Director of People Services

Director of People Services

£71,083 per annum + benefits

About the role

We are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to join us as Director of People Services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future direction and success of our service by leading our workforce strategy and ensuring we continue to deliver the highest standards of service to the communities we protect.

As the Director of People Services, you will play a key role in shaping our people strategy and ensuring our workforce is fit for the challenges of today and the future. Working as part of the executive leadership team and closely with senior leaders, you will provide strategic direction and ensure that the service continues to foster a culture of inclusivity, performance, and innovation.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer you will be responsible for providing effective leadership, management and guidance for People Services.  The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a firm commitment to inclusivity, fairness, dignity and the highest standards of ethical behaviours and champion these in their day to day work in compliance with our ethical code of conduct.

We welcome and encourage applications from all sections of society with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in our workforce or society.

As the Director of People Services you will:

·         Lead the development and implementation of a people strategy that aligns with the overall strategic goals of the service.

·         Provide leadership on HR policy and best practice, ensuring compliance with employment law and relevant regulations.

·         Champion inclusion, fostering a positive culture and working environment across all levels of the organisation.

·         Work closely with trade unions, senior leaders, and other stakeholders to drive collaboration and ensure the delivery of strategic people initiatives.

·         Lead on performance management, including the development of strategies to support underperforming areas and ensure continuous improvement.

We are seeking a candidate who has demonstrable experience of:

·         Significant experience in leading people services within a large, complex organisation.

·         A strong understanding of HR best practices, employment law, and the ability to implement innovative people strategies.

·         A track record of managing and developing teams and working collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels.

·         Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire others.

·         A commitment to diversity and inclusion and an understanding of how to embed values within an organisation.

·         A CIPD membership would be highly desirable.

About our People Services teams

Our People Services function is committed to providing high-quality services, supporting our staff, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public. They are a forward-thinking and inclusive team that value diversity and strive to make a difference every day, leading the following teams People and Culture, Health, Wellbeing & Safety and Learning & Development Departments.

The Selection Process

This is a multi-stage assessment process; successful candidates will be progressed to subsequent stages, all candidates will be notified of their outcomes following participation in a given assessment stage.

Set out below are the key dates relating to this selection process:

Stage Timeline*
Advert closes – 20 December 2024 at 09:00
Notification of shortlist – W/C 23 December 2024
I3 Profile online assessment – W/C 23 December 2024
First stage – Teams interview based on your personal statement
W/C 13 January 2025
Second stage – Assessment Day – W/C 20 January 2025

Technical Assessment

Staff engagement session

Presentation and Interview

Final stage – Follow up discussion may be introduced at this point –
W/C 27 January 2025
*Please note the dates and stages detailed may be subject to change

Interested in applying?

Further details can be found in the accompanying job description and person specification. You are required to submit your application and a supporting statement of no more than 1000 words which should demonstrate how you meet the criteria stated on the person specification and job description.

Further information about our Service can be found by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion with the current post holder before the advert closes, please contact exec.support@twfire.gov.uk.

Pre-employment checks

The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes an enhanced DBS check, completion of an occupational health medical questionnaire and a substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work and reference checks.

About Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service are one of the UK’s leading Fire and Rescue Services for responding and innovation. We pride ourselves in striving to ‘Create the Safest Community’ and our dedicated, and diverse workforce are committed to delivering this.

The Service values and respects the diversity of its employees and aims to recruit a workforce that represents the communities we serve.

Our facilities

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters are located in purpose built premises based in Washington, within easy reach of the A1 and A19. On site facilities include a staff gym, ample free parking and canteen facilities.

Key employee benefits

Ø  Generous leave entitlement commencing at 23 days plus Public Holidays and 3 local days to be used over the Christmas period (long service leave entitlements at 5 and 10 years employment)

Ø  Local government pension scheme

Ø  Free on-site parking

Ø  Free on-site gym

Ø  Blue light discount

Ø  Car leasing scheme

Ø  Access to Occupational Health support

Ø  Generous conditions of service