Summary
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Architectural Data Specialist to join our data governance and management team, working within our Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) department. You will join us on a full time, 12 month fixed term contract working 37 hours per week. In return, you will receive a competitive salary - 6). The role is based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter, but there is also the possibility of some flexible / home working if agreed with the hiring manager. We also offer many benefits and a great place to work.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset.
Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Do not just take our word for it, here is what the team has to say;
"DSFRS is a gratifying place to work. I have had the opportunity to gain qualifications, and experience in various areas of ICT. The comradery between the Fire Fighters spreads across the Service, which increases co-operation between departments" - Service Desk Technician.
"I genuinely feel valued, respected and included because everyone has a role to play, and it is definitely a 'team' ethos. It is great to see such commitment to growth and progression at all levels, as well as leaders providing clear leadership and direction whish is at the heart of DSFRS" - Information Governance Officer
About the role:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team which looks after the integrity and quality of core Service data sets. We ensure that they are trustworthy and can be used to support strategic decision making, as well as managing our statutory incident data returns to the Home Office. We support staff across the uniformed and non-uniformed areas of the Service to make better use of their data and understand the importance of what they collect. There will be a requirement for you to regularly access and review incident data, some of which may contain details of casualties and fatalities.
This role would suit an individual who enjoys helping others, has strong attention to detail and is confident in making decisions around statutory and operational guidance. It would be particularly suitable for an individual who wishes to develop in an operationally supporting role.
Full training will be provided on our SORT system to enable the successful candidate to apply their knowledge of operational incidents to our data returns. This is a very flexible role, and can be completed from home or any local Service premises, with the expectation that the successful candidate will attend at Service Headquarters when they are required to do so. There is currently Mandatory attendance at least once a month for a meeting with the wider Information and Governance function.
This is an exciting time for the data governance and management team, as we are working with the NFCC to embed sector best practice within our own Service and have an opportunity to make a real difference to the experience of end users across departments. The successful candidate will be an equal part of the team, with opportunities to help shape the direction going forward.
Find out more:
We are recruiting into this role on a fixed term contract due to the likelihood of upcoming general changes to the team, and changes that would need to be made to the Job Description. We are accepting applications from external candidates, and this is also open to internal applicants who would be able to undertake the role on a secondment basis.
Internal applicants please make your Line Manager aware of your application.
Key responsibilities of the Architectural Specialist role:
What we are looking for in the ideal candidate:
• An interest is supporting individuals across the Service to collect high quality data to assist with strategic planning and analysis.
• The ability to follow detailed processes carefully, with good attention to detail and produce consistently accurate and high quality output.
• The confidence to make decisions about data relating to operational incidents, especially where information may be ambiguous with no clear answer.
• Excellent customer service focus to support individuals across the organisation with data related queries, including non-specialists.
• Clear understanding of security and confidentiality of information, whether computer based or otherwise in line with legislation.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills and the ability to ensure competing deadlines are met.
• High levels of communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
Benefits:
Looking after our staff and making sure they are happy at work is important to us. As well as a career where you know you are making a difference - there are a range of benefits such as a generous annual leave allowance that come with working for us. More details
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Generous Annual Leave
• Family Leave
• Access to Physiotherapy
• Progression routes and training
• Free gym access and fitness coaching.
• Eye Care
• Blue Light Membership and Discounts
• Affordable healthcare through
• Sports and Social groups
• Someone to talk to; free access to counselling, trained staff supporters and mental health first aiders who are there whenever you need someone to talk to
• Access to the Firefighters Charity
• Cycle to Work Scheme
"The DDaT team is a hub of innovation, turning challenges into opportunity and fostering a creative and supportive environment. There are lots of benefits on offer alongside competitive pay and offering a flexible work-life balance so that you can thrive personally and professionally." - DDaT Business Relationship Manager
If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone to find out more about the role, please contact Amy Down via email at
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to rehabilitation of offenders, and as such any positive disclosure will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as Individuals:
• We are proud to help.
• We are honest.
• We are respectful.
• We are working together.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
How to apply:
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document to show how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
1. Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously; deliver expected outcomes and effectively overcome barriers to change.
2. Ability to work with ambiguity with a range of stakeholders.
3. Demonstrable experience of working effectively at practitioner level within a data management function.
4. Demonstrable experience of a systems-thinking based approach to reconciling cross-disciplinary challenges with systems and data.
5. Demonstrable experience of managing key data within linked systems.
6. Positive, committed, adaptable, thorough and confident professional approach and conduct.
To help you complete this part of the application form please find below the word document "Architectural Data Specialist - Essential Criteria for Application". Please download this document and complete it with your evidence in relation to the above criteria. You can then upload this where requested when completing your application form.
Please note that the evidence you upload should not exceed 2000 words (excluding titles).
Evidence provided in relation to the above essential criteria will be used to shortlist applications received.
If you feel you have the skills and experience required for the role, please visit: and please click "apply" today, we would love to hear from you.