Station Manager Direct Entry Scheme

Details

Monday, 03 April 2023 07:30

AF&RS are proud to be supporting this year’s National Fire Chief Council’s (NFCC) Direct Entry (DE) Scheme, by recruiting a single Station Manager through a trial of the direct entry route, launching Monday 3 April.

The pioneering initiative is an exciting opportunity, open to leaders who have the potential and desire to apply for Station Manager roles without needing to have fire service experience, or without needing to have taken the traditional firefighter promotional route.

About Direct Entry (DE)

• The main aim of the scheme is to create a different route into the role of station manager alongside the more traditional firefighter route, playing a part in diversifying senior management in fire and rescue services.
• The programme is an inclusive one which is designed to bring increased diversity to the sector in terms of experience, perspective and thinking.
• It provides FRS’s with the ability to benefit immediately from the skills and experience of proven leaders, as they build their operational competence.  
• It is hoped the scheme will draw new perspectives and experiences from the brightest and best who might not ordinarily have seen a career in the fire and rescue service as being open or attractive to them.

Essential Criteria for the role 

• An outstanding leader who acts with empathy, compassion, and respect.
• Individuals with a recognised commitment to the value of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• A proven ability to lead teams, deliver change, innovate, and influence organisational and cultural improvement.
• A skilled communicator with the ability to engage across a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Professional qualifications at Level 5 or equivalent, and/or be able to demonstrate working at this level.
• A resilient leader with passion and commitment to personal development and learning.

Successful appointments will be subject to the completion of relevant medical and physical fitness test requirements that are the same as current firefighter recruitment standards. Applicants must also hold a full UK Driving Licence.

The training programme

The successful candidate will be supported throughout an intensive 36-month development programme and will be expected to acquire, develop, and demonstrate skills and expertise in management and command functions, as set out for their role in the nationally agreed applicable role maps. This development will be enhanced through a nationally designed, coordinated, and quality-assured process. During this time the successful candidate will spend time at the Fire Service College on a series of development modules and within the Service understanding how we work, meeting people in the Organisation and undertaking appropriate work and projects.

Development opportunities

It’s important to acknowledge that direct entry is not intended to replace the normal career pathways, only ever to complement what is already in place.

• The scheme is designed to be both additional and complementary to existing progression routes within the Service, complying with all existing terms and conditions, but doing it in a new and innovative way. 
• The project was launched to address some of the recommendations made in the HMICFRS State of Fire Report, which stated: “To provide the best possible response to the public, services need to be able to choose from the widest talent pool possible. That pool is currently restricted, with many people feeling excluded.”
• The initiative is designed to appeal to those from a broad range of backgrounds who might not have seen the traditional entry route for an operational manager in the Fire service as an attractive one; but who do show the managerial and leadership potential we demand from our middle and senior managers.

Where can I find further information?

We recognise that this is a new initiative to the Service and with that the reservations that some may have about the scheme. We are working closely with the NFCC to bring you regular updates and share information that is provided, this includes compiling a list of frequently asked questions. (See below)

Please note the closing date for applications is Friday 02 June 2023 at 12:00am. 

If you have any further questions about the initiative or would like to learn more about it then please contact Area Manager Matt Peskett to arrange a station/watch visit to discuss DE in more detail.

To find out more about the DE role click here.

NFCC Direct Entry (DE) Scheme Frequently Asked Questions

What is the aim of Direct Entry (DE)?

The main aim of the scheme is to create a different route to entry into the roles of station manager and area manager alongside the more traditional firefighter route.

The programme is an inclusive one which is designed to bring increased diversity to the sector in terms of experience, perspective and thinking. It provides FRS’s with the ability to benefit immediately from the skills and experience of proven leaders, as they build their operational competence. 

escue service. It will be designed to be both additional and complementary to existing progression routes.

What are the key dates for the current recruitment process?

The online registration process opens at 12 noon on Monday 1 April and closes at 12:00am on Friday 2 June 2023.

Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to have a tour at Fire Service College on Friday 30th June. Assessment centres will begin on Monday 3rd July.

What will I be paid as a Station Manager?

An initial salary of £46,712 will be paid whilst in development, with an estimated salary of £51,525 being awarded once in a substantive Station Manager role.