Crew Commander Gateway Feb26 -

Salary: CM Development £41,332 rising to CM Competent £43,104 (WDS). RDS in line with service/national payscales and subject to cover.

Basis: Full time

Package: Contractual Hours: 42

Region: Various roles and locations across Bedfordshire

The Service aims to establish a talent pool of high calibre individuals ready for appointment to Crew Commander vacancies expected to arise over the next 6-12 months. If you are looking for a leadership opportunity, join our team to play a vital role striving to deliver on our Mission working together to keep Bedfordshire safe.

The Crew Commander role involves assisting in the supervisory management of the designated Watch/Section, providing leadership for, and assisting in, coordinating the activities of crews and managing the day to use of allocated station resources to ensure effective delivery of protection, prevention and emergency incident response services to the community so as to save and protect life, property and the environment.

You will demonstrate excellent leadership qualities that align with the NFCC Leadership Framework, the Core Code of Ethics, our professional behaviours, and our Service values:

• We are Accountable
• We’ve got your Back
• Every Contact counts
• We Dare to be Different

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. They will demonstrate the ability to motivate and empower others, and they will foster an inclusive team environment.

The operational shift pattern for Wholetime is a 24 hour on-duty shift followed by 72 hours off, or day duty (as applicable to post). Day duty posts are aligned to the 9 day fortnight.

Eligibility:

• We welcome applications to join Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service from those currently serving within a UK Fire Authority as a Substantive and Competent Firefighter on Wholetime Duty System for entry to CC Talent Pool (Internal applicants).
• Substantive and Competent Firefighter on Wholetime Duty System holding valid certified Incident Command Level 1 qualification for entry to CC Talent Pool (External applicants).
• Substantive and Competent Firefighter on the On-Call (RDS) Duty System for entry to CC Talent Pool RDS (Internal applicants only).

NOTE: Internal applicants must be deemed ready for progression at their last appraisal. The IFE requirements for entry to the CC Talent Pool include IFE Level 3 Award in Fire Operations (L3C2), Fire Safety (L3C3) and Management & Administration (L3C4). Whilst candidates are not required to hold relevant IFE papers at the point of application, attainment of these papers is essential for entry to the Crew Manager talent pool.

Applicants seeking consideration for Retained Duty System positions must be capable of meeting the response time and availability requirements of the particular station and post. Subject to success at all stages of the gateway process, and achievement of the required IFE examinations, candidates will be able to progress to the applicable talent pool this cycle.

Internal applicants that are successful at the gateway will be eligible for consideration for temporary Crew Commander roles only, if pending any IFE required papers or an Incident Command Level 1 Initial accreditation. Candidates who have a live disciplinary sanction for either Attendance or Conduct at the time of the application closing date will not normally be eligible to engage in the selection process. Candidates pending the outcome of a disciplinary matter will not normally be eligible to enter the talent pool until the outcome is known. (Exceptions may be made in instances where extenuating circumstances apply).

To Apply:

• External applicants should apply via the link to Current Vacancies from the BFRS website.
• Internal applicants should access the Current Vacancies site via the Employee Self Service ESS portal on the BFRS intranet Sharepoint site.

Applicants will need to complete an application form, which includes a supporting statement. This will enable you to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the essential criteria listed in the Essential Criteria/Person Specification. Internal applicants will also need to obtain line manager validation on their application by the closing date, and can request the relevant validation form from the Assessment & Selection Coordinator.

The Selection Process:

All potential candidates have the opportunity to join an engagement forum, offering a chance to engage with Chief Fire Officer and Principal Officer team and discuss what we have to offer. We also offer support sessions to find out more about the process. The selection process will include a written case study, a role play exercise and a generic Crew Commander interview. Applicants will be required to successfully complete an Incident Command L1 assessment prior to appointment. (Internal applicants holding a valid Incident Command Level 1 Skills Certificate will not be required to retake this element as part of the gateway process, however will be expected to maintain their revalidation.)

Candidates successful at shortlist will be invited to attend a selection process for entry to our Crew Commander talent pool. Applicants will be offered the option to indicate on their application form whether they would like to be considered for an accelerated pathway, (This may, subject to their performance at the gateway, enable them to be offered additional development opportunities on appointment to a Crew Commander role, and the option to undertake the assessments leading to entry to the next level up talent pool within 12 months).

Successful candidates will enter a CC talent pool. This does not guarantee an appointment, however those within the talent pool are eligible for consideration for Crew Commander posts as they arise. The pool will remain live for 12 months. (Internal applicants would be required to undertake a professional discussion after 12 months to remain in the talent pool. External applicants would be required to reapply.)

Subject to outcome and any appointment, you will be required to serve at any location in the Service, and to gain satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and pass a Service Medical and Fitness Test before appointment will be offered. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a probationary period of 6 months and those successful on promotion will also be required to satisfactorily complete the Crew Commander Development Programme.

Relocation assistance may be available to successful candidates (details available on request).

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

To understand how we might use your information during the recruitment process, please refer to the Applicant Privacy Notice.