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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in fire and rescue services, ensuring community safety and wellbeing.
- Company: County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, a trusted and high-performing organisation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the future of public service and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, relevant postgraduate degree, and Fire Service Incident Command Level 4.
- Other info: Join us in a dynamic environment focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious, visionary leader ready to shape the future of fire and rescue services? County Durham and Darlington Combined Fire Authority is seeking an exceptional individual to join our leadership team as Deputy Chief Fire Officer. We are looking for someone who can deliver a professional, innovative, and high‑performing service, ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities while meeting all statutory and legal responsibilities.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future direction of a service that is proud to be recognised as high performing, forward‑thinking, and trusted by the communities we serve. Our vision is clear: “Safest People, Safest Places.” To achieve this, we need a leader who can drive transformation, embrace innovation, and work collaboratively with partners during a period of financial challenge for public services.
Your ability to lead change, inspire confidence, and maintain excellence will help us stand out and continue delivering outstanding services. We are looking for an individual with a proven track record of senior leadership and delivering organisational change in complex, political, and unionised environments. Someone with strong skills in strategic planning, resource management, and decision‑making, with the resilience and creativity to navigate competing priorities.
Has a leadership style that is inclusive, engaging, and committed to diversity, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Applicants must have experience at a senior executive level, have a relevant degree (postgraduate) appropriate to the post and have completed a MAGIC course. You should be qualified to and operating at Fire Service Incident Command Level 4 to take an active role in the Executive rota.
If you have the vision, resilience, and leadership skills to shape the future of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to make a real difference, driving innovation, delivering excellence, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our communities.
For informal discussions only, prior to the application deadline, please contact Chief Fire Officer, Steve Helps, on 030300 32929.
The deadline for applications is 0900 hours on 6 February 2026. Assessment Centre: 13 February 2026. Final Interview: 19 February 2026.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer – County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service in North East employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Fire Officer – County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. They can give you insider info on the culture and what it takes to succeed in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent initiatives and challenges faced by the service. Show us that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely invested in the future of fire and rescue services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven change and inspired teams in previous roles. We want to hear about your resilience and creativity in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Fire Officer – County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership style. We want to see how you engage and inspire others, especially in challenging environments. Use examples that showcase your inclusive approach and commitment to diversity.
Demonstrate Your Vision: We’re looking for someone who can shape the future of our service. In your application, share your vision for fire and rescue services and how you plan to drive transformation. Be bold and innovative – we love fresh ideas!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your senior leadership experience and any organisational change you've successfully led. We want to know how you've navigated complex situations and what strategies you used to achieve results.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to really understand the vision of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goal of 'Safest People, Safest Places' and how you can contribute to driving transformation in the service.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your proven track record in senior leadership roles, especially in complex environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully delivered organisational change and navigated political landscapes, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role requires working collaboratively with partners, be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Share instances where you've engaged diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and resource management skills. Think about past situations where you had to make tough decisions under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of those decisions.
