Deputy Chief Fire Officer
£121,662 per annum (plus £3,836 flexi duty allowance)
As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, we are proud to have an inclusive workplace where people enjoy coming to work. We're passionate about making a meaningful impact on the safety of our communities and fostering career growth. That's why, when you join us as Deputy Chief Fire Officer, you'll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape the future of our service - and your career.
Reimagine the possibilities
Message from Jon Lacey
Thank you for your interest in joining Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service as our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer. I'm Jon Lacey, Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director of Public Safety, and I'm excited to share with you the unique opportunity we have to offer.
At Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, we're not just fighting fires – we're reimagining what's possible for our communities and our people. We're an ambitious service, with excellent staff providing an impressive foundation we can build upon. Our vision is to be Swift to Serve, ensuring Suffolk is a place where people lead safe and fulfilling lives.
You might think of Suffolk as a quiet, rural county, but let me assure you – we're far from sleepy. We're at the forefront of driving innovation and progress in the fire and rescue service. From our state-of-the-art training facilities to our investment in cutting-edge technology, we're constantly pushing boundaries to improve our service delivery and keep our communities safe.
As Deputy Chief Fire Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our future. You'll be at the heart of our mission to keep Suffolk safe, leading our Performance and Assurance Framework, championing our WE ASPIRE values, and driving innovation across all areas of our service.
We're proud of our recent achievements, including our 'Good' rating for Effectiveness and People in our latest HMICFRS inspection. We've made significant strides in fire protection, risk information gathering, and cultural development. But we're not resting on our laurels – we're constantly looking for ways to improve and adapt to the changing needs of our workforce and community.
What sets us apart? We're more than just a service – we're the Suffolk Fire Family. When you join us, you become part of a tight-knit community that sticks together through thick and thin. We believe in supporting each other, celebrating our successes, and learning from our challenges. Our goal is for everyone to have a good day at work, every day. We understand that not every day in the fire service is easy, but you can rest assured that our leaders are committed to looking after our staff, listening to their concerns, and taking action to address them.
"Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is more than just a job - it's a place where you can feel valued, connected and empowered to make a real difference." - Claire, Performance and Improvement Manager
"Working for Suffolk Fire and Rescue was the best decision I've made for my career and work life balance. There's constant support, progression and different opportunities for those who want them." - Liam, Crew Manager, Training, Learning and Development
If you join us, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Lead a service that's driving innovation
- Drive technological advancements and service modernization
- Shape our response to emerging risks, including climate change
- Develop a diverse and skilled workforce fit for the future
- Make a real, tangible difference to the lives of Suffolk residents
- Be part of a supportive and close-knit fire service family
We're looking for someone who shares our passion for public service, has a track record of inspiring leadership, and is committed to continuous improvement. If you're ready to reimagine what's possible in your career and for our communities, we want to hear from you.
I encourage you to explore our website, read our Community Risk Management Plan, Service Plan and reach out if you have any questions. We're here to support you throughout the application process and beyond.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to join our team. I look forward to the possibility of working together to create a safer, stronger Suffolk.
Warm regards,
Jon Lacey
Chief Fire Officer and Executive Director of Public Safety, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
P.S. Remember, we're not just offering a job – we're offering a chance to become part of the Suffolk Fire Family and reimagine what's possible in your career and for Suffolk's communities. Apply now and be part of shaping a safer future for all.
About You
This exciting role calls for an experienced leader in fire and rescue services or similar experience in another organisation, with a proven track record in strategic leadership and incident management. You'll have a passion for public service and a drive for continuous improvement. We're seeking an authentic, collaborative leader who can influence a wide range of stakeholders and build strong partnerships across sectors.
Most importantly, you'll keep the community at the heart of everything you do.