Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Deputy Chief Fire Officer

Exeter Full-Time 149130 - 149130 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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 in leadership roles within fire and rescue services is essential.
  • Other info: Applications close on February 3, 2025; join us in safeguarding our communities!

The predicted salary is between 149130 - 149130 £ per year.

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.

Find out more and apply

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

Here are the benefits you can expect:

  • 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
  • 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

Our Identity

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.

Our values

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 number

PS00747

Internal / external

External

Job type

Wholetime

Location

Exeter

Contract type

Permanent

07 Jan 2025

03 Feb 2025

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Deputy Chief Fire Officer employer: Dsfire

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary of £149,130 along with generous relocation support and a service vehicle or allowance. Our vibrant work culture emphasizes innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth as you lead the largest non-metropolitan fire service in England, all while enjoying the stunning surroundings of Exeter.
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Contact Detail:

Dsfire 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 that demonstrate strategic thinking and operational command under pressure.

✨Tip Number 2

Research recent changes and challenges faced by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Being knowledgeable about their current transformation initiatives will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of your past achievements in leading significant change within a fire and rescue service. Be ready to discuss how these experiences have improved organizational effectiveness and performance standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees 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

Strategic Leadership
Operational Command
Change Management
Performance Management
Financial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Risk Assessment
Team Development
Public Trust Building
Crisis Management
Innovation and Transformation
Communication Skills
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Knowledge of Fire and Rescue Services

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer position. Review the job description and person specification carefully to align your experience with their requirements.

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've 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 Dsfire

✨Understand the Leadership Framework

Familiarize yourself with the NFCC Leadership Framework, as your personal impact statement should reflect your ability to lead at the 'Leading the Service' level. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with strategic thinking and analysis.

✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Experience

Highlight your significant experience in leading change within a fire and rescue service. Prepare specific examples that showcase your track record in improving organizational effectiveness and delivering agreed outcomes.

✨Showcase Financial Acumen

Be ready to discuss your comprehensive knowledge of the financial and budgetary context in which modern fire and rescue services operate. This will demonstrate your capability to manage resources effectively.

✨Emphasize Your Values

Align your responses with the values of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service: helping others, honesty, respect, and teamwork. Show how you embody these values in your leadership style and decision-making processes.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer
Dsfire
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  • Deputy Chief Fire Officer

    Exeter
    Full-Time
    149130 - 149130 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-02-04

  • D

    Dsfire

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