Secondment Opportunity – Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a senior, experienced fire officer to undertake a secondment as Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) with Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS).

About the Service
Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service is a small but proud organisation with a strong heritage and reputation. The Service must plan for and respond to a diverse range of risks, operating without the benefit of cross border mutual aid. Our workforce is highly professional, dedicated, and deeply rooted in the local community.

Following our 2025 Peer Review, GFRS has embarked on an ambitious strategic improvement programme. A new Community Risk Management Plan will form a central component of this work, supported by a refreshed suite of core strategies.

A significant challenge for the Service is a limited strategic management capacity to drive the scale and pace of improvement required. With substantial leadership transitions in recent years, we are committed to embedding a culture of improvement, collaboration and high performance. This secondment is a key support for part of that journey.

The Role
This secondment offers a unique development opportunity for an experienced officer currently operating at Area Manager level or as an Assistant Chief Fire Officer, who is seeking wide-ranging leadership exposure within a compact but complex organisation.

The postholder will:
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team
• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight
• Support delivery of the Service’s strategic improvement priorities
• Contribute to organisational development and cultural change
• Participate in the Senior Officer Duty System

The successful candidate will be pragmatic, adaptable, and able to work at pace—balancing high level strategic leadership with hands on engagement. A strong track record of strategic delivery and leadership is essential.

Secondment Arrangements
• The post will be offered on a secondment basis until December 2026. This is possible scope for movement on the end date.
• Periodic physical presence in Guernsey is required for defined periods to be agreed. There will be flexibility for agreed remote working.
• Start date is negotiable, with a preference during May 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must:
• Have approval from their Chief Fire Officer
• Be qualified to Incident Command Level 4
• Hold Security Clearance – SC Level
• Be capable of operating credibly at senior strategic level

How to Apply
Please submit an expression of interest including:

• A career summary
• A short personal statement outlining your experience, achievements, and suitability for the role

Closing Date: 15th April 2026

Informal Discussion:
For a confidential and informal discussion, please contact the Chief Fire Officer Les Britzman at les.britzman@gov.gg