At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People Agenda and shape the workforce for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, making a real community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, health services, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Agile working available with excellent career growth and community-focused vision.
- Why this job: Influence strategic decisions and enhance employee wellbeing in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strong expertise in employment law and organisational development.
- Head of
- People
- Contract
- Type: Permanent
Location: Headquarters, Ripley (Agile Working Available) Lead the People Agenda for a Modern Fire and Rescue Service Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is looking for an exceptional HR leader to join our Corporate Services leadership team as Head of People.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and deliver an ambitious people agenda that supports our workforce, strengthens organisational performance, and helps us continue providing outstanding services to our communities.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, you will provide strategic leadership across the full employee lifecycle, leading HR Operations, Occupational Health and Wellbeing, Reward and Resourcing, and Organisational Development.
You will act as the principal HR adviser to the Fire Authority, Chief Fire Officer, Strategic Leadership Team and senior managers on all people-related matters.
About the Role As Head of People, you will
- Lead the development and delivery of the People and Culture Strategy, ensuring alignment with Service priorities.
- Drive organisational development, workforce planning, talent management and succession planning to build a resilient and future-ready workforce.
- Provide expert strategic advice on employment law, employee relations, organisational change and workforce policy.
- Lead constructive engagement with Trade Unions and external partners, fostering positive industrial relations.
- Champion equality, diversity and inclusion and help embed the values and ethical standards of the Service.
- Develop high-performing teams and drive continuous improvement through innovation, digital transformation and evidence-based decision making.
About You We are seeking an experienced and values-led HR professional who can operate confidently at a senior level within a complex public sector environment.
You will bring
- Significant senior HR leadership experience, including advising executives, elected members and senior leaders on complex people matters.
- Strong expertise in employment law, workforce strategy, employee relations, organisational development and change management.
- Experience of working within a highly unionised environment and developing productive stakeholder relationships.
- Track record of leading high-performing HR services and delivering continuous improvement.
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, leadership and influencing skills.
- Chartered CIPD membership (MCIPD) and/or a Masters-level Human Resources qualification.
Why Join Us?
This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while making a real difference to the experience, wellbeing and development of our people.
Working alongside a committed leadership team, you will help shape the future workforce of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and support the delivery of our community-focused vision.
In Return we offer
- Flexible working hours.
- Agile working (60% office based).
- Family friendly policies.
- Annual leave entitlement of 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service.
- Free, secure on-site car parking.
- Health & wellbeing services, including an employee assistance programme and free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
- Employee discount scheme (Boost) and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
- Employee support networks.
- Enhanced maternity pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
- Occupational sick pay subject to length of service, increasing up to 6 months’ full & 6 months’ half after 5 years’ service.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions.
- Eligibility to join Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) offering highly beneficial tax advantages.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
The closing date for completed applications is midnight on 26 July 2026.
Interviews are provisionally booked to take place on 04 August 2026 and 05 August 2026
Head of People in Ripley employer: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its workforce, offering flexible working hours and a supportive work culture. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from generous annual leave, health and wellbeing services, and ongoing training opportunities, all while playing a vital role in shaping community-focused services. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we strive for continuous improvement and innovation in public service.
Contact Details:
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People in Ripley
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of People in Ripley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
