At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert HR advice and support to drive positive change across the organisation.
- Company: Join Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, a top-performing emergency service.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, generous leave, health services, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Agile working arrangements and supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your HR career.
- Qualifications: HR advisory experience and a relevant degree or Level 5 CIPD qualification required.
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade G £41,771 - £47,181 per annum
Location: Fire Service Headquarters, Ripley
Hours: 37 hours per week Monday to Friday; however, you may occasionally need to work beyond normal office hours. Agile working arrangements can be discussed with the successful candidate.
Department: Human Resources (HR)
Reports to: Senior HR Partner - Operations
Closing date: midnight on 10 May 2026
About Us: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is an emergency service with a team of over 800 people working towards the vision of ‘Making Derbyshire Safer Together’. We’re proud to be one of the country’s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated ‘Good’ in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This recognition reflects the professionalism, progress, and dedication of our people. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents, or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes, every role makes a real difference. We work to our values of - Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Openness, Teamwork and Ambition.
This role will work in partnership with business areas to provide advice and deliver on all aspects of employee relations including complex casework, policy development, recruitment and projects.
What we are looking for: An experienced HR professional with a strong background in employee relations. You will be confident in advising and influencing managers at all levels. The role requires someone who is resilient and professional, with the ability to handle sensitive and complex situations as well as being highly organised, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage conflicting demands.
About the role: Working within the HR Services Team you will work in partnership with managers across the Service to deliver professional, HR advice and solutions that drive positive organisational change and performance. You will provide HR support across a wide range of employee relations matters, policy development, organisational change and people management initiatives, ensuring processes are inclusive and our people are supported, engaged and treated fairly. There will be a requirement for some travel for which a pool car will be provided.
Required Qualifications and Experience: To be successful in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:
- Experience of working in HR at an advisory level
- Experience of casework management and policy development
- Have a degree level HR related qualification / Level 5 CIPD qualification
- Full driving licence and ability to travel across Derbyshire
What We Offer in Return: We believe in rewarding our people with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- 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 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) Pension Scheme (FPS) 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 10 May 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 18 May 2026.
HR Partner in Ripley employer: Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
Contact Detail:
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Partner in Ripley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in an HR Partner.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of employee relations and casework management. We want to show that we can handle complex situations with ease, so think of examples from our past experiences that highlight our skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service’s values! We should align our answers with their focus on Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Openness, Teamwork, and Ambition during the interview to demonstrate that we’re a perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Partner in Ripley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Partner role. Highlight your experience in employee relations and how it aligns with our values at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in advising and influencing managers can make a difference. Use specific examples to illustrate your expertise in handling complex situations.
Be Professional Yet Personable: While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. We value openness and teamwork, so showing your ability to connect with others can set you apart.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employee relations and casework management. Familiarise yourself with the values of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, as they’ll be looking for candidates who align with their mission of 'Making Derbyshire Safer Together'.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully advised managers or handled complex situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the HR team’s current projects or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As an HR Partner, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. During the interview, listen actively and respond thoughtfully to show that you can engage effectively with various stakeholders.