Lead Officer for Firefighting

Background

Following a restructure of the NFCC Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience (OPRR) Committee, an opportunity has arisen for a Lead officer to oversee the national portfolio of work relating to firefighting.

The Firefighting board brings together several key areas of national operational OPRR activity, including:

  • Firefighting tactics
  • Fires in tall buildings
  • Wildfire
  • Firefighting media
  • Waste fires and recycling management
  • Breathing Apparatus and Respiratory Protective Equipment

This is an important national role, supporting the development of guidance, good practice, professional advice and sector-wide engagement across a complex and evolving area of operational response.

The successful candidate will work closely with other lead officers, fire and rescue services, NFCC hub leads, government departments, partner agencies and wider sector stakeholders to support a coordinated UK-wide approach.

The Lead Officer will provide strategic leadership and coordination across the Firefighting board, ensuring that national work remains aligned to the priorities of the OPRR Committee and supports fire and rescue services in managing current and emerging operational challenges.

The role will help ensure that operational guidance, resources and position statements remain current, evidence-informed and reflective of the different legislative, operational and governance arrangements across the UK.

 

The successful candidate will be expected to:

  • To be aware of NFCC’s Member Strategy to ensure that work within their lead area remains aligned to the principles and objectives of NFCC
  • To demonstrate NFCC values and follow the Core Code of Ethics
  • To oversee, guide and champion their lead subject area at a national level
  • Represent NFCC, and therefore UK fire and rescue services, as a subject matter adviser where appropriate; this may include:
  • NFCC meetings
  • External meetings
  • Responding to the media, although any media representation should be pre-agreed with the NFCC Communications Team
  • Maintain a strong understanding of developments within their lead area, including horizon scanning and across related subject areas
  • Ensure that they maintain good communication through their NFCC reporting line and throughout any NFCC networks, as appropriate
  • To consult as widely as possible, and as appropriate, if national guidance, position or perspective products are being produced
  • To work alongside NFCC hubs or teams, to ensure clear and consistent messaging for announcements and campaigns

 

The successful candidate will be required to:

  • Provide a strong and consistent national voice on firefighting-related matters within the OPRR Committee structure
  • Lead and coordinate activity across the Firefighting board, working with lead officers to identify priorities, risks, opportunities and areas requiring national support
  • Engage with fire and rescue services, NFCC hub leads, government departments, partner agencies and wider sector stakeholders
  • Support the development, review and maintenance of relevant guidance, position statements, resources and good practice
  • Promote a collaborative, multi-agency approach to improving operational preparedness, response and resilience
  • Ensure the OPRR Committee and relevant workstreams are kept informed of current challenges, emerging issues, good practice and opportunities for improvement
  • Recognise and reflect the different approaches, responsibilities and arrangements across the devolved nations of the UK
  • Support alignment between OPRR activity, NFCC strategy and wider national operational priorities

 

We are looking for someone who has:

  • Experience of operating at a strategic level within a fire and rescue service or relevant partner organisation
  • A strong understanding of firefighting operations and the current challenges facing the sector
  • Experience of engaging with multiple stakeholders at local, regional or national level
  • The ability to bring people together, build consensus and support delivery through collaboration.
  • Strong communication and influencing skills
  • An understanding of the importance of operational guidance, good practice and consistent professional advice
  • Awareness of the different operational, legislative and governance arrangements across the UK
  • A genuine interest in improving firefighter safety, operational effectiveness and public safety

 

If you would like to discuss the opportunity above, please contact:

Kerry Blair

Head of Operational Response and Fire Control

National Fire Chiefs Council

M: 07974 878597

E: kerry.blair@nfcc.org.uk

 

To apply, please complete this form, providing details of qualifications and experience relevant to this post.

The closing date is Wednesday 22 July 2026, midday.

Please note that we are unable to accept any other form of application. Should you have any queries, please email: nfccadminsupport@nfcc.org.uk