At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the People Directorate, shaping workforce culture and strategy for Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a vital public service committed to community safety and organisational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion while leading a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives and drive positive change in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified with significant experience in People and OD strategies.
The predicted salary is between 123513 - 123513 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to join Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service as Director of People and help shape the future of our workforce, culture and organisational capability. As a member of the Executive Team, you will play a pivotal role in providing visible strategic leadership across People Services, Organisational Development, Equality and Inclusion, and Training and Assurance. You will be central to enabling the Service to deliver its purpose, vision, Community Risk Management Plan and wider strategic priorities.
You will be responsible for:
- Leading the strategic direction and performance of the People Directorate, including HR, employee relations, wellbeing, payroll, organisational development, and operational training and assurance.
- Being the principal advisor to the Fire Authority and Senior Executive Team on all people matters, ensuring that people strategy, culture, inclusion, workforce planning and organisational development are fully aligned to corporate priorities and operational delivery.
- Providing visible, values-led leadership across the Service, championing equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding lessons from national reviews, strengthening leadership and career pathways, and ensuring the organisation has the right people, skills and capability for the future.
- Leading the development of high-performing people services that are efficient, effective, trusted and focused on continuous improvement.
Qualifications required:
- CIPD qualified to Level 7
- Relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification and experience
Experience and skills required:
- Significant experience of leading and developing People and OD strategies within a complex organisation
- Thorough understanding of UK employment law, statutory requirements and current employment practice
- Strong understanding of how proactive HR and OD support organisational and operational delivery in the public sector
- Knowledge of the strategic issues and challenges facing public services and fire and rescue services, including operating within a unionised environment
- Evidence of embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in strategy, policy, practice and culture
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare strategic reports, briefings and recommendations
We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people of any colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability are welcome. If there are any adaptions or adjustments we can make to help you in your application, or with our recruitment process, please contact us via e-mail or telephone.
Everyone who works with us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact us.
For further information about the role please review the job description.
Salary: £123,513 per annum + Car Allowance
Contract type: Full Time
Closing date: August 9 2026
Director of People – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in London 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
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited..
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.'s values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with National Fire Chiefs Council Limited..
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
