Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service

Do you have what it takes to lead, inspire, and drive meaningful change?

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in one of the UK’s most diverse and picturesque regions. Serving a population of over 1 million across 1,000 square miles, our Service protects communities ranging from the stunning landscapes of the Peak District to bustling cities, manufacturing hubs, and rural areas.

Following the promotion of our current DCFO to Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive, we are looking for an exceptional leader to join us on our mission to Make Derbyshire Safer Together.

About the Role

As our next DCFO, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational excellence, ensuring our people are well-trained, well-equipped, and ready to meet the varied demands of Derbyshire’s unique landscape.
• Champion cultural transformation within the Service, fostering an inclusive, progressive environment that supports and celebrates the diversity of our workforce and the communities we serve.
• Play a pivotal role in maintaining public trust while navigating national challenges and ensuring DFRS remains at the forefront of modern Fire and Rescue Services.

About You

To succeed in this critical role, you will be:

• An inspirational leader and role model, with a proven ability to deliver cultural and organisational change.
• An accomplished strategist with extensive operational experience in the fire and rescue service.
• Passionate about diversity, inclusion, and making a tangible difference for the people of Derbyshire.
• Ambitious, with a shared vision for building a modern, forward-thinking Fire and Rescue Service.

Essential Criteria includes:

• Gold Command operational experience and Level 4 Incident Command qualification.
• A Master’s degree or above.
• Multi-Agency Gold Incident Command (MAGIC) qualification.

Why Join Us?

At DFRS, we are committed to continuous improvement and putting our people at the heart of everything we do. This is your opportunity to make a real impact—not just within the Service, but across the communities of Derbyshire.

There will be a requirement for some national travel for which DFRS will provide a vehicle as part of the package.

The normal working hours are 39.5 per week, normally worked on a Monday to Friday basis, to meet the needs of the Service. In addition to ‘out of hours’ or rota call out arrangements, there will be occasions for some planned evening and weekend work to support the corporate activities of DFRS. It is a contractual requirement that the DCFO provides an ‘out of hours’ base within 60 minutes of DFRS HQ, Ripley.

In return we offer;

• Flexible working hours.
• Family friendly policies.
• Annual Leave entitlement of 49 days, inclusive of concessionary/extra statutory days and bank holidays
• Free, secure on-site car parking.
• Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
• Employee discount scheme (Boost).
• Employee support networks.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Eligibility to join the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.

We are committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect this, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.

Police security vetting procedures at National Security Check (SC) and Non Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV3) Level 3 will be requested for the successful applicant. Please note that, due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK. Given the nature of the role, an enhanced DBS check will also be required.

• Closing Date for Applications: 09:00 hours, Monday 13 January 2025.
• Assessment Centre and Interviews: 22/23 January and 30 January 2025 (to be held at our Joint Training Centre (JTC), located next to DFRS Headquarters in Ripley).

Join us, and be the change that drives Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service forward.