Fire Safety Advisor, Auditor or Inspector

Job number: DWFRS – CORP00616
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Wiltshire/Dorset
Department: Protection
Closing Date: 19-Nov-2023 (midnight)
Grade: D – F (Dependent on skills, experience, knowledge and Qualifications)

Salary: This role is a career graded role from Grade D (£27,803 – £30,296) up to Grade F (£34,834 – £37,336) with progression to Grade F dependent on completing and meeting the required experience and qualifications through related training. More information on salaries and progression can be found on our pay and policies page.

Hours:  Full Time – 37 hours per week

Centre of Duty: Hamworthy Fire Station / Dorchester Fire Station.  Please state your preferred location(s) on your application.

Role level: Please state the role level(s) you are applying for on your application.

Future opportunities:  The opportunity may arise within the next 12 months for full (37 hours) or part time roles of 30 hours at locations of Trowbridge, Swindon or Dorchester Fire Stations, so please apply if you wish to be considered for these.  Successful candidates will be held on a bank for 12 months

Appointment Type:   Permanent

Contact: For a chat about this post, please contact Tim Kench, Station Manager on telephone 07795800374 or email Tim.Kench@dwfire.org.uk

Interview date: It is intended that interviews will take place on Monday, 4 December 2023.  Should you be shortlisted for interview, further details regarding the interview format / location will be provided before the interview date.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, an organisation that is passionate about changing and saving lives. Our corporate staff are absolutely vital in helping to make our communities safer and healthier.  Without them, we couldn’t do it.

As well as being one of the largest combined Fire and Rescue Services in the country we are also one of the top performing. In February 2022, inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) looked closely at our Service and graded us as ‘Good’, ‘Outstanding’, and ‘Good’ across the three inspection pillars of Effectiveness, Efficiency and People.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits and strive to ensure that staff feel valued and rewarded. For example, we offer a flexi time scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, a generous annual leave allowance, a variety of family friendly schemes and health & well-being services.

We are looking for the right people with skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours to become Fire Safety Inspectors following a development pathway (progression from Advisor, Auditor to Inspector) in the Protection department.
In order to be considered for Advisor, Auditor or Inspector you will need to give evidence to demonstrate your suitability using the criteria set out in the attached relevant Person Specification.

The successful candidate will:

– Carry out Fire Safety inspections/audits of non-domestic premises to ensure conformity with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
– Support enforcement of Fire Safety legislation in accordance with Service policy, collect evidence and assist with the preparation of prosecution cases, to include giving evidence where appropriate.
– Identify and share relevant operational risk information to contribute to the safety of operational staff.

You must have:

– 4 GCSE passes – Grade A*-C / 9-4, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or higher-level relevant qualification, and be able to provide evidence of this.
– A Fire Safety Adviser qualification (NVQ Level 3 equivalent) or willingness and ability to work towards this.
– An understanding of current Fire Safety legislation including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005.
– Experience of using Microsoft Office (including Outlook) and database packages.

For full details of the role and requirements please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like to invite applications for the post of Communications Officer on a permanent basis. This is a full-time opportunity, working 35 hours per week.

The post is currently based at our National Headquarters in Cambuslang but could be based at another SFRS location across Scotland. The Communications and Engagement team works on a hybrid basis both at home and in office.

This is a full time post however applications from individuals seeking to work on a part time, job share or flexible working basis would be considered.

The successful candidate will be required to deliver a professional, reactive and proactive service to support the communication, engagement aims and objectives of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

The role includes gathering and providing effective communications for SFRS employees, stakeholders, partners and media. It also includes providing advice on communication matters to senior managers and creating highly planned, consistent and effective communication strategies and plans to support the delivery of the SFRS Communications Strategy both internally and externally.

The post holder will design high-impact campaigns to communicate key policies and information that support SFRS values, visions and objectives and ensure the Service’s employees are well informed before proactively engaging with partners, stakeholders and the media. The post holder will also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SFRS communications campaigns across all available channels.

This role is classified as politically restricted due to the range of duties and responsibilities required of the jobholder. This restriction applies to roles where the jobholder is regularly required to provide advice and guidance to any committee or sub-committee of the SFRS or to any joint committee on which the Service is represented and are able to influence the decision-making process. It also includes those jobholders who have contact with the media such as a person who, on a regular basis, speaks on behalf of the SFRS to journalists or broadcasters.

You must be educated to HND level or with equivalent experience in a corporate communication, journalism, and media or PR discipline; have experience of producing communications and engaging content through different channels and formats.

You should have awareness of media law issues, FOI, GDPR and the general media and political landscape in Scotland as well as a knowledge of the National Standards of Community Engagement; ability to work with tact, discretion and diplomacy and deal with matters of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature; excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write and edit accurately, high quality copy and other forms of correspondence bespoke to the recipient or audience; experience of devising and implementing accurate written communication strategies in relation to ongoing or planned incidents/events or operations and also in relation to key organisational events, operations and change management;

excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a confident manner in dealing with a wide range of people including at a senior manager level as well as stakeholders such as politicians and with media; strong IT skills and experience in digital communications such as publishing across different social media channels and content management systems; flexible, adaptable and organised approach to work, with the ability to prioritise under pressure and meet tight deadlines, exercise initiative and work independently as appropriate.

You should have a professional qualification in communications, journalism or a related subject; knowledge of working with content management system software; good knowledge of publication processes, including planning and digital publishing and visual/design aptitude.

The core hours of the role are 8.45am-4.45pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45am-3.30pm on Fridays however due to the reactive nature of the role officers will be expected on occasion to workout with these core hours to ensure key deadlines are met. The post holder will be expected to provide on-call support on an agreed rota.

Post-holders are entitled to flexi-time and flexible working arrangements including hybrid working.

Full details of the role and our recruitment process can be found in the attached information pack.

Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review – in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements.  A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to experience demonstrated.

This post is also subject to the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exemptions) Scotland Order 2013. Therefore, the successful candidate’s will be subject to a Standard Disclosure record check through Disclosure Scotland.

Please note, this post has been determined as politically restricted, further information is available in the Recruitment information Pack.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community. In addition, we are committed to being a “Disability Confident Employer” and will ensure that all applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are invited for interview.

If you would like to apply in a different format, please email People Services at SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk.

Please note, a fully completed application form must be submitted as SFRS do not accept CVs in support of applications for employment.

We are looking for our next Head of Prevention and Protection.  In this critical leadership role, you will be at the forefront of our service delivery, with responsibility for the effective management, performance and delivery of the Prevention and Protection strategies and functions, as well as being an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the delivery the Strategic Commitments of the Fire Authority. 

Applications are welcomed from individuals with an operational background or non-operational background.

Benefits:

Non-Operational Salary: Grade 10:  £69,447 – £77,044

Hours: Full time

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and superb Pension Schemes are available

Operational Salary: £63,163 (Development) to £69,283 (Competent B)

Flexi duty allowance (20% of salary)

Area Manager Allowance – current range is £6,284 – £7,760.64

Fire Cover Gold (if applicable)

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 700 diverse and talented individuals, an inclusive culture as well as a commitment to the training, development and wellbeing of our people.

About you:

As Head of Prevention and Protection you will have a unique opportunity to lead an area of the Service and work across the organisation to shape and tailor the services we provide to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. 

In this role you will value diversity of thought and different perspectives. You’ll be comfortable in challenging the status quo, acting with demonstrable integrity and credibility to support our continuous improvement ambitions, in evolving the services we deliver to best meet the needs of our communities. You will need to be motivated and able to balance your active decision-making and governance role within the Senior Leadership Team with the effective and efficient running of the Prevention and Protection function. 

The key focus of this role is:

• Responsible for developing and setting the Prevention and Protection strategies for RBFRS, accounting for legislative and regulatory requirements and professional standards;
• Responsible for the effective management, performance and delivery of the Prevention and Protection strategies and functions for RBFRS;
• Responsibility for ensuring that RBFRS discharges its statutory, consultative and advisory fire safety and enforcement duties in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements;
• To support and ensure delivery of key projects that enable new ways of working, including collaboration, which ensure the future efficiency and effectives of the Service;
• In conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team, shape the strategic direction of the Service in order to deliver the Authority’s Vision, Commitments and Objectives.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• Experience in managing Prevention and Protection functions
• Demonstrable ability to lead, motivate and develop a team of professionals, and manage operations to ensure delivery to defined performance standards and demonstrating VFM
• Strong performance focus and commitment to improving public service delivery
• Confident and inspiring leadership, demonstrating self-confidence, personal resilience and integrity
• For operational candidates you will be required to have achieved competency at Station Manager level or above. 

Application and selection process

If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply Now.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification below: 

(Non – Operational) Head of Prevention and Protection Job Profile 

(Operational) Area Manager – Prevention and protection Job Profile 

For further details about the role or to simply discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with our recruitment process please contact Katie Mills, Assistant Chief Fire Officer/Director of Service Delivery at millsk@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion.

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 28 November at 10:00.

Stages of selection

The selection process consists of three stages.

Stage One

• CV and Supporting Statement (the statement should not exceed 2000 words), detailing why you are the best person for the role and how you meet the person specification.

Stage Two

• A presentation will be required on how, in the role of Head of Prevention and Protection, you will optimise workforce productivity and assure the effective delivery of services. This should be no more than 20 minutes. Additional time will be provided for questions and answers after the presentation.
• Competency based interview scheduled to take place on 6 December.

Stage Three

• Values and Behaviours Based Interview on the Behavioural Competency Framework.
• Stage three interview date to be confirmed. 

Other considerations for Operational applicants:

• The Area Manager allowance is based on role at entry and varies with Green and Grey Book pay awards, Staff who enter on the development rate of pay will be paid an allowance equivalent to the difference between the development rate of pay and the bottom of grade 10. When the staff member has attained competent rate of pay they will be paid an allowance equivalent to the difference between the competent rate of pay and the next spinal column point on grade 10.
• Applications for the Operational role are welcomed from Competent Station Manager in receipt of CPD, with evidence of acquisition of knowledge and understanding relating to people and process management (aligned to GM DAP across Leading Others and Leading the Business courses or equivalent) and development Group Managers and above.
• Ideally the successful candidate will be a Competent L3 advanced Incident Commander with relevant ongoing incident command experience / organisational assurance or will be required to pass an advanced incident command assessment as part of the selection process (if you do not hold the required qualification you will be required to attain it).
• You will need to evidence that you hold a L4 Strategic Incident Command qualification (Skills for Justice Awards – Fire) or successfully acquire this course 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.

Disclosure and Barring Service

Appointment is conditional upon 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.  

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour 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

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 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/

Safe and Well Technician

Benefits:

Salary:  £25,979 – £29,777 per annum, Grade 3

Hours: Full time – 37 hours per week

Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading

Excellent annual leave allowance of 25 days, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organisation with a reputation for excellence and investment in their employees, to work in a diverse and inclusive environment with flexible working hours that offer great work life balance.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service provides prevention, protection and response services across the county of Berkshire. It serves a diverse cultural population of 911,400 residents, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Together, we are committed to providing excellence in prevention of fire, protection from fire, and response to fire and other emergencies for the people of Royal Berkshire.

Are you interested in supporting communities within the Berkshire area, prevent fires and ultimately help save lives? An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the Service Delivery team as one of our ‘Safe and Well Technicians’.

Successful applicants will be required to uphold standards of safety, by undertaking safe and well home visits, which help enable vulnerable members of our communities to live safe and fulfilling lives.

Successful applicants will also be responsible for liaison with managers and staff at all levels, working effectively with colleagues across the three Service Delivery Hubs and those at our Service Headquarters, to ensure safety interventions are delivered promptly. Post holders will also be required to liaise with partner agencies.

The successful candidate will be inspired to demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached. Specifically we are seeking individuals who enjoy serving the community and working well as part of a team.

About you:

The successful candidate will be community focused and enjoy making a difference to the people they visit. They may come from a Fire Safety background or another community focused role or background with transferable skills.   

The key focus of this role is:

To make appointments with members of the public efficiently and professionally and carry out safe and well home visits, install smoke detectors and provide advice and guidance on preventing fires in the home.

Assessment, provision and installation of a range of assistive technologies allowing individuals to live safely and independently in their own homes.

To understand and implement the referral pathway processes and signpost to partner agencies, where need has been identified.

To support the Service Delivery Hub and Adult Referral Programme (ARP) in the delivery of campaigns and events and to undertake specialist safe and well activities with partner agencies in support of individuals deemed most vulnerable.

Key role requirements (knowledge, skills and experience):

• You will have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including an exceptional telephone manner due to the high engagement aspect of this role.
• Good time management when working to deadlines.
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills – for example planning own workloads, be trustworthy and aware of responsibilities in regard to the confidential nature of the work. Reliable, resilient and self-motivated with a friendly and approachable manner and be computer literate using Microsoft packages including Word, Excel, Outlook.
• You must be able to work at heights off a small ladder and able to work to install smoke alarms and other small items using hand tools.
• Have a flexible approach to working hours, which may encompass occasional evenings and weekend work although this is not a regular requirement.
• Holds and maintains a current manual driving licence (van provided for business use).

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 as attached. This enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position click Apply Now.

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

Appointment is conditional upon 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 or to simply discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with our recruitment process please contact Gail Muirhead (Prevention Manager) at muirheadg@rbfrs.co.uk or Paul Scott (Prevention Manager) at scottp@RBFRS.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion

Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CV’s without an accompanying application form.

Closing date for applications is 09:00 hours on 4 December 2023  

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run week commencing 11 December 2023.

Anticipated start date:  ASAP

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.

At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we want you to bring your whole self to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. 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.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

Simply: Our community is varied and diverse. Our workforce should be too.

At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, everyone is welcome.