999 Control Officer

Control Officers – London Fire Brigade
Salary: starting salary £37,229.33 with annual salary progression increase up to £47,358.43*
*exclusive of national pay awards.
Application closing date: 4PM on 04 October 2024

The London Fire Brigade is the busiest Fire and Rescue Service in the UK, taking over 200,000 999 calls a year.

Servicing the nation’s Capital is a task like no other, aside from the many major events that our Control room supports, such as Pride in London, Notting Hill Carnival and the State Opening of Parliament, we respond to calls for help from two major airports, 272 Underground stations, 334 train Stations, 84 hospitals and 8.9 million Londoners. The variety of incidents that we attend is unmatched elsewhere.

We are looking for Control Operators to join our team. Working on one of six watches you will take 999 calls and mobilise Firefighters from 102 Fire Stations and our River Station. Once we have arrived on scene, you will work with Officers and partner agencies to safely resolve an incident. During less busy periods you may be undertaking watch-based training or supporting Firefighters in a Fire Survival Guidance exercise.

Our newly renovated, purpose-built Control room is based in Merton, South West London. We offer a generous starting salary as well as many benefits, including a free on-site gym, cooking and rest facilities. For those looking to progress their careers in the future, we offer the chance to train as a National Control Liaison Officer or Command Support Officer alternatively you may choose to work with our Training Team or Business Support Team.

Our team works across six watches, following a three on – three off shift pattern, a 12 hour day shift (08:00-20:00), an eight hour mid shift (08:00-16:00 or 14:00-22:00) and a 12 hour night shift (20:00-08:00), followed by three days off.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate our values, Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Equity, Courage and Learning. Giving the best service to Londoners means that we have to be dynamic in our approach, candidates should be open to change and continuous professional development.

Is this the career for you?

• Would you like a role that is fulfilling which helps saves lives?
• Could you talk someone through their most distressing moments whilst being calm and compassionate?
• Could you work flexibly on a day and night shift pattern, including some holidays and celebrations?
• Are you able to communicate clearly and follow systems under intense pressure?
• Do you like working as part of a team?

If you answered yes and think you have what it takes, then we would love to hear from you.

Successful candidates will need to attend an eleven-week training course held Monday to Friday and will be subject to a nine-month probationary period.

Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.

We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Eligibility
In order to apply, you must meet the following criteria at the point of application:

• Be eligible to live and work in the UK without restrictions.
• Not have any live formal disciplinary sanctions.
• Not be in a formal capability process.
• Be medically fit to undertake the role.

The role will also require an enhanced DBS check.

Assessment Overview
Stage 1

To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:

1 – The ability to communicate professionally with colleagues and members of the public.
2 – How you have demonstrated your commitment to personal development and learning in current/previous roles or education.

Please note that we will evaluate score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above. The CV is for information purposes only and will not be marked.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend Stage 2.

Stage 2

Online Simucall assessment

Candidates can either complete the assessment at home or, if they would prefer, come to the London Operations Centre to complete the assessment there week commencing 14th October. Please indicate your preference in the application form.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend Stage 3.

Stage 3

Interviews for this role is due to take place week commencing Monday 28th October 2024. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled interview date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Additional Information
Offers of appointment will be subject to a successful medical, reference and other security checks, and if successful you will undertake an intensive, assessment based training course and will have to achieve competence before joining a watch.

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include an enhanced criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.