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- Tasks: Lead and manage the largest fire service outside London, ensuring effective service delivery.
- Company: Join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, a proud organization dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation support, and a comprehensive rewards program.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative change program in a stunning location while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience as a Brigade Manager with a track record in leading change and strategic thinking.
- Other info: Commitment to diversity and safeguarding; applications close on 3 February 2025.
The predicted salary is between 149130 - 149130 £ per year.
Permanent position
Remuneration: £149,130.00 salary with a provided car or taxable car allowance up to the value of £7,350.00.
Relocation support is available to a maximum of £17,374.00 (depending on personal circumstances), of which the first £8,000.00 is exempt from Tax and NI contributions.
Based at our Service Headquarters near Exeter.
Are you an ambitious and forward-thinking strategic leader? Would you like to love and work in one of the most stunning places in the UK?
We are seeking an innovative and influential leader who shares our values and ethics, to lead our organisation forward as our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO).
This is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, as our Deputy Chief Fire Officer. We are in the process of delivering a change programme, transforming the Service to ensure future sustainability as well as providing resilient services for the future challenges.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in England. We have a proud history of keeping people safe and providing prevention, protection, and response services across the local government areas of Devon County, Plymouth City, Somerset and Torbay Councils. We have 83 fire stations and over 1,900 highly skilled and motivated staff who work tirelessly to protect the 1.8 million people who live in our two counties, plus the 1.1 million people who come to Devon and Somerset on holiday each year.
Our Deputy Chief Fire Officer will report to, and support the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) in leading the Service. As part of the Executive Board, you will assist the CFO in creating a vision, direction and culture of the Service which builds public trust and confidence through the delivery of effective services.
As the DCFO you will be directly responsible for day-to-day management of the Service, ensuring that agreed policies are implemented effectively and performance managed. The DCFO will have responsibility for the Service directorate encompassing Response and Resilience and People.
You will be used to acting with authority under pressure to carry out operational command duties in the event of a major incident.
You will demonstrate a strong track record of innovation, transformation, and modernisation in a large organisation.
More information on the role, full job description / person specification, and benefits package can be found in the attached Application pack.
Benefits:
- Leading the largest fire service outside of London
- Relocation package (see page 13 of the application pack)
- Service provided vehicle or allowance.
- Competitive holiday entitlement
- Pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme provided in-house (wellbeing, counselling and physiotherapy provision)
- Comprehensive rewards and benefits programme.
- Lifestyle benefits – a vast range of national and local discounts and offers from retailers, as well as savings on travel, leisure and entertainment.
- Three yearly medical
- Various salary sacrifice schemes
You will be required to complete an application form via the apply link below, which will include the requirement for you to provide a Personal Impact Statement. Please use the ‘DCFO Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria’ template attached below and upload this when requested in the application form.
The personal impact statement relates to each of the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework as well as professional expertise. Your impact statement should focus on demonstrating your impact at ‘Leading the Service’ level.
The ‘DCFO Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria’ template attached also has a section for you to detail how you meet the following essential criteria from the Job Description and Person Specification.
- Strategic thinking and analysis, including formulating and implementing strategic issues across a large organisation.
- A performance focus with the drive to deliver agreed outcomes and raise standards of performance.
- Significant experience as a substantive Area / Brigade Manager leading significant change within a fire and rescue service with a track record in improving organisational effectiveness.
- A comprehensive knowledge of the financial and budgetary context in which a modern fire and rescue service operates.
The closing date for applications is Monday 3 February 2025 at 23:59. Shortlisting will take place from 10 February 2025 and the selection and interview process will take place during the weeks starting 17 February and 3 March 2025.
If having read the application pack you would like additional information, or an informal discussion, please contact Gavin Ellis by emailing .
Please note that the appointment is subject to successful Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS), Medical Screening, National Security Vetting to Developed Vetting (DV) and an Enhanced DBS Check.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
- We are proud to help
- We are honest
- We are respectful
- We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities we serve and aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to join our team.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £149,130.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 03/02/2025
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Deputy Chief Fire Officer employer: DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
Contact Detail:
DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Fire Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the NFCC Leadership Framework, as your Personal Impact Statement should align with its four quadrants. Highlight your leadership experiences and how they relate to leading a fire service effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your strategic thinking by preparing examples of how you've successfully implemented change in large organizations. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes and improvements you've achieved.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the current challenges facing fire and rescue services, particularly in the Devon and Somerset area. Being knowledgeable about local issues will show your commitment and readiness to lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former members of the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable information to tailor your application and interview responses.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer position. Review the job description and person specification carefully to align your application with what they are looking for.
Craft Your Personal Impact Statement: Use the 'DCFO Personal Impact Statement and Essential Criteria' template provided in the application pack. Focus on demonstrating your impact at the 'Leading the Service' level, addressing each quadrant of the NFCC Leadership Framework and how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize your significant experience as a substantive Area or Brigade Manager. Provide specific examples of how you have led change within a fire and rescue service and improved organizational effectiveness.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to review and edit your documents. Ensure that your personal impact statement is clear, concise, and free of errors. A well-polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE
✨Understand the Leadership Framework
Familiarize yourself with the NFCC Leadership Framework, especially the four quadrants. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with 'Leading the Service' and demonstrate your strategic thinking and analysis skills.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Experience
Highlight your significant experience in leading change within a fire and rescue service. Prepare specific examples that illustrate your track record in improving organizational effectiveness and delivering agreed outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your comprehensive knowledge of the financial and budgetary context in which a modern fire and rescue service operates. This will show your understanding of the operational challenges and your ability to manage resources effectively.
✨Prepare for Operational Command Scenarios
Since the role involves acting with authority under pressure, prepare for situational questions regarding major incidents. Think about past experiences where you had to make quick decisions and lead effectively during crises.
