Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) provides a vital public safety service for communities across Berkshire. We serve over 900,000 residents across diverse urban and rural settings, including major transport routes such as the M4 and key rail infrastructure. This demands the expertise of over 400 highly skilled and well-equipped firefighters and nearly 200 staff in support teams to deliver on our vision of keeping our communities safe.
There is much to be proud of at RBFRS. In its latest HMICFRS inspection, RBFRS was rated “Good” in eight of the eleven areas, reflecting strong performance in prevention, protection, and emergency response, as well as a positive and inclusive culture. Inspectors praised our commitment to community safety, effective collaboration, and investment in technology and workforce development. We are determined to build on this success and continually improve.
We are now seeking a new Deputy Chief Fire Officer / Director of Service Delivery who will bring a relentless focus on inspiring our people and delivering exceptional services to Berkshire communities. Reporting directly to the Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across prevention, protection, response, resilience, operational policy and assurance. You will form part of a high performing Senior Team and nurture a culture that is safe, supportive, and inclusive.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Service Delivery Directorate, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that community risk, operational intelligence and organisational priorities are translated into effective service delivery. In the absence of the Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive, you will provide leadership on service delivery, operational command and public safety matters.
About you:
To succeed as our next Deputy Chief Fire Officer / Director of Service Delivery, you will be capable of creating and sustaining the very best culture and environment for our people. You will be passionate about leadership, inclusion and developing high-performing teams, ensuring our workforce feels safe, supported and empowered to deliver their best every day.
We are committed to continually improving how we serve our communities and support our people. Achieving this means continually improving how we deliver services, embracing innovation, transforming the way we work, maximising the benefits of technology, strengthening collaboration and developing future leaders across our organisation. You will bring the strategic vision, leadership credibility and drive needed to help shape that future while ensuring our services remain effective, resilient and focused on community need.
Alongside a strong operational leadership background, you will have significant experience operating at a senior strategic level within a complex organisation. You will be comfortable working in partnership with elected members, stakeholders, emergency services and communities, providing confident leadership through change, challenge and opportunity.
Most importantly, you will share our belief in what can be achieved. You will inspire trust and confidence in our people, provide visible and values-led leadership, and ensure that service delivery remains focused on creating safer communities across Berkshire.
Application and selection process
The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework.
This role operates at the Leading the Service level of the Behavioural Competency Framework and will be assessed throughout the selection process.
Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.
Appointment is conditional upon fulfilling the security requirements and undertaking an Enhanced with Barred List(s) Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.
For further details about the role please contact Mark Arkwell, Chief Fire Officer/ Chief Executive on arkwellm@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion.
If you have any queries about the application process `or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application or with our promotion process please contact Amanda Gavin at gavina@rbfrs.co.uk or by phone 01189 384550 for an informal discussion.
A CV and personal statement should be submitted by the closing date of 09:00 hours 14 September 2026. If you are interested in applying for this position, click Apply Now
Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies.
The stage one assessment process will include psychometric tests, a media exercise and stakeholder engagement panel which is anticipated to be concluded by 5 October 2026.
Successful applicants will be invited to a stage two process which will include an interview. It is anticipated that the final interview stage will be held 14 – 16 October 2026.
Appointments are subject to Fire Authority approval for an anticipated start date in January 2027.
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.
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.
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 Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).
To find out more: www.rbfrs.co.uk/about-us/equality-diversity-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 which is available on the application portal.