At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fire service communication projects and support the transition to the Emergency Services Network.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, transforming emergency communications across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, a competitive salary, and a 20% on-call allowance.
- Other info: Applications close on 24th July 2025; early applications are encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety and be part of a passionate, multi-agency team.
- Qualifications: Must be a Station Manager or competent Watch Manager in a UK Fire and Rescue Service.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 € per year.
Secondment –3 x Station Managers (SM) Fire Services Operational Communications Team
Open to Existing Station and Watch Managers
Hours- Grey Book 42 hours Flexible Working plus on call option
Pay – £55,301 plus 20% On-Call allowance (if applicable).
Length of secondment – 2 years
Closes midnight on 24th July 2025
Are you ready to play a pivotal role in transforming how fire and rescue services across England communicate?
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are seeking three dynamicFire Communications Officers. The secondees will work on a range of fire services operational communications projects but will predominantly be working with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) to assist on the delivery of Emergency Services Network (ESN). We are to recruit 3 Station Managers to acts as ESN Liaison Officers.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a vital workstream within the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), supporting the transition from the current Airwave system to the ESN.
Each of the three roles will be regionally focused, with successful applicants covering either the North, Midlands, or South of England. A key aspect of the role will be to drive consistency, foster collaboration, and support Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in their preparation for and transition to ESN.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary liaison for designated FRS regions, ensuring alignment and standardisation.
- Build strong relationships with FRS stakeholders, advocating for the ESN transition.
- Support FRSs with business change activities and readiness for transition from Airwave to ESN.
- Track and report on FRS progress, supporting delivery of key work packages.
- Represent the ESMCP at regional tactical board meetings and support regional leads.
- Conduct regular 1:1s with Project Managers and support Business Change and Assurance reviews.
- Provide guidance on ESN mobilisation and delivery, including technical and operational aspects.
- Identify and escalate risks, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
- Work on the MHCLG Fire Duty officer rota. If these duties are undertaken, a 20% flexi duty allowance will be paid.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills.
- A proactive leader who can inspire confidence and drive change.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and foster collaboration across diverse teams.
Why Join Us?
- Be at the forefront of a national transformation in emergency communications.
- Work with a passionate, multi-agency team dedicated to public safety.
- Make a tangible impact on the future of fire service operations across England.
Applicantsmust:
- Be a substantive Station Manager or a competent wholetime Watch Manager in a UK Fire and Rescue Service.
- Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement action plans or capability issues related to competency.
- Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
- Be willing to travel around the country as required for the role.
- Have the support and approval to undertake the secondment from your current FRS’s.
Applicants must complete and submit an application form which will require them to detail how they meet all the essential criteria for the role. Applicants should only write a maximum of 150 wordsfor each criteria detailed on the personnel specification.
Shortlisting
Following the closing date, submitted application forms will be forwarded to the Shortlisting Panel for consideration. All applicants will be advised via email and/or telephone call whether or not they have been successfully shortlisted.
Interview and presentation
Applicants will be required to present a 10-minute presentation followed by an interview, lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Timeline:
- Applications Closes:24th July 2025
- Presentation/Interview: Week Commencing 18 th August 2025
Applicants must submit an application form detailing how they meet all the essential criteria for the role to ACFO Keith Donnelly at keith.donnelly@homeoffice.gov.uk
The closing date for applications will be midnight 24th July 2025, However, we reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a large/sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, we encourage early applications.
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact either:
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual and/or Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in these allowance threshold(s) could result in a Tax charge.
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#J-18808-LjbffrMHCLG Secondment – 3 x Assistant Fire Communications Officers/ESN Liaison Officers employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Join the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as an Assistant Fire Communications Officer and be part of a transformative journey in emergency communications across England. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and public safety, we offer a supportive work culture that values your expertise and encourages professional growth through meaningful projects. Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on fire service operations while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to enhancing community safety.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MHCLG Secondment – 3 x Assistant Fire Communications Officers/ESN Liaison Officers
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Emergency Services Network (ESN) and its transition from the Airwave system. Understanding the technical aspects and operational implications will help you engage effectively with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current Station Managers or Watch Managers who have experience in similar roles. They can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the position, which will be invaluable for your presentation and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and fostered collaboration in your previous roles. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability as a proactive leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and their initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their goals and projects will show your commitment to the role and help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace MHCLG Secondment – 3 x Assistant Fire Communications Officers/ESN Liaison Officers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Fire Communications Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your Application:When detailing how you meet the essential criteria, be specific and provide examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and competencies. Use the maximum of 150 words wisely to convey your suitability for each criterion.
Highlight Communication Skills:Since strong communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial for this role, ensure you emphasise your experience in these areas. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse teams or stakeholders in the past.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is vital for a role that involves liaising with various stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Assistant Fire Communications Officer and the specifics of the Emergency Services Network (ESN). Familiarise yourself with the key objectives of the role and how they align with the goals of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
✨Prepare Your Presentation
Since you'll need to deliver a 10-minute presentation, choose a relevant topic that showcases your knowledge and skills. Practice your delivery to ensure clarity and confidence, and be ready to answer questions related to your presentation during the interview.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Highlight your experience in building relationships and engaging with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse teams or influenced change within your organisation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
As a proactive leader, it's essential to convey your ability to inspire confidence and drive change. Share instances where you've led projects or initiatives, particularly those that required managing multiple priorities and fostering collaboration.
