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- 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.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on culture and leadership in a vital public service.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience and MCIPD qualified.
- Other info: Be part of a committed team dedicated to people-centred change.
The predicted salary is between 83401 - 93520 £ 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
- 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 Kempston Hardwick 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 - Kempston in Kempston Hardwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who might have insights into Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to create an inclusive and values-driven workplace. Tailor your examples to highlight your transformational leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your passion for modernising people practices and driving cultural change. Keep it concise but impactful—make sure we remember you for all the right reasons!
✨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 our team at this exciting time of transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of People - Kempston in Kempston 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 successfully led teams or initiatives 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 this role and how you can contribute to our inclusive culture.
Follow the Application Instructions: Don’t forget to include your full career history and reference your skills in line with the job description. Apply through our website to ensure your application is received correctly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's recent initiatives and cultural changes. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As an Assistant Director of People, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your transformational leadership skills, especially in driving cultural change and values-based leadership. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully influenced teams and built trust in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in complex, unionised environments. Think of specific situations where you've navigated challenges in employee relations or organisational development, and outline your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces in implementing their People Strategy or how they envision the role evolving over time. This shows your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their mission.