Contract: 12-month fixed term contract (maternity cover), 22.2 hours per week
Salary:£39,841.00 per annum (pro rata), equating to £23904.60 for working 22.2 hours per week.
Help Shape Communications That Make a Difference.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, serving the communities of Devon and Somerset through prevention, protection and emergency response.
We are looking for a talented and creativeCommunications Business Partner to join our Communications and Engagement team on a 12-month fixed term maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how we communicate with our people and stakeholders, helping to support the Service in creating a safer world for everyone.
About the role:
As a Communications Business Partner, you will act as the main communications contact for designated service areas, building strong relationships with colleagues and senior leaders to understand their objectives and deliver effective communications solutions.
You will develop and deliver engaging campaigns, create compelling content, provide expert communications advice and evaluate the impact of activities to ensure successful outcomes. Working closely with colleagues across the Communications and Engagement team, you will help maintain and enhance the Service's reputation while ensuring communications are targeted, accessible and effective.
Find out more:
Key responsibilities:
You will:
- Build strong relationships with service areas, understanding their priorities and communication needs.
- Develop and deliver creative, audience focused communications campaigns and plans.
- Create engaging content across a range of channels and formats.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on communications best practice.
- Identify emerging opportunities, risks and priorities, contributing to forward planning and annual communications activity.
- Work collaboratively across the Communications and Engagement team to maximise impact.
- Develop positive relationships with local, regional and trade media.
- Ensure communications are on-brand, clear, accessible and tailored to the intended audience.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on communications activity and outcomes.
- Support communications during incidents and emergency situations, including participation in an out of hours communications rota if required.
- Promote continuous improvement by staying up to date with developments across the communications profession.
- Support a positive learning culture and contribute to colleagues professional development.
What we offer:
- Flexible working arrangements
- More than five weeks of annual leave (pro-rata)
- Family-friendly policies
- Gym access and fitness support
- Learning and development opportunities
- Blue Light Membership and associated discounts
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Access to the Firefighters Charity
- Cycle to Work Scheme
Closing Date: 2359hrs 8 November 2026.
What we're looking for:
We are seeking an experienced communications professional who can build strong relationships, think strategically and deliver high-quality communications activity.
You will be confident advising colleagues and their senior leaders, developing engaging campaigns and content, managing competing priorities, measuring the effectiveness of communications activity.
Most importantly, you'll be passionate about delivering clear, impactful communications that help support organisational objectives, and strengthen engagement with our audiences.
This is an opportunity to join a respected public service organisation where your work will have a direct impact on colleagues, communities and partners across Devon and Somerset.
You'll work as part of a supportive and professional team, helping to tell important stores, drive engagement and support an organisation dedicated to keeping people safe.
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services' Safeguarding Policy.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
- We are proud to help
- We are honest
- We are respectful
- We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.
Job number
PS00893
Internal / external
External
Job type
Support
Location
Exeter
Contract type
Temporary/Fixed term
£23,904.60 per annum (Full time equivalent is £39,841)
Hours of work
22.2
22 Oct 2026
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Communications Business Partner in Exeter employer: Somerset Fire
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values employee well-being and professional growth. With hybrid working options and generous leave, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while contributing to vital public service initiatives in Exeter. The organisation prioritises continuous development, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles.
