Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Are you an ambitious and forward-thinking strategic leader Would you like to love and work in one of the most stunning places in the UK?

We are seeking an innovative and influential leader who shares our values and ethics, to lead our organisation forward as our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO).

This is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, as our Deputy Chief Fire Officer. We are in the process of delivering a change programme, transforming the Service to ensure future sustainability as well as providing resilient services for the future challenges.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in England. We have a proud history of keeping people safe and providing prevention, protection, and response services across the local government areas of Devon County, Plymouth City, Somerset and Torbay Councils. We have 83 fire stations and over 1,900 highly skilled and motivated staff who work tirelessly to protect the 1.8 million people who live in our two counties, plus the 1.1 million people who come to Devon and Somerset on holiday each year.

Find out more and apply
Our Deputy Chief Fire Officer will report to, and support the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) in leading the Service. As part of the Executive Board, you will assist the CFO in creating a vision, direction and culture of the Service which builds public trust and confidence through the delivery of effective services.

As the DCFO you will be directly responsible for day-to-day management of the Service, ensuring that agreed policies are implemented effectively and performance managed. The DCFO will have responsibility for the Service directorate encompassing Response and Resilience and People.

You will be used to acting with authority under pressure to carry out operational command duties in the event of a major incident.

You will demonstrate a strong track record of innovation, transformation, and modernisation in a large organisation.

The closing date for applications is Monday 3 February 2025 at 23:59. Shortlisting will take place from 10 February 2025 and the selection and interview process will take place during the weeks starting 17 February and 3 March 2025.

If having read the application pack you would like additional information, or an informal discussion, please contact Gavin Ellis by emailing executivesupport@dsfire.gov.uk.

Please note that the appointment is subject to successful Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS), Medical Screening, National Security Vetting to Developed Vetting (DV) and an Enhanced DBS Check.

As a Service and as individuals:

We are proud to help
We are honest
We are respectful
We are working together