We are seeking a Principal Officer who is passionate about ensuring our local and national organisations have an evidence-base to learn and develop as the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Organisational Learning Lead.

Organisational Learning was launched in 2022 following the agreement of a national definition at the Chiefs Council. Under the leadership of the Organisational Learning Lead, CFO Justin Johnston of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, an Organisational Learning project delivered arrangements that would enable the NFCC to identify, understand, analyse and coordinate multiple sources of learning in a consistent and standardised way, building on the already established National Operational Learning process.

The project also put in place an Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research (ACER) Group chaired by Professor Rowena Hill of Nottingham Trent University. The purpose of the group is to develop an outstanding research and innovation culture across the fire and rescue community to support fire and rescue services and wider partners to deliver safer communities.

Following the completion of the project, a new Organisational Learning Board was established to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and recommendations on fire and rescue service learning, research, and evaluation. The board aims to enhance the capabilities and knowledge of fire service professionals, support development of fire related national policies and guidance, and inform objectives to improve public safety.

As the Organisational Learning Lead, you will:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership relating to organisational learning matters
• Chair the NFCC’s Organisational Learning board
• Attend and become the Vice Chair of the Academic, Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group
• Enable a culture of continuous learning and improvement within fire and rescue services and with partner agencies
• Work with others to provide a platform for sharing good practice, research findings, and lessons learned from all fire and rescue service related activity
• Support the NFCC strategic objectives and the development of initiatives to strengthen fire and rescue services and improve public safety through evidence-based decision making.

We are looking for a strategic manager who has:

• Experience of engaging at a national level with multiple stakeholders and the wider industry sector. This includes central government.
• A good understanding of the current strategy, campaigns and challenges of Organisational Learning and continuous improvement at a local and national level.
• A great communicator, who has a real passion for this area.
• Has previous experience of bringing partners together to achieve a common goal.
• A demonstrable track record of creating a culture of learning, and is open to developing their personal understanding the research sector and associated organisations and mechanisms.

If you feel that you would be suitable for this role, apply now by  submitting an expression of interest highlighting your leadership experience, understanding and interest in the subject area  to: nfccadminsupport@nfcc.org.uk

If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Justin Johnston, CFO Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service– JustinJohnston@lancsfirerescue.org.uk – 01772 866800

Or Samuel Fairman (NFCC Organisational Learning Manager) – sam.fairman@nfcc.org.uk – 07974125112

Closing date: Wednesday 6 November 2024, midday.