Summary:
NFCC Board membership roles are voluntary positions which are undertaken by suitably qualified and experienced individuals from FRSs on behalf of the NFCC. The contribution of Board members is vital to the ongoing success of NFCC and to FRSs more widely. The Board membership role can also offer volunteers a significant opportunity for their own professional and personal development.
There are two types of Board membership roles:
1) Board member. This is a standard membership role which has voting responsibility (see person specification below for requirements)
2) Developing member. NFCC is willing to consider applications from individuals who are not yet working at Area Manager (minimum) or equivalent level of their FRS, but who wish to develop national Board-level experience and can demonstrate aptitude and readiness to participate. Developing member positions have voting responsibility.
The Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Board is chaired by the Lead Officers for EDI and has a reporting line up to the Chiefs Council through the People Culture and Leadership (PCL) Committee.
Expectations of EDI Board members:
- Â To demonstrate NFCC values and follow the Core Code of Ethics
- To contribute their experience and insight to Board discussions and decision-making.
- As a voting member of the EDI Board, contribute to the strategic direction of the EDI Board and priorities and products delivered by the NFCC PCL Hub
- Maintain a strong understanding of developments within the field of EDI including horizon-scanning and across related subject areas
- Ensure that they maintain good communication and constructive relationships with fellow Board members, NFCC colleagues and NFCC networks, as appropriate.
Person specification:
- A good understanding of the current policy, strategy, opportunities and challenges in EDI, PCL, and related areas where appropriate, at a local and/or national level
- Experience of sharing views and expertise, underpinned by evidence-based insight, to inform the development and deployment of products and services which help to shape and improve organisational culture.
- Board member applicants: Currently working at an Area Manager level (minimum) or equivalent senior leadership level in their FRS, with responsibility for influencing which policies and interventions their FRS will adopt and implement across all teams, including whole-time and on-call
- Developing Member applicants: must clearly demonstrate their aptitude and readiness for the position, and explain how their experience and insight will contribute positively to the Board’s overall effectiveness
Time commitment:
All NFCC Board membership roles are voluntary and undertaken alongside the individual’s employed role in a UK Fire and Rescue Service. There is no remuneration for EDI Board membership roles.
EDI Board meetings usually take place on a quarterly basis. These are normally hosted online using MS Teams, and last for two hours.
Board members will need to undertake sufficient preparation in advance of each meeting, such as reading Board papers. Board members may also be invited to participate in working groups, which take place outside of Board meetings, to support the development of new products.
Board members will serve a minimum one-year term. Board membership will be reviewed annually by the Lead Officers for EDI and the PCL Hub.