week commencing 20 April 2026.
Assistant Director of People in Bedford employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of People in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the application process. Personal connections can give you insights that make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest HMICFRS recommendations. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about the cultural transformation BFRS is undergoing. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven cultural change in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and challenges, so frame your experiences in a way that highlights your strategic vision and resilience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and how you can contribute to building an inclusive, values-driven organisation at BFRS.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of People in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: As we're looking for a transformational HR leader, highlight your previous leadership roles and any successful cultural change initiatives you've led. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've made an impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for people-centred change and why this role excites you.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website! Ensure you include your full career history and reference your skills in line with the job description. This helps us understand how you fit into our vision for the future.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's mission, values, and recent changes. Understanding their cultural journey and the significance of the HMICFRS inspection will help you align your responses with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Transformational Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully driven cultural change or implemented values-based leadership programmes. Highlight how these experiences can translate to the role of Assistant Director of People.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Trust-Building
Given the importance of partnership skills in this role, be ready to discuss how you've built trust across diverse stakeholder groups. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to influence at senior levels and foster a psychologically safe environment.
✨Be Ready to Challenge Convention
This role requires resilience and the confidence to challenge the status quo. Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to push back against traditional practices and how your innovative ideas led to positive outcomes.