Post: Head of Professional Standards Unit
Grade: TMGB
Salary range: £91,404 – £112,717 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: 4 PM on Friday 07 February 2025
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) performs a vital service to everyone who lives or works in our capital city, as well as the millions who visit every year. We exist to make London a safer city.
LFB is one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world, employing over 5,000 people across an eclectic variety of professions ranging from our extraordinary firefighters to the brilliant people who support them in every conceivable professional function.
In 2021 we commissioned an independent Culture Review that highlighted many ways where we need to change, and we are committed to doing everything we can to learn from the recommendations in that review. This Review engaged with 2,000 of our staff, and the report contains accounts of shockingly poor behaviour and painful experiences over many years. In response, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and discrimination. These changes are ongoing; we know that there is still more to do, and we are determined to achieve it.
We have formed and embedded LFB’s first Professional Standards Unit (PSU) and this has been in place for just over a year now. Having created the PSU we are looking for an individual with rock solid knowledge of employee relations, case management and employment law. You will handle all matters related to disciplines and grievances and provide a robust, fair and open service in its handling of cases relating to conduct. Everything you do will contribute to our ongoing commitment to ensure that anything that falls outside of our conduct and values, is addressed without fear or favour.
The Head of the PSU will ensure that the London Fire Brigade is robust in its handling of cases relating to conduct and help enable the ongoing transformation of both People Services and the London Fire Brigade in continuing to embed a forward-thinking culture that sets standards for the sector. The Head of the PSU will report to the Director for People, and work closely with senior leaders, staff groups and unions, leading a team to ensure a dynamic and fair service that is recognised as a centre of excellence within the sector. External engagement will be important and varied working alongside advisory panels, community forums and partners in and around London.
We encourage applications from experienced HR leaders with proven experience in employee relations and exposure to working with trade unions. Candidates should be able to evidence a strong track record in developing and implementing complex policy decisions, building strong relationships at all levels of an organisation, leading on business plans, managing budgets and inspiring a function to continuously improve and provide greater value for staff. Resilience, empathy, determination and integrity are vital personal characteristics for the postholder.
Without a doubt this is one of the most demanding, yet fulfilling HR roles but one where you can really make a difference and make an impact. If you think this sounds like something you have the skills and experience to do, and the curiosity to be at the forefront of co-creating a safe and fair working environment, this is the job for you.
LFB must fully reflect the diversity of the communities it serves, so we particularly encourage applications from people from under-represented groups.
To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide a cover letter (in no more than two sides of A4) stating how your skills, experience and knowledge match the person specification.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend assessment stages, including a Stakeholder Discussion Exercise, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Exercise, and interviews.
Please note the Stages 1 & 2 will be used as a sift and a detailed explanation of each stage will be provided in the relevant invite letter.
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.
Benefits of working for the London Fire Brigade:
1. 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
2. Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
3. Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
4. Flexible working including work from home 60%
5. Free access to the Brigade gym
6. Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
7. Free counselling
8. Season ticket loans
9. Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
10. Contributory pension scheme
11. Cycle to work scheme
12. Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
13. 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 criminal records check. Successful candidates will be required to declare any convictions for offences which are not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced check will be undertaken on the successful person before an appointment is confirmed.
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