How to Apply
To apply, please complete our online application form and attach an up-to-date CV (maximum three pages) detailing your full career history and qualifications. Additionally, ensure you complete the supporting statement section, demonstrating how you meet all the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification within the Job Description.
At Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are not all the same, and that’s our greatest strength. We draw on what brings us together, not our differences. We expect our staff to model our service values.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce that reflects our diverse communities across Bedfordshire. We welcome applications from all parts of our communities and are particularly keen to hear from underrepresented groups.
This post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions that are otherwise considered ‘spent’ under the Act.
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
The selection process has been designed to be fair and to give everyone an opportunity to demonstrate their suitability to be our Head of People. If you need any reasonable adjustments in the application process, please let us know.
Applications Close
All applications must be submitted through our online system. As part of the application process, you can upload your CV and complete the additional sections, including the supporting statement. Please ensure you submit your application before the closing date. Once submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive one, please log into the system to verify that your application has been successfully submitted and received. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team at recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk
Shortlisting
We carefully review all applications against the person specification contained within the job description. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application at this stage.
Online Psychometric Assessments
The online psychometric testing will assess your preferences, motives, talents, and interpersonal leadership behaviours. It will also include a situational judgment exercise to evaluate your preferences and judgment regarding different leadership styles. Additionally, there will be an aptitude assessment measuring your verbal, numerical, and abstract reasoning skills.
As part of this process, we will schedule a telephone appointment for you, known as a validatory discussion, with an occupational psychologist. During this call, the psychologist will explore your outcomes in more detail.
The results of these psychometric assessments will be used to shape the questions for your personal interview in the next stage.
Full details and guidance will be provided to you, and you will not need to attend our site for this part.
Selection process
If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be given a date for the selection process, which will take place on either the 24th or 28th of March. You will only need to attend in person on one of these dates; however, we kindly ask that you keep both days available until your specific date is confirmed.
The selection process will include various elements, and further details will be provided in advance.