We are pleased to announce that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) is starting an External Watch Manager Talent Pool process, which will run alongside our internal process.
This is an exciting opportunity for external candidates to demonstrate their leadership capabilities and be considered for future Watch Manager vacancies as they arise.
Key Dates
- Applications open: 00:01, 24 April 2026
- Applications close: 23:59, 03 May 2026
- Shortlisting: 05-06 May 2026
- Shortlisting outcomes released: 06 May 2026
- E‑Learning course released to shortlisted candidates: 06 May 2026
- Candidate webinar with VCA:
- 11 May at 10:00 and/or
- 13 May at 14:00
- Watch Manager VCA‑led Assessments: one day’s attendance on either 18 or 21
- May 2026 (LFRS Service Headquarters)
- VCA Results communicated: by 5 June 2026
- Incident command assessment (for candidates successful at VCA): w/c 8 June 2026
- Results communicated: by end of June 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Essential:
- Substantive and competent Wholetime Watch Manager seeking transfer to LFRS, or substantive and competent Wholetime Crew Manager.
- Currently employed within a local authority Fire and Rescue Service
- Current level 1 ICS qualification in line with SFJ and NFCC guidance (you will be invited to attend an incident command assessment, and successful candidates will be required to complete any development identified before becoming operational within Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service)
- A full, current UK, EC or EEA driving licence
- Not currently subject to any active performance or capability management process
- Successful completion of the NFCC Supervisory Leadership Development Programme (SLDP) or an accredited Level 3 Leadership & Management qualification, such as:
o Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management (ILM/CMI)
o Level 3 NVQ in Leadership and Management
o Level 3 Leadership and Management Apprenticeship (Team Leader)
What the Process Involves
As part of your application, you will be required to:
- Complete an application form
- Undertake the relevant assessments
For more information about the VCA assessments involved in this process, please click here to watch a short explanatory video.
If you decide that you no longer wish to continue with the process, please ensure that you withdraw by 8 May; otherwise, costs will be incurred.
All candidates will be assessed against the NFCC Leadership Framework, so we strongly encourage you to review this in advance to support your preparation.
Potential Outcomes
Following completion of the process, candidates may receive one of the following outcomes:
- Successful – You will be placed in the LFRS Watch Manager Eligible Talent Pool and notified of relevant vacancies as they arise (a selection process will apply). Once appointed you will be given a development programme that covers all of the LFRS specific Management modules, along with any minor development identified within the assessment process, which must be completed within up to 12 months.
- Development – You have demonstrated potential but will need to complete further development before becoming eligible for the talent pool.
- Unsuccessful – You have not met the required standard on this occasion. You will be provided with a Development Plan which you will be required to complete and evidence within up to 12-months.
LFRS wishes you every success with your application and looks forward to supporting you on the next stage of your leadership journey.
