Communications Business Partner – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract (maternity cover), 22.2 hours per week
Location: Service Headquarters, Exeter.
Salary: £39,841.00 per annum (pro rata), equating to £23904.60 for working 22.2 hours per week.
Help Shape Communications That Make a Difference.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, serving the communities of Devon and Somerset through prevention, protection and emergency response.

We are looking for a talented and creative Communications Business Partner to join our Communications and Engagement team on a 12-month fixed term maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how we communicate with our people and stakeholders, helping to support the Service in creating a safer world for everyone.
Please use the attached “Communications and Engagement Assistant (Apprentice) – Essential Criteria for my Application” document to provide your evidence.
Please note the total word count for your evidence should not exceed 2000 words (excluding headings).
Applications received will be shortlisted based on the above criteria, and the requirement for applicants to hold a Level 3 qualification (A Levels, BTEC or equivalent).
Closing Date: 2359hrs 8 November 2026.

About the role:
As a Communications Business Partner, you will act as the main communications contact for designated service areas, building strong relationships with colleagues and senior leaders to understand their objectives and deliver effective communications solutions.

You will develop and deliver engaging campaigns, create compelling content, provide expert communications advice and evaluate the impact of activities to ensure successful outcomes. Working closely with colleagues across the Communications and Engagement team, you will help maintain and enhance the Service’s reputation while ensuring communications are targeted, accessible and effective.

Key responsibilities:
Build strong relationships with service areas, understanding their priorities and communication needs.
Develop and deliver creative, audience focused communications campaigns and plans.
Create engaging content across a range of channels and formats.
Provide expert advice and guidance on communications best practice.
Identify emerging opportunities, risks and priorities, contributing to forward planning and annual communications activity.
Work collaboratively across the Communications and Engagement team to maximise impact.
Develop positive relationships with local, regional and trade media.
Ensure communications are on-brand, clear, accessible and tailored to the intended audience.
Monitor, evaluate and report on communications activity and outcomes.
Support communications during incidents and emergency situations, including participation in an out of hours communications rota if required.
Promote continuous improvement by staying up to date with developments across the communications