At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR and organisational development to create an inclusive, high-performing workforce.
- Company: Join Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, a modern and flexible employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, pension schemes, and ongoing personal development opportunities.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while fostering a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Significant HR experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51648 - 63126 £ per year.
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced and influential people leader to join Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service as our Head of People and Culture. This is a key strategic leadership role, responsible for shaping and delivering our people agenda to support the ambitions of the Service. As the professional lead for Human Resources and Organisational Development, you will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to develop a high-performing, inclusive and engaged workforce that is equipped to deliver the priorities set out within our People Strategy and Community Risk Management Plan.
We are looking for a credible and forward-thinking leader with significant experience in HR, organisational development and cultural change. Our ideal candidate will have excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, provide strategic advice, and foster a positive and inclusive working environment.
Within this role you will be expected to undertake a variety of activities, including:
- Strategic responsibility for Human Resources, Organisational Development, Resourcing and Talent, and Service Fitness, leading management teams and ensuring the effective use of resources to deliver a high-quality, person-centred service.
- Overseeing and managing HR-hosted and shared service functions with partner agencies, ensuring appropriate service assurance, governance and reporting arrangements are in place.
- Leading on strategic employee relations matters, maintaining positive and constructive relationships within a unionised environment and ensuring effective consultation and negotiation processes.
- Acting as the primary point of contact for strategic people matters, ensuring services remain responsive to organisational priorities and workforce needs.
- Providing expert advice and guidance to Principal Officers on HR policy, people strategy and organisational development matters.
Details of the Post and How to Apply
Hours: 37 hours per week. We support part-time working, job-shares and other flexible options - these can be discussed at interview.
Contract: Fixed term for 7 months
Location: Penrith Headquarters, and home-working.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 4th October
Interviews: Interviews will be held in-person during October at CFRS Headquarters, Penrith. Dates will be confirmed as soon as possible.
This post requires a Standard DBS Check.
Adjustments– we strongly encourage any candidate who needs adjustments to make us aware as soon as possible, either using the section on the application form or by contacting the Resourcing Team directly. We will have a confidential discussion with you and we take the approach of ‘you tell us what you require, and we will do our best to facilitate’. Where we are unable to make the adjustment, we will share this asap.
CFRS has a Guaranteed Interview scheme for those whose most recent employer is the armed forces, for care leavers, and for those who consider themselves disabled. If you consider yourself eligible, please include this information when submitting your application to the Resourcing team, who will handle this confidentially. We encourage candidates to let us know so we can provide the best support and access throughout the process.
Please ensure you have properly submitted your application. You will not receive an email confirmation, however you will be taken to a page that confirms it has been submitted.
With approximately 600 employees, covering operational firefighters, front facing delivery teams, corporate services, and support staff, delivering services across the county from 38 Fire Stations, we know we need to be a modern, flexible, and inclusive employer.
We offer:
- Flexible working across the county, including a hybrid of homeworking and office working at one of our Wholetime stations
- Enrolment in either the Fire Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme (depending on your terms and conditions)
- Occupational Health service, including counselling
- Close working relationship with the Firefighters Charity, including mental and physical health support
- On-going personal development, including apprenticeship options and leadership courses
- Access to modern ICT equipment
- Family friendly policies, including 45 weeks full pay for Family Leave
- Menopause Policy
- Workplace adjustments for Neurodivergent and Disabled employees
- Staff Networks for a variety of different communities, including Armed Forces, LGBTQ+, Menopause, Retirees
Our service is passionate about the communities we serve and dedicated to developing our workforce - if you're looking to progress in an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic fire service, we would like to hear from you!
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our communities in Cumbria. We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances.
We capture Equality data on our application forms to help us review barriers in our processes for any minority group. This is optional to complete and is securely removed and accessed only by the Resourcing team to review.
CFRS0187 - Head of People and Culture - CLOSED in Penrith employer: Cumbria Fire
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to fostering a high-performing environment, employees can thrive in their roles while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Located in the picturesque Penrith, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on the community but also provides a unique chance to collaborate with diverse partner agencies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CFRS0187 - Head of People and Culture - CLOSED in Penrith
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Cumbria Fire and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace CFRS0187 - Head of People and Culture - CLOSED in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Cumbria Fire. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumbria Fire
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Cumbria Fire, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Cumbria Fire uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Cumbria Fire.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Cumbria Fire.
