Director of Strategy and Improvement – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Are you an ambitious and forward-thinking strategic leader? Would you like to live and work in one of the most stunning places within the UK?

We are seeking an innovative and influential leader who shares our values and ethics, to support the Chief Fire Officer in leading our organisation forward.

This is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, as our Director of Strategy and Improvement. We are in the process of delivering a change programme, transforming the service to ensure future sustainability as well as providing resilient services for the future challenges.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in England. We have a proud history of keeping people safe and providing prevention, protection, and response services across the local government areas of Devon County, Plymouth City, Somerset, and Torbay Councils. We have 83 fire stations and over 1,900 highly skilled and motivated staff who work tirelessly to protect the 1.8 million people who live in our two counties, plus the 1.1 million people who come to Devon and Somerset on holiday each year.

Our Director of Strategy and Improvement will report to and support the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) in leading the Service. As part of the Executive Board, you will assist the CFO in creating a vision, direction and culture of the Service which builds public trust and confidence through the delivery of effective services, and for the strategic leadership and the performance of the Service in the achievement of its collective goals.

As the Director of Strategy and Improvement (DSI) you will be responsible for the operations for core support staff departments ensuring that agreed policies are implemented effectively and performance managed. The DSI will have direct responsibility for the Corporate Services directorate and the strategy and Improvement function that is responsible for organisational strategy and performance.

The closing date for applications is Monday 3 February 2025 at 23:59. Shortlisting will take place from 10 February and the selection and interview process will take place during the weeks starting 17 February and 3 March 2025.

If having read the application pack you would like additional information, or an informal discussion, please contact Gavin Ellis by emailing executivesupport@dsfire.gov.uk

Please note the appointment is subject to successful Baseline Personnel Security Standard check (BPSS), Medical Screening, National Security Vetting to Developed Vetting (DV) and an Enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy.