Head of Corporate Services

In this crucial leadership role, you will be at the forefront of our service, with responsibility for the effective management, performance and delivery of our Service as well as being an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the delivery the Strategic Commitments of the Fire Authority.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is a progressive and community- focused organisation that works as one team to deliver services to the people of Berkshire. We have an engaged and dedicated team of some 700 diverse and talented individuals, an inclusive culture as well as a commitment to the training, development and wellbeing of our people. About you:

As Head of Corporate Services, you will have a unique opportunity to lead an area of the Service and work across the organisation to shape and tailor the services we provide to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

In this role you will utilise professional knowledge and experience to develop appropriate strategies, take action to achieve corporate objectives and ensure the delivery of excellent public services.

You will bring a practical understanding of how to lead major programmes across an organisation, building effective senior relationships, finding the best solution to challenges, being critically aware of costs and resources and then making the change happen.

Politically astute, you will be working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and therefore it is essential that you have excellent written and verbal communication and influencing skills, to allow you to develop contacts and build relationships.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will manage risk across the county on behalf of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority. Ensuring the community is at the heart of the decision making while demonstrating value for money.

Putting Communities first, Integrity, Dignity and Respect are our values, if they match your values we would like to hear from you. The key focus of this role is:

To provide an effective and efficient multidisciplinary organisational support function, creating and delivering the Service’s vision and strategic direction on behalf of the Fire Authority.

You will be responsible for the following teams and accountable for delivery of work across all these areas.

·      Business Support

·      Corporate Communication

·      Committee Services

·      Data, Performance and Risk

·      Programme Office and Inspection 

You will operate within an increasingly multi agency context, directly supporting the Fire Authority and Deputy Chief Executives to initiate, develop and influence a complex range of relationships, including:

·      The 6 unitary local authorities of Royal Berkshire, their services and schools

·      Bodies representing local businesses and voluntary organisations

·      Other Fire and Rescue Services and emergency services

·      Central government (mainly MHCLG and/or the Home Office)

·      Members of Parliament

·      Local government politicians

·      NFCC

·      Representative bodies

You will have lead responsibility for assisting the Deputy Chief Executive in developing and delivering the Community Risk Management Plan and delivery of the associated programme of work.

You will be the strategic lead for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection programme. Key role requirements are detailed in the job profile attached (knowledge, skills and experience).

Application and selection process

Our Behavioural Competency Framework (link here)  allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet these behaviours in line with the job profile/person specification throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click on the apply link above.

Please see the link to the Job Profile Head of Corporate Services.

For further details about the role or to simply discuss any adaptations or adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with our recruitment process please contact Nikki Richards, Deputy Chief Executive at richardsn@rbfrs.co.uk to arrange an informal discussion.

Closing date for applications at Stage One is 09:00am Monday 18 November 2024.

Assessment/interview are expected to be held during December 2024. Anticipated start date: Early 2025 

The selection process consists of three stages.

Stage One

·      CV and Supporting Statement (the statement should not exceed 2000 words), detailing why you are the best person for the role and how you meet the person specification.

·      You will be informed if you are shortlisted for Stage Two below.  Stage Two

·      Submission of report

In no more than 2500 words, write a report on how organisational performance management can drive improvements in productivity and efficiency

·      Competency based interview

·      Clarity 4D Personality Profile (not assessed) Stage Three (If successful at Stage Two)

·      Values and Behaviours Based Interview

You will also need to satisfy the requirements of an Enhanced with Barred Lists DBS check.

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Please note that this your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Our Commitments: 

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. 

We are committed to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels they can bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application. 

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more please click here: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.

Benefits:

Excellent annual leave allowance of 30 days (rising further with long service), flexible working hours scheme, onsite gym, free parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

Other information about our benefits can be found here