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- Tasks: Lead fire safety audits and educate businesses on compliance with fire safety laws.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, superb pension scheme, and onsite gym facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a Competent Crew Manager with Level 1 Incident Command qualification.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 44038 - 48202 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Watch Manager (B) – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator to join our Service Delivery Directorate. This important role sits at the forefront of protecting Berkshire’s communities and supporting a safer built environment. As a key member of the Business Fire Safety team, you will help ensure that local businesses understand and meet their responsibilities under fire safety legislation, while also contributing to the wider prevention and economic resilience agenda across the county.
In this role, you will deliver high quality fire safety audits, provide targeted education and guidance to responsible persons, to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. You will also conduct Tier 2 fire investigations as part of the Thames Valley Forensic Fire Investigation Unit, providing professional analysis, supporting evidential requirements, and contributing to organisational learning and legal processes. This is a critical position for someone who is passionate about improving public safety and committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism within RBFRS.
About you
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.
- Confidence, resilience and commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
- Ability to make effective decisions and deliver practical solutions.
- Commitment to personal development and the development of others.
- Awareness of risk and ability to work safely in varied environments.
Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience)
- Deliver targeted fire safety education and advice to businesses.
- Conduct statutory and non‑statutory fire safety audits and maintain accurate records.
- Provide Tier 2 fire investigations for the Thames Valley Forensic Fire Investigation Unit and act as an expert witness.
- Maintain operational competence including Level 1 Incident Command.
- Lead, support and develop team members to achieve objectives and maintain high performance.
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies, building control, local authorities and enforcement bodies.
Eligibility
Applications are restricted to Competent Crew Managers or above who have successfully completed a Level 1 Incident Command qualification and have maintained their knowledge and skills. Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills, and experience against the relevant Personal Specification contained within the Job Profile.
You will be required to pass a relevant medical assessment as appropriate, and a fitness test (or evidence of recent pass).
Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.
Application and Selection Process
Stage One: Supporting Statement Eligible staff wishing to apply for this role should apply through the portal, submitting a Supporting Statement (restricted to 1000 words). If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply now. Applicants will be expected to detail their knowledge, skills and experience against the relevant Job Profile/Person Specification.
Stage Two: Role based task and Behavioural and Competency‑based Interview Shortlisted candidates will be assessed for suitability for the role by means of a behavioural and competency‑based interview alongside a presentation task. Please see the role based presentation task instructions which are provided in advance to allow you to start considering your approach. If you are successful at shortlisting, you will deliver the presentation and have a professional discussion before interview. The task led assignment is a presentation lasting no longer than 15 minutes on the following topic: Outline a range of activities and interventions that could be delivered by the business fire safety team to reduce risk at businesses across Berkshire.
Timelines
Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form. Closing date for applications is 09:00 hours on the 13th April 2026 at 09:00. Task Due: May 8th 2026 at 09:00. It is anticipated that assessment process will run week commencing 11th May 2026. Anticipated start date: 25th May 2026.
Disclosure and Barring Service
Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, that is appropriate to the role applied for. Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Statement.
Information and Support
For further details regarding the role, please contact Group Manager Dan Pithers (pithersd@rbfrs.co.uk) to arrange an informal discussion. Please see the link to the Job Profile. For more information regarding the application process, please contact Coaching and Resourcing Assistant Esme Dunne (Dunnee@rbfrs.co.uk) or Recruitment@RBFRS.co.uk.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work. Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.
Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application. All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Disability Confident Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme). To find out more: https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/your-service/about-us/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment. Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.
Watch Manager – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator in Reading employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Contact Detail:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Watch Manager – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, their values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the behavioural and competency-based interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget the presentation! Make sure you’re clear on the topic and practice delivering it within the time limit. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role, showing how your ideas can help reduce risks for businesses in Berkshire.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at RBFRS. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Watch Manager – Business Fire Safety Advisor and Fire Investigator in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure you clearly outline your knowledge, skills, and experience that match the job profile. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, you've got a 1000-word limit, so make every word count!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Watch Manager, strong communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you effectively convey information and work with others. Whether it's through examples or anecdotes, let us see your ability to engage and educate.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your experience, be specific about your previous roles and responsibilities. Highlight any relevant fire safety audits or investigations you've conducted. This will help us understand how your background aligns with the role and what you can bring to the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our portal! It's the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Fire Safety Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Understanding this legislation is crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss how it impacts businesses and what responsibilities they have under it.
✨Prepare for the Presentation Task
You'll need to deliver a presentation on activities that can reduce risk at businesses. Think creatively about interventions and be ready to back them up with examples. Practise your delivery to ensure you stay within the 15-minute limit.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Watch Manager, strong communication is key. Be ready to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated fire safety advice in the past. Use specific examples to highlight your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience
This role involves leading and developing team members. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've supported others in achieving their objectives. Show that you're committed to personal development as well as that of your team.