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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engagement for Scotland's Fire and Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a vital public service dedicated to community safety across Scotland.
- Benefits: Make a national impact while working with a committed leadership team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fire and rescue services and inspire communities.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic communications and political engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for meaningful impact and career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The SFRS protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland. We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations.
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic leadership across all internal and external communications and engagement activity. You’ll guide the organisation’s narrative, strengthen relationships with critical partners, and advise senior leaders within a complex political and public sector environment. You will shape how SFRS engages with diverse communities, staff, government, media and partners – championing best practice, transparency, and innovation. Your work will help ensure that our people, stakeholders and the public are well informed, connected and inspired as we deliver our mission of working together for a safer Scotland. This is a politically restricted role due to its strategic scope and influence.
Strategic Communications & Engagement
- Set and deliver a national communications and engagement strategy aligned to SFRS corporate priorities.
- Provide expert strategic advice to the Chief Officer, Executive Boards and the Strategic Leadership Team on emerging political and partnership issues.
- Lead high-impact campaigns, change communications and corporate messaging across Scotland.
- Shape and protect SFRS’s reputation through proactive, evidence-based external communications.
Stakeholder & Political Engagement
- Build effective relationships with Scottish Government, UK Government, local authorities, representative bodies and partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
- Support parliamentary scrutiny, media engagement, consultations and senior-level briefings.
- Lead public consultation processes and strengthen SFRS’s national presence and influence.
Internal Communications & Workforce Engagement
- Develop and deliver an engaging internal communications strategy to ensure staff feel informed, connected and valued.
- Inspire a culture of openness and two-way communication, ensuring employees can meaningfully shape how services are delivered.
Leadership & Management
- Lead a high-performing Communications & Engagement function, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Manage budgets, resources, contracts and risks to ensure best value for the organisation.
- Represent SFRS at national boards, committees and external forums.
About You
- We’re looking for a senior communications leader with exceptional strategic insight, political awareness and relationship-building expertise.
- You will bring a degree or equivalent experience in a relevant professional discipline.
- Significant experience leading strategic communications and engagement in a complex, politically sensitive environment.
- Strong capability in internal and external communications, media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.
- A proven track record in delivering public-sector communications, consultations and high-impact campaigns.
- Outstanding influencing, interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Experience managing budgets, risk and organisational performance.
- Personal resilience, strong judgement, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
- Experience advising executive leaders on political matters.
- Understanding of the strategic landscape of fire and rescue services in Scotland.
- Knowledge of GCS/AMEC frameworks.
- Experience in project planning and governance.
Why Join SFRS?
SFRS offers a unique opportunity to make a difference at national scale — supporting safer communities and shaping the future of a vital public service. You will join a highly committed leadership team working in partnership to deliver meaningful and lasting impact across Scotland.
For further information or a confidential discussion, contact Jaclyn Needham via applications@fwbltd.com or call the Edinburgh office on +44 131 539 7087. Please note that the closing date for applications is Friday 10th April 2026 at 12:00 noon.
Head of Communications & Engagement employer: UK Agri-Tech Centre
Contact Detail:
UK Agri-Tech Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications & Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role and the SFRS.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of Communications & Engagement. Highlight your strategic insight and relationship-building skills, as these are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications & Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and mission of SFRS. Show us that you get what we do and why it matters!
Be Clear and Concise: We love a good story, but when it comes to applications, clarity is key! Keep your sentences short and to the point. Highlight your achievements and experiences without fluff – we want to see your impact right away.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: As a senior communications leader, we’re looking for someone who can think strategically. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully navigated complex environments and led impactful campaigns. Give us the juicy details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at SFRS!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Agri-Tech Centre
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research SFRS and its strategic priorities. Understand their mission and how they engage with diverse communities. This will help you tailor your responses to show that you’re aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
Prepare examples of your past experiences where you successfully led strategic communications in politically sensitive environments. Be ready to discuss how you navigated challenges and built relationships with key stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about how you can inspire a culture of collaboration and innovation within a team. Share specific instances where you’ve led high-performing teams and how you managed resources effectively to achieve results.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their current communication strategies or how they measure the impact of their engagement efforts. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.