At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in HR and shape the future of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, and local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team dedicated to people-centred change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and leadership in a vital public service.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and MCIPD qualified.
The predicted salary is between 83401 - 93520 £ per year.
Salary: GBP 83,401 - GBP 93,520 per annum
Basis: Full time
Package: 37 hours per week, Hybrid Working, Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), Holiday allowance of 25 days (plus public holidays) on joining.
Contractual Hours: 37
Region: Central
Job Category: HR / Payroll
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
- Culture, Inclusion, Health & Wellbeing
- 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.
- Minimum MCIPD qualified.
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 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.
Closing date: Wednesday 8 April 2026
The selection process will take place week commencing 20 April 2026.
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
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.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. 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. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we encourage applications from those who have served, are serving, or are part of a military family. Your skills and experience are valued here.
Assistant Director of People - Kempston in Hardwick employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformational change within a vital public service. With a strong commitment to cultural evolution, employee wellbeing, and values-driven leadership, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
Contact Details:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of People - Kempston in Hardwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's culture and values. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re not just a fit on paper but also a cultural match.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for transforming people practices and how you can contribute to their mission. A confident delivery can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of People - Kempston in Hardwick
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:Highlight your senior-level HR leadership experience, especially in complex environments. We’re looking for someone who can drive cultural change, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you passionate about leading people and driving change within an organisation like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference.
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 initiatives. 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 Your Partnership Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've built trust and collaborated with diverse stakeholder groups in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that requires influencing at senior and political levels.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the organisation's future. Inquire about their vision for the People Strategy and how they plan to embed psychologically safe working environments.
