Background:

NFCC is looking to recruit individuals to join the People Board. The People Board reports to NFCC’s People, Culture and Leadership (PCL) Committee which, in turn, informs and makes recommendations to the Fire Chiefs Council.

The People Board sits alongside three other Boards responsible for delivering the PCL Strategic Plan (Leadership & OD; Equality Diversity & Inclusion; Health & Wellbeing). The Board meets four times per year to oversee and set direction on a range of People-related projects and workstreams which supports achievement of the three People priorities set out in the PCL Strategic Plan:

  • Professional standards and conduct: supporting UKFRS to embed the highest professional standards and respond effectively to allegations of misconduct
  • Data and digital: developing and embedding consistent approaches to workforce/PCL data collection and analysis; and providing guidance on the use of AI and emerging digital innovations which can support PCL activity
  • Policies, processes and systems: providing consistent, evidence-based approaches to attracting, selecting, managing and retaining the workforce

There are two types of Board membership roles:

  • Board member. This is a standard membership role which has voting responsibility
  • Developing member. NFCC has created a new ‘developing member’ role for the EDI Board. Its purpose is to help open doors for talented individuals and help grow the next generation of leaders in the fire and rescue sector. The Developing Member role is open to all individuals who are not currently working at Area Manager (minimum) or equivalent level of their FRS, who wish to develop national Board-level experience and can demonstrate aptitude and readiness to participate. Developing member positions have voting responsibility.

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a minority ethnic background, as this protected characteristic is currently underrepresented in senior leadership roles in the UK Fire and Rescue sector. All appointments will be made on merit.

The responsibilities of a People Board member:

  • To demonstrate NFCC values and follow the Core Code of Ethics
  • To contribute your experience and insight to Board discussions and decision-making
  • As a voting member of the People Board, contribute to the strategic direction of the People Board and the development of products delivered by the NFCC PCL Hub
  • Maintain a strong understanding of developments within the fields of People/HR/workforce including horizon-scanning and across related subject areas
  • Ensure that you maintain good communication and constructive relationships with fellow Board members, NFCC colleagues and NFCC networks, as appropriate
  • Attend the People Board on a quarterly basis (on MS Teams) on a voluntary basis
  • Undertake sufficient preparation in advance of each Board 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/workstreams

We are looking for applicants who:

  • Have a good understanding of current policy, strategy, opportunities and challenges in People/HR/workforce, PCL and related areas, where appropriate, at a local and/or national level
  • Have 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 and the effectiveness of People/HR-related functions
  • Board members. Are currently working at an Area Manager level or equivalent senior leadership level in their FRS, with responsibility for influencing which People/HR-related policies and interventions their FRS will adopt and implement across all teams, including whole-time and on-call
  • Developing Board members. Can demonstrate their aptitude and readiness for the position, and can explain how their experience and insight will contribute positively to the Board’s overall effectiveness

Please note that this is a voluntary opportunity to be undertaken alongside the ‘day job’ and, as such, applicants should consider their individual and organisation capacity to fulfil the requirements listed above. They should also seek agreement from their line manager/CFO prior to submitting an application.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity please contact Abigail Hopewell, Head of the People Culture and Leadership Hub abigail.hopewell@nfcc.org.uk

To apply, please complete this form by the closing date of Friday 21 November 2025, midday with shortlisting taking place from 24 November to 5 December 2025.

For further role specifications, please click on this page.

Please note, we are unable to accept any other form of application.

In your supporting statement, please specify if you are applying for a board member or developing member position.

We are trialling a new, anonymised approach for the selection of members to the People Board. A selection panel will score each application independently against the person specification. The panel will meet to review and compare individual scores to identify the strongest candidates for selection.

Applicants may be invited to participate in an informal interview to support the panel’s decision-making process.

NFCC will contact all candidates by email to inform them of the outcome of their application.

Should you have any queries, please email: nfccadminsupport@nfcc.org.uk