Background:

The current NFCC Lead Officer for Respiratory Protective Equipment and Breathing Apparatus will be stepping down from this role in 2025.

The role sits within the NFCC Operational Preparedness, Response and Resilience (OPRR) structure, reporting to the NFCC Lead Officer for Technical Rescue Capability, who in turn reports to OPRR.

This lead officer role will involve engaging with officers within their portfolio, fire and rescue services, NFCC hub leads and key stakeholders on the complex issues and opportunities that vary significantly throughout the UK.

Expectations of a lead officer

• 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, a national position or perspective is 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:

• Demonstrate an ability to strive for continuous improvement for their lead officer area
• Have a strong and consistent voice on relevant issues
• Actively engage in a multi-agency approach to promote NFCC’s strategy for their lead officer area
• Work with fire and rescue services and partners to produce and update relevant products to promote good practice
• Have a good understanding of the issues and requirements of devolved administrations in UK

The role involves:

• Leading on matters relating to respiratory protective equipment and breathing apparatus equipment (apart from procurement-related matters)
• Liaising as required with:
  • The Health and Safety Executive and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland
  • Regulatory bodies
  • Manufacturers
• Ensuring the sector remains compliant with legislation and regulations
• Updating the NFCC Lead Officer for Technical Rescue Capability on current challenges, best practice and opportunities; they will in turn report to the OPRR Committee
• Providing SMA support for updating of the RPE Procurement Framework document
• Coordinating an ‘RPE user group’

We are looking for a strategic manager who has:

• Experience of engaging with fire and rescue authorities on strategic matters
• Experience of engaging at a regional or national level with multiple stakeholders and the wider industry sector, including central government
• A good understanding of the current strategy, campaigns and challenges in this area at a regional or national level
• Great communication skills, who has a real passion for this area of response activity
• Has previous experience of bringing partners together to achieve a common goal

If you would like to discuss the opportunity above, please contact Interim CFO, Lynsey McVay, Northumberland : lynsey.mcvay@northumberland.gov.uk

To apply, please complete this form before the closing date of: 25 June 2025, midday

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

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