Head of People 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!

Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

Salary: £56,688 - £60,871

Closing Date: 12 Noon 17 February 2025

Contract: Permanent

Location: Police & Fire Headquarters, Portishead

Interviews: 28 February 2025

Apply now

Summary of role

As the Head of People Services, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce. Reporting directly to the Assistant Chief Fire Officer Service Delivery Support, you will be responsible for developing, establishing, and leading an effective People Services Function that aligns with AF&RS’s strategic goals. Your leadership will drive the implementation of a comprehensive People Strategy, ensuring our teams are engaged, empowered, and equipped to deliver exceptional services to the Public.

The new People Services Function incorporates all of our people-focussed teams, this made up of:

  • Human Resources (HR), including Recruitment
  • Wellbeing and Fitness
  • Diversity and Inclusion (DICE)
  • Organisational Development (OD), including Resource Planning Unit (RPU)

Some of the things you’ll be doing

  • Lead, direct and support a confident, inclusive and professional People Services Function and Team.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive People Strategy, in line with AF&RS strategic aims.
  • Lead organisational development and the modernisation of people services.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of robust administrative processes, tools and reporting across all stages of the employee lifecycle.
  • Agree and oversee wellbeing initiatives and collaboration with external organisations, ensuring that employee wellbeing underpins Service aims and objectives.
  • Oversee the development of a comprehensive succession plan, incorporating seamless recruitment, promotion and development processes.
  • Oversee and assist in the development of our Diversity & Inclusion strategy, working with the DICE team and key stakeholders.
  • Build positive and effective relationships with Representative Bodies and Unions.
  • Be a core member of AF&RS Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to and influencing the delivery of the overall strategic direction for the organisation.
  • Advise and facilitate the Professional Standards Board to ensure consistent management of discipline matters, continuous learning and improvement. As chairperson for the Professional Standards Board, the postholder will represent the Service at Employment Tribunals on related matters as required
  • Actively engage with partner Fire and Rescue Services, the NFCC best practice network and the wider public/community services to explore and maintain collaborative opportunities and embed a cycle of continuous improvement.

Download the full job description (199kB pdf)

What we will need from you

  • 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 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.
  • Calm in challenging and changing circumstances;  flexible, friendly and helpful.
  • Able to drive with a current driving licence, or ability to arrange suitable alternative transport to travel to various work locations.
  • 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 organization.

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
  • Local Government Pension – Defined Benefit Scheme
  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Welfare and Wellbeing services
  • Staff Engagement Groups
  • Access to Medical Intervention Scheme
  • Access to Blue Light card with offers online and high street discounts
  • Use of the multi-gym, sports hall, restaurant, free parking and beautiful open surroundings at our Headquarters in Portishead.
Apply now

How to apply

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 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.

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