ASSISTANT CHIEF OFFICER

An exciting opportunity exists for the right individual to form part of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) as Assistant Chief Officer (ACO).

Suitable applicants will be able to evidence achievement and leadership at a strategic level within a public Fire and Rescue Service and be able to show a clear understanding of the challenges facing the Service as we enter a period of transformation and external challenges.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Officer, you will be responsible for the safe and effective delivery of Services to the communities of Scotland. The role will require you to work collaboratively with Scottish Government, the Board, SLT and other key national and local stakeholders to formulate strategy, policy, guidance and procedures.

You must demonstrate the experience, skills and aptitude to lead, direct and manage areas of the SFRS to ensure it provides high quality, efficient and flexible services of the highest standard whilst making a positive difference to the outcomes of Community and Firefighter safety. 

At a time of ongoing change in public services and a challenging financial environment, you will make a significant contribution to formulate and drive forward innovation and improvement strategies to meet SFRS strategic aims and objectives.  You will play a strategic role in leading the continued development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service for the communities of Scotland; leading by example and building on our values of safety, teamwork, respect and innovation.

All ACO roles within SFRS are inter-changeable and designated work functions continue to be subject to the exigencies of the SFRS.

You will provide an operational emergency response as part of the Principal Officer group (Gold Command) including a national response on a locally agreed continuous duty system.  You may be required to attend incidents as the Incident Commander as dictated by the SFRS Incident Command System or as SFRS Gold Commander at Multi-Agency Gold level briefings or meetings at any location throughout Scotland.

Applicants must currently be serving as a competent and substantive Area Commander or above, must either hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant management subject or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience. Applicants are also required to hold a full, valid and current driving license.  The provision of Incident Command leadership is essential, and applicants must currently operate at Incident Command level 3 (or equivalent for external applicants) and have experience of taking command of large scale incidents and operating within a multi-agency setting in order to apply. 

The successful applicant will be based at SFRS Headquarters in Cambuslang and must be able to travel extensively across Scotland on a regular basis and the UK when required. These posts shall align to the Brigade Manager Role Map and the Scheme of Conditions of Service (NJC Brigade Manager). 

 

 

SELECTION PROCESS

To arrange an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Elaine Reside, Executive PA to Chief Officer Designate Stuart Stevens, on 07814 639 582 or  elaine.reside@firescotland.gov.uk.

Full details of the role and the selection process can be found in the recruitment information pack.  To apply, please complete our online application here and upload your CV.

The selection process will include a shortlisting exercise, psychometric assessments and a Selection Centre consisting of an incident command assessment and formal interview. Successful applicants will be subject to security vetting at Security Checked (SC) level prior to appointment.

The SFRS are committed to developing a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We seek to create equal opportunities for all regardless of gender, disability, ethnic background, age, religion/belief or sexual orientation.  The SFRS welcomes applications from any individuals from any of these groups, who meet the essential criteria.  At application stage, we ask that you disclose any disability and outline any special requirements you would like to request during the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered.

 

If you would like to apply in a different format, please email SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk.