Departments and Roles

What they do:

• Respond to fires, road traffic collisions, and other emergencies.
• Carry out rescues, provide medical assistance, and ensure public safety.
• Train regularly to stay prepared for a range of incidents.

Key roles:

• Firefighter – Responds to incidents, conducts fire safety work, and engages with the community.
• Crew Manager – Leads a fire crew, takes charge of small-scale incidents, and supports training.
• Watch Manager – Manages larger teams, oversees station operations, and commands multi-appliance incidents.
• Station Manager – Oversees multiple fire stations, ensuring service delivery and training standards.
• Group Manager and above – Senior officers responsible for operational strategy, service improvement, and major incident command.

What they do:

• Answer emergency 999 calls and dispatch the correct resources.
• Provide critical advice to callers while help is on the way.
• Work with other emergency services and agencies during major incidents.

Key roles:

• Fire Control Operator – Handles emergency calls and mobilises fire crews.
• Watch Manager (Control) – Oversees fire control teams and ensures efficient response coordination.
• Station Manager (Control) – Manages fire control operations and implements emergency response policies.

What they do:

• Educate communities to prevent fires and other emergencies.
• Identify and support people most at risk, including older adults and vulnerable individuals.
• Work with schools, local authorities, and community groups to improve safety.

Key roles:

• Community Safety Officer – Delivers safety education and engagement programmes.
• Prevention Manager – Leads prevention strategies and partnerships with external agencies.

What they do:

• Ensure businesses and public buildings comply with fire safety laws.
• Carry out fire safety inspections and offer guidance to reduce fire risks.
• Enforce fire safety legislation where necessary.

Key roles:

• Fire Safety Inspector
• Fire Safety Engineer
• Protection Manager

What they do:

• Train new and existing staff in fire service skills, leadership, and personal development.
• Deliver specialist courses in areas such as fire behaviour, water rescue, and road traffic collision response.

Key roles:

• Learning & Development Manager – Plans and oversees training programmes.
• Training Facilitator – Delivers fire service training courses.
• E-Learning Developer – Creates digital learning resources for staff.

What they do:

• Support recruitment, staff wellbeing, and professional development.
• Ensure the fire service is a fair, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Key roles:

• HR Business Partner – Advises on workforce planning and employment policies.
• EDI Manager – Leads on equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Occupational Health Advisor – Supports staff wellbeing and fitness for duty.

What they do:

• Inform the public and staff about fire service objectives and safety campaigns.
• Handle crisis communication and media relations.
• Develop public awareness campaigns and digital content.

Key roles:

• Communications Manager
• Media Officer
• Graphic Designer
• Social Media Officer

What they do:

• Manage fire service budgets, spending, and financial planning.
• Purchase and maintain firefighting equipment, vehicles, and supplies.

Key roles:

• Finance Manager – Oversees budgets and financial reporting.
• Procurement Officer – Ensures services get value for money when purchasing resources.

What they do:

• Develop and maintain IT systems that support emergency response and service operations.
• Ensure data security, digital transformation, and network stability.

Key roles:

• IT Project Manager – Oversees new technology projects.
• Cyber Security Specialist – Protects fire service data and systems.
• Software Developer – Builds and maintains critical IT systems.

What they do:

• Maintain fire stations and other service buildings.
• Manage refurbishment, sustainability, and property services.
• Ensure buildings meet health and safety requirements.

Key roles:

• Head of Estates
• Surveyor
• Sustainability Officer

What they do:

• Maintain and manage fire engines and specialist vehicles.
• Ensure equipment and vehicles are serviced and fully operational.
• Oversee logistics and asset management.

Key roles:

• Fleet Manager
• Transport Technical Officer
• Equipment Asset Management Officer

What they do:

• Maintain and repair firefighting equipment and breathing apparatus.
• Ensure fire hydrants are operational and fit out new fire appliances.
• Select and test new equipment for operational crews.

Key roles:

• Operational Equipment Technician
• Technical Procurement Specialist

What they do:

• Provide expert advice on workplace safety and risk management.
• Ensure all fire service operations meet safety regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and safety audits.

Key roles:

• Health and Safety Manager
• Health and Safety Advisor

What they do:

• Support the mental and physical health of fire service staff.
• Provide access to health checks, physiotherapy, and counselling services.
• Ensure staff are fit for operational duties.

Key roles:

• Occupational Health Advisor
• Fitness and Wellbeing Officer

What they do:

• Ensure compliance with data protection laws and governance regulations.
• Oversee legal responsibilities such as GDPR and Freedom of Information.
• Provide strategic advice to fire authorities.

Key roles:

• Information Governance Manager
• Compliance Officer

What they do:

• Plan for disruptions and ensure emergency preparedness.
• Develop resilience strategies for critical services.
• Support risk management across the organisation.

Key roles:

• Business Continuity Officer
• Risk Manager