Principal Officer Recruitment
It has never been a more exciting time to consider your future with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
Our service is passionate about the communities we serve and dedicated to developing our workforce - if you're looking to progress in an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic fire service, we would like to hear from you.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer - recruiting now!
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have moved from the governance of the County Council and to the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner: this brings the chance to innovate, integrate, and do things differently, and we are looking for individuals who are focussed on delivering outstanding leadership in a trusted and professional service.
We are delighted to be recruiting for the post of Deputy Chief Fire Officer, on a 12 month fixed term basis, and we are offering this as either an operational or non-operational role.
At a time of ongoing review across the sector, it has never been more important to ensure we have the right people in the right roles, and the successful applicant will be joining an engaging and empowering environment, where we are dedicated to improving outcomes and driving our services forward to be the very best they can be.
For us, working with compassion, honesty, and integrity is essential. You will listen and engage with staff across the service, ensuring all are able to contribute and have a voice, and you will champion a fair, respectful culture, that prioritises staff well-being. We are looking for leaders who will drive forward key improvement strategies across our communities and teams, leading by personal example, open commitment, and clear action. You will build on our existing open and inclusive culture to seek continual improvement and be dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable in our communities.
With approximately 600 operational firefighters, front facing delivery teams, corporate services, and support staff, delivering services across the county from 38 Fire Stations, we expect our DCFO and ACFO to be resilient, visionary leaders. Our service delivers a wide range of prevention, protection, and support across a substantial geographical area, and we are looking for people who are as passionate as we are about the communities we serve.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce that not only reflects our communities in Cumbria but thrives from the benefit and innovation a diverse workforce can bring. We actively encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. As women and ethnic minority employees are currently underrepresented in our management roles, we encourage applications from these groups.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer (Operational or Non-operational)
The Deputy Chief Fire Officer will be required to lead the service on a day to day basis, working closely with the Chief Fire Officer, our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the HMI, and other key partners to ensure successful delivery. CFRS have our next HMI inspection later this year and you will play a vital role in ensuring the service is in the best position possible to accurately reflect the improvements we are continuing to make across the service.
We are looking for someone with substantial experience, in either an operational command environment or a large, complex organisation, who has a proven record for developing and implementing strategic plans. You will strive to align aspirational service goals with a business orientated mindset, optimising resources and ensuring organisational efficiency. As a visible leader, you will communicate performance expectations and achievements to all, and you'll foster transparency and confidence in staff, communities, and stakeholders.
Applications for Deputy Chief Fire Officer are welcome from candidates with significant experience at significant senior management or Principal Officer level.
Key Information
Operational DCFO Salary: £112,652 plus an additional 10% operational allowance
Non-Operational: DCFO Salary: £112, 652
Contract: 12 months fixed term
Hours: 42 per week
Location: Fire Headquarters, Penrith, Cumbria - Flexible working available
Link: Operational Deputy Chief Fire Officer Role Profile (PDF)
A message from Chief Fire Officer Rick Ogden:
Thank you for your interest in our Deputy Chief Fire Officer role.
As the Chief Fire Officer for CFRS, my vision for the service is clear: we are looking for professional, talented, and community-focused individuals to make Cumbria a safer place for all.
It is a really exciting time to join Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, the recent change in governance has created a real opportunity for us as a service to modernise and ensure we continue our journey and are fit for the future.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is an excellent place to work. You will be joining a diverse and inclusive service that is dedicated to supporting and developing our workforce and ensuring all of our communities receive the level of service they need.
Joining our exceptional leadership team is an opportunity for motivated and passionate professionals looking for the next step in their career journey. The Deputy Chief Fire Officer is a key operational leadership role, and I am looking for an experienced and creative individual to join us in the effective delivery of the service.
I look forward to welcoming new leaders to our service.
Chief Fire Officer Rick Ogden
Pictured: Chief Fire Officer Rick Ogden speaking at the North West Women In Fire Conference, November 2023
Applications Open - Tuesday 9th April 2024
Applications closed - 11:00am on Tuesday 30th April 2024
Longlisting - TBC, but will be the week following
Assessment Days - May 2024
How to Apply
To apply for this process, candidates must:
- Send an up-to-date CV
- Attach supporting information (no more than 2 A4 pages) that outlines how they meet the Person Specification criteria contained within the relevant Role Profile, attached below.
Link: Operational Deputy Chief Fire Officer Role Profile (PDF)
Link: Non-Ops Deputy Chief Fire Officer Role Profile (PDF)
Documents must be clearly named (ideally using your first name and surname) and sent to: Orlanda.Wright@cumbriafire.gov.uk
Applications must be submitted by 11:00am on Tuesday 30th April 2024.
Please make it clear on your application whether you are applying for the operational or non-operational role.
Candidates who are a part of this process may be considered for future vacancies we have.
Important Information
To arrange a ten minute discussion about either role with Chief Fire Officer Rick Ogden, please contact contact Ann-Marie Sarginson via email: Ann-Marie.Sarginson@cumbriafire.gov.uk
If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply for these roles, please contact Orlanda Wright via email: Orlanda.wright@cumbriafire.gov.uk
We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
About Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is a large rural service covering the picturesque Lake District to the Pennines in the east and from the industrialised West Cumbrian coast to the estuaries in the south of the county. There are 38 fire stations, 6 regular, (4 with additional on-call crew support), 2 day crewed (with additional on-call crew support) and 30 on-call, serving the county. There is a great emphasis on community safety work and much of the day-to-day operation of the service revolves around this concept.
Further information can be found in our Recruitment Pack (PDF), available to download here.
Our Structure
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are led by a Strategic Leadership Team that combines industry knowledge, proven excellence in their fields, and a passionate commitment to continually drive the service forward.
Following our change in governance from the County Council to the Office of the PFCC, we have brought a number of corporate services in-house, including HR, Resourcing, Comms, Pensions, Health & Safety, and Finance. As we move through further disaggregation, there is more opportunity to bring services into our organisation, and ensure the smooth and supportive transition of this.
Please find a copy of our current structure chart here: CFRS Structure Chart 2023 (image)
At Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, we are committed to FREDIE
Our vision regarding FREDIE is that we go beyond just legal compliance and corporate check boxes. We have a diverse community and workforce where respect, fairness, and inclusion are integral to our culture and values. These must be upheld in everything we do, from recruiting and developing talented employees, through to delivering a professional service to our communities. The service has adopted FREDIE and are working to take this approach forward, responding to the changing social and economic environment in Cumbria and nationally in the Fire and Rescue Service.
Our Vision and Values
Our Vision
A community-focussed, professional, and trusted Fire and Rescue Service that makes Cumbria a safer place for all.
Our Values
We believe passionately in the delivery of excellent public services to make Cumbria a safer place for all. To do that we need to be clear about the values and behaviours that we need to drive change and achieve our high standards.
