Job Description CHIEF FIRE & RESCUE OFFICER CHIEF FIRE & RESCUE OFFICER U012/06/2015 FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE HEADQUARTERS

Transcription

1 Job Description TITLE: CHIEF FIRE & RESCUE OFFICER REFERENCE: CHIEF FIRE & RESCUE OFFICER U012/06/2015 LOCATION: FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE HEADQUARTERS RESPONSIBLE TO: NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE BOARD Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 1 of 8

2 THE CONTEXT The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 establishes the legislative framework for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer has responsibility for ensuring that the functions of the Board are carried out effectively and efficiently. The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, under the Management Statement between DHSSPS and the NIFRS Board, is also the Chief Executive with responsibility as Accounting Officer. Throughout this document the term Chief Fire & Rescue Officer also implies the combined role of Chief Fire & Rescue Officer/Chief Executive. THE CHALLENGE NIFRS requires a Chief Fire & Rescue Officer of exceptional calibre to lead a transformational change programme which will deliver a modern, customer focused and cost effective Fire & Rescue Service to the community. As with many other organisations across all Sectors, NIFRS faces a period of unprecedented financial pressure which means that the Chief Fire & Rescue Officer will need to possess comprehensive knowledge and competencies in order to deliver the level of transformation required while working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders. The ability to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance is also of vital importance. Much has been achieved in recent years but there is much still to be done, making this a unique opportunity for the new Chief Fire & Rescue Officer to have a major influence on the future of the service. THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF FIRE & RESCUE OFFICER The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership of NIFRS, ensuring strategic objectives, and Service responsibilities as detailed in legislation, are met. The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer is the designated Accounting Officer for NIFRS, directly responsible to the Chairman for safeguarding public funds. This includes ensuring strong governance arrangements are in place and providing assurances to the Board regarding systems of internal control. The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer must also promote and role model integrity and ethical behaviours. KEY TASKS OF THE JOB 1. Ensure the provision of an effective and efficient Fire and Rescue Service in accordance with all statutory and legal duties which will continually enhance the safety and well-being of the entire community. 2. Provide strong leadership, vision and strategic direction necessary to manage the complex relationships between key NIFRS stakeholders and work in partnership to deliver Corporate Objectives. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 2 of 8

3 3. Effectively manage change programmes across the service to deliver transformation in line with Corporate Objectives. 4. Ensure NIFRS organisational structure is fit for purpose and that reviews are implemented effectively. 5. Lead the development of strategies and programmes which will transform the culture of the organisation in line with Corporate Vision and Values. 6. Communicate effectively with all key stakeholders internally and externally including employees, representative bodies, partners, DHSPSS and the public. 7. Create and lead a high performing integrated Corporate Management Team. 8. Oversee all aspects of managing the organisation, ensuring the highest standards and the delivery of efficiency savings. 9. Embed a strong performance management and continuous improvement culture across the Service. 10. Develop and embed talent management and succession planning within the Service. 11. Ensure public confidence in NIFRS and actively promote the Service locally and nationally, representing NIFRS on relevant bodies e.g. Chief Fire Officers Association. 12. Ensure strong governance arrangements are in place and promote and role model integrity and ethical behaviours. Provide assurances to the Board regarding systems of internal control. 13. Champion the benefits of diversity, equality of opportunity and dignity and respect across the Service. 14. Ensure efficient management of all resources and provide strong financial management which will deliver efficiencies while meeting statutory obligations for service delivery. 15. Ensure the provision of an effective and efficient Fire and Rescue Service in accordance with all statutory, legal and other obligations and act as principal professional advisor to NIFRS and the Board. 16. Ensure operational resilience in respect of Gold Command Cover and the Principal Officer rota duty. 17. Attend operational incidents and assume command as necessary, providing leadership and decision making to effectively manage risk. 18. Maintaining an effective employee relations framework for the conduct of all negotiations with representative bodies. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 3 of 8

4 19. Representing NIFRS on various national bodies. 20. Ensure effective systems are in place to comply with health and safety legislation and risk management. 21. Ensure effective emergency and business continuity planning and management within NIFRS. 22. Such other duties commensurate with the post as may be required from time to time. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 4 of 8

5 Person specification It is essential that in your written application you give evidence or examples of your knowledge and experience in the criteria listed in this Person Specification. Applicants must provide evidence that they meet each of the following criteria by the closing date for applications. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS Essential Criteria 1. Qualifications Degree or equivalent qualification Recent* evidence of commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain up to date knowledge and skills *Recent will normally mean within the last 5 years 2. Experience 2 years strategic experience at a Senior Management** level to include managing operational incidents at a strategic level **Senior management may be a serving Chief Officer, Chief Fire Officer, Chief Executive, a Director or equivalent level (i.e. normally a second tier manager reporting to the Head of Service). For Fire & Rescue Service employees this will be interpreted as experience at Assistant Chief Fire Officer or above Senior Management experience for at least 3 years during the last ten years in an organisation of similar complexity*** to NIFRS, which must include: Membership of a senior management team Delivery of organisational change programmes Managing in a complex governance structure Managing budgets in a demanding environment Working effectively in a political and unionised environment Partnership working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders Management and development of value for money services within a performance management system and a culture of continuous improvement *** NIFRS employs in excess of 2,100 staff, has almost 75 sites (including 68 stations) and a revenue budget of circa 70m. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 5 of 8

6 3. Qualities and Attributes Excellent leadership and change management skills Effective Resource Management, Business Planning and Decision Making skills Political sensitivity and awareness and an ability to maintain effective working relationships to develop and implement policy Excellent communication skills and highly developed media management skills Ability to manage organisation wide projects effectively Ability to analyse and manage information to inform and influence internal and external stakeholders Ability to apply risk management processes including addressing corporate risk/responsibility (e.g. Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) activities) 4. Knowledge Demonstrate knowledge of the local and national challenges facing the Fire and Rescue Service and their strategic implications Knowledge of the statutory role, powers and responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service 5. Other Conditions Current full driving licence Willingness to travel as required Desirable Criteria 1. Qualifications Completed a senior management development programme or qualification e.g. Executive Leadership Programme Postgraduate level qualification or equivalent in a business related discipline e.g. Executive Leadership Programme 2. Experience Experience delivering significant transformational and cultural change Working at national level NOTE: Where a candidate is relying on qualifications that are not identical to but equivalent to those stipulated, it is their responsibility to provide evidence as to how their qualifications meet the required standard. Where mutual recognition is agreed between professional/educational bodies, the candidate must obtain written confirmation to that effect from those bodies. If equivalence is not immediately clear to the Selecting Officers, no enquiries will be made by NIFRS and the candidate s application may not proceed as a result. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 6 of 8

7 Conditions of Appointment Conditions of service are contained within the National Joint Council for Brigade Managers of Fire and Rescue Services, Constitution and Scheme of Conditions of Service (Gold Book) Fifth Edition 2006, supplemented by conditions laid down by Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. This summary is an indication of the conditions of appointment and is not intended to be exhaustive. 1 Salary The salary will be within the range 117, ,000 per annum. The actual salary offered will be commensurate with the experience, qualification and competencies of the successful candidate. The salary is inclusive of the requirement to provide operational cover. Subsistence and travel expenses will be paid as per Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Travel and Subsistence Policy (under review). 2 Working Week The working week will be variable and will comprise the hours necessary to fulfil the obligations of the post. The Chief Fire & Rescue Officer will provide Principal Officer fire cover, as appropriate, in accordance with the needs of the Service. 3 Pension The successful candidate will be automatically enrolled into the relevant pension scheme. Further details can be given on request. 4 Probation Appointment is subject to completion of a 6 month satisfactory probationary period. 5 Location The role is based at NIFRS Headquarters, 1 Seymour Street, Lisburn, BT27 4SX. 6 Accommodation The successful candidate will be required to reside within Northern Ireland. This should be convenient to Service Headquarters at Lisburn. Where NIFRS deems that relocation is essential, the Board will consider claims for reasonably incurred expenses associated with relocating. Any payments must be compliant with HM Revenue and Customs regulations. Reimbursement will be determined on a case by case basis. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 7 of 8

8 7 Service Car The person appointed will be supplied with a Service car for use on official duties. 8 Notice Requirements Subject to any provisions contained in legislation, the appointment may be terminated by three months notice given by either party. 9 Canvassing Canvassing, in any form, oral or written, direct or indirect, will, if proven, lead to disqualification. 10 Pre-Employment Checks Appointment is subject to: (i) A satisfactory medical examination. (ii) A satisfactory standard disclosure will be required prior to appointment. (iii) Receipt of satisfactory references. References will only be sought as part of a pre-employment check prior to appointment. References will be taken up from both referees named on the application form, one of which must be a current employer or, if not currently employed, the most recent employer who would have knowledge of the successful candidate in a working environment. Candidates must be specific when providing address/contact details for referees. Following the introduction of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 in respect of the prevention of illegal working, NIFRS are obliged to conduct proof of identity and right to work in the UK checks. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate they are entitled to work in the UK. If the individual is unable to produce the relevant documents, or the documents are not satisfactory, the offer of employment may be withdrawn. Candidates are also required to produce original documents to verify their identity, one of which must be photographic identification. Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Date of Issue: 28 April 2015 Page 8 of 8