We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use avonfire.gov.uk, remember your settings and improve our services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
Are you passionate about shaping the future of our workforce and leading a People Services Function to align with strategic goals? Then apply to be our Head of People Services today!
As the Head of People Services, under the direction of the ACFO Service Delivery Support you will develop, establish, and lead an effective People Services Function for Avon Fire & Rescue Service. You will implement a People, Culture and Leadership Strategy, ensuring alignment to AF&RS CRMP, strategic objectives and HMICFRS recommendations.
The People Services Function incorporates all our people-focussed teams, this is made up of:
Employee Relations (ER)
Wellbeing and Fitness
Inclusion Team
Workforce Development, including Talent & Retention and Resource Planning Unit (RPU)
This is a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and the Local Government Officers (Political Restrictions) Regulations 1990.
Some of the things you’ll be doing
Lead, direct and support a confident, inclusive and professional People Services Function and Team to deliver a high-quality, effective and efficient customer service and activities relating to: Employee Relations, Workforce Development, Recruitment, Occupational Health, Wellbeing & Fitness, and Inclusion and incorporating Leadership, Talent Management, and Resource Planning. Develop and implement a comprehensive People Strategy, in line with AF&RS strategic aims.
Lead, develop and implement a comprehensive People, Culture and Leadership Strategy, in line with AF&RS CRMP, strategic aims and HMICFRS recommendations.
Oversee the development and implementation of robust administrative processes, tools and reporting across all stages of the employee lifecycle, applying strategic workforce planning principles, analytics and people insights to drive performance and produce better workforce outcomes.
Oversee the development of a comprehensive succession plan, incorporating seamless recruitment, promotion and development processes for our uniformed and professional functions, guaranteeing a clear pipeline of talented and diverse candidates.
Oversee and assist in the development of our Diversity & Inclusion strategy, working with the Inclusion team and key stakeholders.
Be a core member of AF&RS Executive Leadership Board (ELB) contributing to and influencing the delivery of the overall strategic direction for the organisation in line with its purpose and vision.
Review and manage relevant external contracts including the provision of Occupational Health and Wellbeing services, and Disclosure and Barring Service checks.
Actively engage with partner Fire and Rescue Services, Stakeholders and the NFCC best practice network and the wider public/community services to explore and maintain collaborative opportunities and embed a cycle of continuous improvement.
CIPD Minimum Level 7 Qualification or equivalent experience in a similar role with evidence of ongoing professional development.
Solid understanding of UK employment law and an ability to apply it in the Fire Service environment (or equivalent organisation).
Thorough and up to date knowledge of HR/People best practice, current thinking and developments.
Experience of leading change in a unionised environment.
In-depth HR and Organisational Development experience, demonstrating creativity and a diverse range of skills which deliver high impact solutions through successful partnerships with line managers and trade unions.
Extensive experience of managing, analysing and presenting workforce data and insights.
Experience of writing and presenting board/committee reports.
Leadership skills to guide and steer discussion in order to achieve objectives and promote best practice.
Ability to confidently articulate HR/People Services issues to internal staff and external stakeholders both in writing and verbally.
Excellent people skills and ability to build relationships and communicate effectively at all levels with a focus on influencing, networking and collaboration.
A collaborative senior team member, who actively listens and builds upon others’ opinions; flexible in own approach, open to and acting upon feedback.
Willingness to accept and work to our Values and NFCC Core Code of Ethics during the course of employment.
Committed to undertake relevant training and continuous professional development opportunities.
An appropriate leadership qualification (such as ILM).
Membership of an appropriate professional body.
Experience of working for a fire and rescue service, other emergency service, or public sector organisation.
What you can expect in return
27 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 31 days after 5 years, and 32 days after 10 years of service
Once you have read the job description, please complete the application form telling us how your skills, qualifications and experience match those required for this role, please provide examples wherever you can. The information you give will assist us in our shortlisting process.
If you experience any issues with the application or require a paper version please contact [email protected]. Late applications and any applications with no supporting statement will not be accepted. Please quote job reference number 3423 on any communications. Thank you.
With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.
Additional reading
It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore:
