Head of People
We are looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking HR leader who is eager to help transform our people function.
Are you a strategic HR professional with extensive experience?
Do you have strong planning, transformational, and organisational skills to lead the HR function. Can you ensure it aligns with organisational goals and empower your team to create a positive, inclusive workplace culture while managing complex projects and driving change?
If so, we want to hear from you! Apply now!
Are you ready to help shape our future?
The successful candidate will understand the unique challenges and opportunities in taking our people and stakeholders with us when changing things for the better.
The role requires a high calibre individual with:
- Chartered MCIPD level or equivalent professional HR qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience;
- Significant and broad strategic HR experience in a unionised environment;
- Significant experience of leading and managing HR Functions effectively to achieve organisational priorities, including developing and implementing a People strategy;
- Significant working knowledge of employment law, sensitive high-profile casework, HR best practice and industrial relations;
- An understanding of Local Government;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbally and in writing, capable of engaging, influencing and building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a strategic level;
- Openness to change and the capability of transforming ideas into action and reality through project management.
We need YOU! join #TeamBedsFire
➡️ Ready to take the leap? Apply today and start your journey with us. Together, we achieve greatness! 🚀
Message from the Chief Fire Officer
Welcome to an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I am delighted to invite all potential candidates to apply for the Head of People position, a pivotal role in our senior leadership team at an exciting and transformative time for an organisation with a strong reputation and a clear vision.
We pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking, inclusive, and resilient public service. Our mission is to work together to make Bedfordshire safer, and our greatest asset in achieving this mission is our people. We are committed to fostering a high-performing, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to our shared goals.
We are a values-driven organisation, guided by our core values, and believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we engage with our community. We strive to create an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Over the past few years, we have laid strong foundations and made significant progress in many areas as highlighted in our recent HMICFRS report, reducing fire incidents and enhancing public safety. However, we recognise that there is still more to do and as part of our wider transformational change programme, we are modernising our People Directorate to better support and develop our talented and committed workforce and are seeking an exceptional leader who is passionate about shaping a modern, strategic, and people-focused organisation.
As Head of People, you will play a pivotal role in leading meaningful change and driving the growth and development of our workforce, ensuring we remain a leading light in the sector. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and excellence, where every team member feels valued and empowered.
I am personally committed to supporting our new Head of People in achieving our shared goals. Together, we will continue to build a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone can thrive.
If you are a dynamic, strategic HR leader who is excited about the opportunity to influence, design, and deliver major transformational and organisational change, we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an informal discussion with me, please do not hesitate to contact our recruitment team at recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to join Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. We look forward to receiving your application.
Andrew Hopkinson
Chief Fire Officer
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service