Group Manager, Learning and Development

Benefits
Salary and Grade – £57,743 – £64,013 per annum plus 20% Flexible Duty Allowance.

Location – Our new Learning and Development Centre, Reading

Lease car scheme, superb pension schemes available, onsite gym and parking facilities, excellent health care support through Benenden and additional support through our Occupational Health provider and Fitness and Health Adviser

Other information about our benefits can be found on our website

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is a progressive and community-focused organisation that works as one team to deliver services to the people of Berkshire. We have an engaged and dedicated team of some 700diverse and talented individuals, an inclusive culture as well as a commitment to the training, development and wellbeing of our people.

We are looking for adynamic, adaptable and resilient person to join our Service in the critical role of Group Manager, Learning and Development, taking responsibility for the effective management, performance and delivery of operational learning and development policy, process, resources and activities.

Based at our new Learning and Development Centre this exciting and challenging role offers a unique opportunity to shape and tailor operational learning and development design and delivery, providing assurance that our teams have the knowledge, understanding and skills to be capable and confident in their roles, therefore supporting the effective provision of our services to meet the needs of our communities. ​​​​​​​

About you:

​​​​​​​You will bring experience of delivering effective learning and development activities and will be motivated, forward-thinking and progressive in approach. Acting with integrity and operating with credibility as you seek opportunities to lead continuous improvement and change initiatives within your areas of responsibility. You’ll be:

people focused, with proven ability to lead teams, inspiring high performance
able to drive forward change in a complex and dynamic organisation
passionate in improving and delivering services 
have a good understanding of local and national issues affecting the sector

Other Considerations / Eligibility:

Applications will be accepted from Group Managers, Station Managers or Competent Watch Managers in receipt of CPD, with evidence of acquisition of knowledge and understanding relating to people and process management. Competent in ICS L2 with relevant / ongoing incident command experience / organisational assurance. Teaching and assessing qualifications are also required.

You will need to successfully acquire L3 Advanced Incident Command qualification (Skills for Justice Awards – Fire) within 6 months of appointment, as appropriate.

You will be required to pass a relevant medical assessment as appropriate, and a fitness test (or evidence of recent pass). 

Please note that 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

​​​​​​​If you are interested in applying for this position, please click Apply now

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Stage One:

Please submit a CV and a supporting statement (restricted to 1500 words) detailing how your behaviours, knowledge, skills and experience meet the job profile / person specification for the role. Please note that initial shortlisting will be based on the criteria flagged with* in the job profile, other aspects will be explored throughout the selection process.

Closing date for applications is 09:00 hours on Monday7 July 2025

Stage Two:

Role specific task and competency based interview

Anticipated date w/c 21 July 2025

Stage Three:

Values and behaviours interview – TBC

For an informal discussion about the role please contact recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange a telephone conversation with Becci Jefferies, Head of Human Resources and Learning and Development or Nikki Richards, Director of Corporate Services / Deputy Chief Executive.

For further details about the application and selection processor to discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you please contact Ellece Ott, Resourcing Adviser at otte@rbfrs.co.uk
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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behavioural Competency Framework as attached.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Our Commitments:

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.