At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver engaging training sessions to build essential skills.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council's innovative Learning and Development team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous leave entitlements.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Teaching or adult learning qualification preferred; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council Address: Fire Service Training Centre, Wattisham IP7 7RA - Onsite
Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time). This is also open to current Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service grey book operational staff at Crew Manager level in accordance with NJC pay scales.
Hours: 37 or 42 hours per week* - Flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
*Salary and working hours vary depending on whether you are appointed on operational fire officer terms, or local government terms. Full details are provided in the Job and Person Profile (found in the 'How to apply' section below).
Please note: This role is open to learning and development specialists from both fire and rescue services and other sectors.
As a Learning and Development Support Officer, you will play a key role in planning, delivering, and maintaining training across Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. You will help shape learning solutions, support development activities, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
What we are looking for:
- Plan and deliver engaging training sessions that build essential skills.
- Work closely with the Learning and Development Adviser to design creative learning solutions.
- Identify development needs and help close performance gaps.
- Provide constructive feedback to individuals and teams.
- Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, recommending improvements.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
This is more than a job - it's your opportunity to make a real impact. Join a supportive team that champions creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Every day will bring new challenges and chances to grow, and your work will play a vital role in protecting and improving the safety and wellbeing of communities across Suffolk.
What we are looking for:
- A teaching or adult learning qualification (or willingness to gain one); Assessor/IQA qualifications desirable.
- Evidence of continuous professional development.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills; calm and adaptable under pressure.
- Ability to design and deliver engaging training for adult learners.
- ICT proficiency and understanding of learning environments and relevant legislation.
- A creative, solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
- Willingness to travel across Suffolk; operational firefighters must be fully competent.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team:
Our Learning and Development team plays a vital role in supporting Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. We ensure every colleague has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform effectively and keep our communities safe. Every training session and development plan strengthens our service, builds resilience, and ultimately helps protect lives. It's work we take seriously and are proud to deliver.
We live by Suffolk County Council's WE ASPIRE values, working together, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We share ideas openly, support each other through challenges, and celebrate successes as a team. You'll find us approachable, creative, and committed to continuous improvement. We also value inclusion and fairness, ensuring everyone feels respected and heard.
Empowering Everyone:
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).
For more information:
Please contact Helen Hope for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260196 or emailing: helen.hope@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply:
- Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
- Step 2 - Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
- Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile section of the JPP.
- Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11 January 2026. Interview date: 19 January 2026.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career.
In return, you'll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Learning and Development Support Officer in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. As a Learning and Development Support Officer, you will have access to flexible working options, extensive training opportunities, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, all while making a meaningful impact on the safety and wellbeing of communities across Suffolk.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning and Development Support Officer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for learning! Be ready to share examples of how you've designed engaging training sessions or supported development activities in the past. This will demonstrate your fit for the Learning and Development Support Officer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning and Development Support Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a good look at the Job and Person Profile. This will give you a clear idea of what we're looking for and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to address how you meet each criterion in the Person Profile. Be specific and share examples that highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
Keep Your CV Relevant:When uploading your CV, remember to remove your name and personal details. Focus on showcasing your relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Learning and Development Support Officer role.
Be Authentic:We value genuine applications, so let your personality come through! Avoid using AI-generated content and instead, share your own thoughts and ideas. This will help us see the real you and how you can contribute to our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Learning and Development Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service's training programmes and their approach to continuous improvement. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since the role involves designing engaging training solutions, be prepared to discuss your creative ideas during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented innovative training methods or addressed performance gaps. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others in previous positions. Highlight your strong communication skills and your ability to build relationships with both internal and external partners. This will show that you align with the team's values and can contribute positively.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure training effectiveness. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
