London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s Fire and Rescue Service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city.
We employ over 5,500 people, across our operational team (our firefighters), control (our call handlers who answer your 999 calls) and our non-operational team (our teams who work behind the scenes to support our front-line services, including HR, IT, Finance, Procurement, Communications etc.).
As laid out in our Community Risk Management Plan ‘Your London Fire Brigade’ we have been undergoing considerable change since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017. We understand about our need to change and are committed to doing everything we can to learn the lessons from that tragedy, but we know that there is still more to do.
LFB has been on a journey of transformation and improvement over the last few years and this includes improving our culture. LFB is recruiting a Head of Community Engagement, and this is a great time to join the Brigade and be part of the change we are creating. This position is integral to advancing the organisation’s comprehensive community engagement strategy and strengthening relationships in some of London’s most diverse communities.
About the Role
The Head of Community Engagement will lead the community engagement strategy, devising and driving initiatives that connect and resonate with various community groups across London. You will have experience in leading community engagement for a large, complex organisation and have a proven track record in delivering community engagement strategies and have excellent interpersonal and people skills to be able to engage a wide range of communities and work alongside them to build trust and provide support.
The post holder will also lead a team of community engagement professionals, developing their skills and ensuring excellence in all activities undertaken. The post holder will play a critical role in the senior management team within the Communications and Engagement directorate, working closely with leaders across various departments to advise on community engagement at all levels in the organisation.
Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.
We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.
Assessment Overview
Stage 1
To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:
1. Substantial experience managing community relations for a large complex organisation.
2. Experience of delivering effective community engagement, which should include formal examples of public consultation.
3. Experience of acting swiftly to manage community engagement at sudden notice, in the context of both a public and emergency service.
4. Strong diplomacy skills required to manage and balance the expectations and the often-competing priorities of a very wide range of communities.
5. A deep understanding of community engagement principles and practice and demonstrable knowledge of the fire and rescue service.
Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.
Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.
Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.
Stage 2
Assessment for this role is due to take place week commencing 03rd March 2025 at the LFB Headquarters. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.
This will consist of an interview and a presentation. Candidates will be required to give a short presentation (in no more than 12 slides) on the topic, which will be followed by questions:
"Looking at the Community Risk Management Plan (CRPM), what your approach will be in the next 3 years?"
You can find information on the CRPM by visiting https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/about-us/your-london-fire-brigade-our-plan-for-2023-29/
Additional Information
Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade:
* 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
* Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
* Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
* Flexible working including work from home 60%
* Free access to the Brigade gym
* Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
* Free counselling
* Season ticket loans
* Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
* Contributory pension scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
* Opportunity to access affordable accommodation
In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidates will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.
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