Deputy Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service protects one of the largest geographical areas of any Fire and Rescue Service with over 350 Community Fire Stations and corporate locations across Scotland. We manage a diverse range of risks, from urban cities to remote and rural island locations.

We are looking for a Deputy Head of Health and Wellbeing to lead a multidisciplinary function that delivers critical services that directly impact workforce safety, operational capability and organisational resilience.

This is a senior leadership role within the Health, Safety, Wellbeing and Assurance function. You will lead teams that deliver occupational health, health surveillance, wellbeing, fitness, injury prevention, rehabilitation and administrative support.

Why Join Us?

SFRS offers the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with a clear public service purpose: protecting communities, saving lives, reducing risk, and improving safety across Scotland.

We are committed to enhancing Firefighter safety and wellbeing through a proactive safety management framework, focusing on health monitoring, risk reduction from contaminants, and operational surveillance/assurance.

This is a chance to make a real impact. You will help shape services that support the health, safety and wellbeing of our people every day.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of occupational health and fitness professionals, you would;

• Lead the strategy for health, wellbeing, occupational health, fitness and injury prevention across SFRS.
• Manage and improve services that support employee health, safety, attendance and operational readiness.
• Provide clear advice to senior leaders, managers and partners on workforce health and wellbeing risks.
• Lead occupational health services, with a focus on quality, governance, case management and compliance.
• Oversee fitness standards, injury prevention work and rehabilitation routes that support safe return to work.
• Use data and insight to improve services, track outcomes and support better workforce planning.
• Build strong links with internal teams, representative bodies, public sector partners and external providers.
• Deputise for the Head of Safety and Assurance when needed.

This is a full-time opportunity. The location of this role is flexible, with some travel across Scotland. Applications from individuals seeking hybrid or flexible working options will be considered.

You will be a confident and collaborative leader. You will bring strong experience in health and wellbeing, occupational health or a related field. You will be able to lead people, shape services and work well with senior leaders, managers, employees and partners.

You should be able to plan well, communicate clearly and use sound judgement. You will also need to use data to spot trends, solve problems and improve outcomes for our people and the Service.

Benefits

In return you will be offered a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• 28 days annual leave, rising to 34 after 5 years’ service, plus 6 public holidays.
• An opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Group Life Assurance (contributory).
• Employee Discount Scheme.
• Access to a range of family friendly policies that promote a work/life balance.
• Access to health and wellbeing services, support and advice.

Full details of the role, salary and recruitment process are available in the attached information pack.

This role is classified as politically restricted due to the range of duties and responsibilities required of the postholder, further information is available in the recruitment information pack.

SFRS is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all parts of the community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we will invite all applicants who meet the essential criteria for interview.

Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review - in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements. A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to experience demonstrated.

This role involves working with adults and children. The successful candidate will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

If you have any questions about your application, please email People Services at SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk.

Please note, a fully completed application form must be submitted for this position.