At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic people development and drive cultural change within South Wales Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a dedicated team committed to community service and organisational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, lease car scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a transformative journey in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our workforce and make a real impact on community safety.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication skills required.
The opportunity: To support our mission and meet evolving needs, South Wales Fire & Rescue Service is creating a Head of Organisational Development (OD) role. This is a new senior post that will work alongside the Head of People Services, with a dedicated focus on strategic people development, culture, and change. The Head of OD will report directly to the Director of People Services and OD and will uphold our Service’s core values of being Compassion, Courage, Respect, Integrity, Excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the Service’s journey of transformation. We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative leader who can drive cultural and organisational development across the Service, ensuring our workforce is engaged, inclusive, high-performing and future ready.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the Service’s culture, talent, and leadership for the future. The Head of OD will provide strategic leadership on all aspects of organisational development, from talent management and leadership development programmes to driving equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement (DICE) initiatives.
Working at the heart of our senior management team, you will build and maintain high performance, champion our values, and deliver improvements that will enhance the services we provide to our communities. This is a significant and exciting opportunity to influence how we attract, develop, and retain our people, and to help strengthen the Service’s role within the wider public service context in Wales and the UK.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic planning, organisational and people development skills. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities are essential, with the confidence and credibility to influence at senior levels and inspire teams across the Service.
You will be adept at advising Fire & Rescue Authority members and other key stakeholders, and comfortable collaborating with external partners (such as Welsh Government, the National Fire Chiefs Council, and other fire and rescue services) to share best practice and drive innovation. We are looking for an individual with a broad range of experience in organisational development, and the ability to make effective decisions based on sound judgement and evidence.
As a champion of inclusion, wellbeing and cultural change, you will design and implement initiatives that foster a positive, fair, and inclusive working environment. You should be resilient and adaptable, leading by example to embed our values and continuously improve our Service’s culture and performance. If you have a passion for developing people, driving organisational improvement and building an inclusive culture, we want to hear from you.
Salary: £74,360 per annum (pay award pending) plus access to Service lease car scheme
Contract type: Full Time
Closing date: July 23 2026
Head of Organisational Development – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
South Wales Fire & Rescue Service is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion, courage, respect, integrity, and excellence. As the Head of Organisational Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a high-performing, inclusive workforce while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With opportunities to collaborate with key stakeholders and influence organisational change, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a lasting impact within the community and the wider public service context in Wales.
Contact Details:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Head of Organisational Development – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Organisational Development – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
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