Deputy Chief Fire Officer
We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) who has the drive, enthusiasm and passion required of a strategic leader in a modern fire and rescue service.
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On this page you can read more about becoming a Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and the recruitment process.
A Message from Chief Fire Officer, Jonathon Pryce KFSM
HWFRS is a forward thinking organisation with an experienced and motivated senior leadership team. I look forward to working with our new Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) who will have a crucial role in building on the success of the current team (Strategic Leadership Board) and driving HWFRS forward into the future.
HWFRS is not without its challenges, the most acute being a Fire Service that achieves so much with so little funding. This is where the DCFO’s role is so vital in driving efficiency throughout the organisation, promoting innovation and leading the delivery of our core services to a high standard.
The new DCFO will need a blend of skills across a range of disciplines and must be prepared to lead in all areas of the Service, in particular by being a visible leader who promotes transparency and authenticity, whilst giving clear direction, but listening carefully to feedback from all our staff, partners and our communities.
HWFRS has a blend of staff, with On-Call staff being the largest group, alongside Wholetime staff, and our Support staff who have a host of very experienced and highly skilled specialists. The DCFO will need to be able to move between these staff groups with ease and build strong relationships with all of them, all of which must be built on the trust and confidence that staff have in the Strategic Leadership Board, and Principal Officers.
There is no doubt that the DCFO’s role is extremely challenging and will need the right person, with the right skillset and the right attitude to succeed. Building trust is key to all this and whilst the successful candidate will have the ability to grow in the role, they will also need to start the role with some key skills and experiences. I wish all applicants the best of luck, and look forward to meeting you in the near future.
About the role
Based in Worcester, as an integral part of the Strategic Leadership Board, you will work closely with Fire Authority members and colleagues from other partner agencies to drive forward innovation and improvement as well as actively engaging with Police, Ambulance Services and regional Fire partners. These relationships will be key in ensuring we can continue to deliver a highly effective and efficient service to our communities.
You will need to have substantial leadership and senior management experience of diverse and complex functions as well as the ability to lead and deliver transformational, innovative and sustainable change.
The post holder will be required to provide a response base which will enable them to undertake their strategic operational command duties across both counties and at Hindlip Park, preferably living within our borders. Any location outside our borders requires the permission of the Chief Fire Officer.
A full list of the Key Duties and Responsibilities of the DCFO are listed in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Applications are open now until 15 February 2026:
Criteria
You must meet the following at the point of application:
- Be able to demonstrate experience of tactical and operational command roles, preferably in an emergency services role, and the ability to undertake operational Fire Service Strategic Command, Leadership and Management roles.
- Be eligible to live and work in the UK without restrictions.
- Not have any live formal disciplinary sanctions.
- Not be in a formal capability process.
- Be medically fit to undertake the role.
- You will also be required to hold a valid full UK driving licence, as well as the expectation to drive under emergency response conditions to the necessary standard.
- Must be able to pass all necessary qualifications and role required assessments.
Key employment information
Salary
The salary for a Deputy Chief Fire Officer is £142,346 per annum.
Vehicle
The successful applicant will be provided with a vehicle for Service duties. Individuals can elect to use this vehicle for personal use; however this will be subject to all applicable taxation implications.
Hours of Work
Your normal hours are those required to fulfill the requirements of this post and will require evening and weekend activities. You will work in accordance with the Principal Officer continuous duty system and on a rotational basis; you will be required to undertake the role of Duty Principal Officer.
Annual Leave and Public Holidays
Your leave entitlement is as follows; 35 days Scale A, 2 days Scale B and 3 days Long Service Leave. In addition, you will receive a public holiday entitlement each year and 2 Concessionary days.
Additional Benefits
- A rewarding, varied career.
- Training, development and career progression opportunities.
- Access to health and wellbeing services and advice.
- To be part of a service that is committed to making a difference every day.
Terms and Conditions
The conditions of service generally follow those of the National Joint Council (NJC) for Brigade Managers of Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, as set out in the Scheme of Conditions of Service (commonly known as the ‘Gold Book’). This is supplemented by the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, as set out in the Scheme of Conditions of Service (commonly known as the ‘Grey Book’).
Politically Restricted
This post is deemed politically restricted in accordance with The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (LGHA 1989).
The selection process
1. Application
- Completion of an online application form.
2. Shortlisting
- This will take place following the application stage and candidates will be notified of outcomes by email.
3. Selection
- Completion of an online assessment, a written report and a Command Assessment, if necessary.
- An interview day.
- A fitness test, medical assessment and pre-employment checks.
You must complete and be successful at each stage to progress.
All communication during the process will be sent to the email address provided by you on your application form so please check this is correct when completing your application form. Please ensure you keep your contact details updated and that you regularly check your email account and spam folder.
Further information and guidance regarding the selection process can be found in the Candidate Pack.
Applications are open now until 15 February 2026:
The recruitment timeline
23 January 2026
Job advert opens
15 February 2026
Job advert closes
W/C 16 February 2026
Shortlisted candidates
invited to interview
Between 23 February and 6 March 2026
Prior to interview: An online assessment, a written report, a Command Assessment, if necessary
6 March 2026
Submission deadline for written report
11 March 2026
Interview Day (fixed) at Wyre Forest District Council Offices
16 March 2026
Preferred candidate contacted and pre-employment checks
16 April 2026
Formal offer made to preferred candidate following Fire Authority ratification
Have a question or query?
If you have any questions regarding the DCFO role, please contact Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce KFSM via Lisa Colenutt, Executive PA to CFO, on 01905 368202 or lcolenutt@hwfire.org.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or your application form, please email Carl Smythe, Resourcing Manager: csmythe@hwfire.org.uk.