At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in workforce support and development at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a dedicated team committed to public service and community care.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pension, private healthcare, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be a change agent in a dynamic environment that values inclusivity and high performance.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in complex environments with a focus on inclusive culture and leadership.
- Other info: Informal discussions available with Assistant Chief Fire Officer for insights.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Transform how we lead. Help shape who we become. We are not standing still on our journey towards being an ‘Outstanding’ organisation; we are creating something new, and we are looking for someone exceptional to help us build it. At Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, we’re proud of our people. They are deeply committed to public service, often in challenging circumstances, and they deserve a workplace that reflects the same passion, purpose, and care that they bring to their communities.
That’s why we’ve created this brand-new role, Assistant Director, People & Culture, to lead a transformation of how we support, develop and empower our workforce. Sitting just below the Executive Team on our Senior Leadership Team, and leading a talented group of Heads of Function, you’ll be our most senior HR and OD professional: a change agent, employee relations expert, strategic partner, and visible champion of values-led leadership.
Keeping a clear eye on the horizon, you’ll help us stay ahead of the curve. From workforce demographics and employee expectations to sector-wide shifts and policy changes, you’ll identify and respond to future people challenges with ambition, inclusivity and resilience.
This is more than a traditional people leadership role. We’re looking for someone who can:
- Roll their sleeves up and deliver workforce and cultural reform at scale with clarity, accountability and impact.
- Lead strategic people transformation with compassion and credibility.
- Inspire trust and high performance across a complex, safety-critical organisation.
- Provide expert leadership on employee relations, navigating complex issues with fairness, confidence, and a clear understanding of organisational risk.
- Build a modern, inclusive, and proactive People & Culture portfolio that’s ready for the future.
If you’ve worked at a senior level in a complex environment, led diverse teams through change, and built inclusive cultures that empower people, we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need fire service experience, but you do need good practical hands-on experience, the ability to lead boldly, listen deeply, and think systemically.
In return, you’ll join a Service that is ready to evolve, with leadership that welcomes challenge and a workforce that cares deeply about what it does.
What we offer:
- Generous employer contribution pension scheme
- Working from our HQ in Hull with flexible and occasional hybrid working
- Employee assistance programme
- Access to gym facilities
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Free private healthcare
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car salary sacrifice
Key Dates:
- Closing date: midnight Monday 23rd June 2025
- Assessment Centre w/c 28th July 2025
- Interviews: w/c 28th July 2025
Assistant Director, People & Culture – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
msutcliffe@humbersidefire.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director, People & Culture – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the HR and organisational development fields. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles, especially those within public service. This can help you gain insights into the specific challenges and expectations of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's current initiatives and values. Understanding their mission and recent projects will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during interviews or informal chats.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in leading change within complex organisations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated employee relations and fostered inclusive cultures, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with current employees or alumni of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and what it takes to succeed in the Assistant Director role, helping you to better position yourself as a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director, People & Culture – Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Director, People & Culture position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in HR and organisational development. Emphasise your leadership roles, particularly in complex environments, and showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural reform.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also reflects your passion for public service and commitment to inclusivity. Use specific examples to illustrate how you can lead transformation and inspire trust within a diverse team.
Prepare for the Assessment Centre: Since there will be an assessment centre, prepare by practising common interview questions and scenarios related to people management and organisational change. Be ready to discuss your strategic vision and how you would approach the challenges outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Humberside Fire and Rescue Service's values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of becoming an 'Outstanding' organisation.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Experience
As the role involves leading workforce and cultural reform, be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed change. Highlight your approach, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes achieved.
✨Demonstrate Inclusivity in Leadership
Given the emphasis on building inclusive cultures, prepare to discuss how you've fostered inclusivity in previous roles. Share strategies you've implemented to empower diverse teams and create a supportive environment for all employees.
✨Prepare for Complex Employee Relations Scenarios
Expect questions related to employee relations and navigating complex issues. Think of scenarios where you've handled difficult situations with fairness and confidence, and be ready to explain your thought process and the results of your actions.