Temporary WMB Operational Assurance – Training & Development Centre
Salary: In line with national and service pay scales.Basis: Full timePackage: The role attracts an Additional Responsibilities AllowanceContractual Hours: 42Region: Job Category: Operations
Job Description:
Temporary Vacancy Arising in Post of Watch Manager Operational Assurance (WMB)
The Service anticipates a temporary Watch Manager B vacancy arising in the Operational Assurance team, that sits within the Learning and Organisational Development team. The post is based at BFRS Training Centre, Kempston.
The postholder will be responsible for supporting a learning culture, acting on learning from operational and non operational activities and external sources to improve operational response and the safety of personnel. They will also support the Operational Assurance Manager to manage activities, resources and personnel working to disseminate and embed operational learning into policies, processes, guidance and training.
Applications for this vacancy are now invited from the following:
1. Transfers of current substantive Watch Manager Bs
Applications for temporary appointment on transfer are invited from Substantive Wholetime Duty System Watch Manager Bs
2. Appointments on temporary promotion
Applications for appointment on temporary promotion are invited from Substantive Wholetime Duty System Crew Managers
- in the WM talent pool – holding a current pass for the WM promotion gateway process and hold the relevant technical examinations (Refer V09 01/03 Technical Examinations for Operational and Control Roles).
- in the WM temporary pool, having undertaken the Watch Manager gateway and eligible for temporary appointment only
Candidates who have a live disciplinary sanction for either Attendance or Conduct at the time of application closing date will not normally be eligible to engage in the selection process. Candidates pending the outcome of a disciplinary matter will not normally be eligible for appointment until the outcome is known. (Exceptions may be made in instances where extenuating circumstances apply).
The job description and person specification is available on Sharepoint.
The duration will be subject to operational demand and backfilling of roles.
The post is conditioned to the nine day fortnight day duty system as per Grey Book and Service conditions. The post also attracts an Additional Responsibility Allowance, currently agreed at 1,720 per annum.
Applicants will be expected to complete any outstanding elements required for promotion to Watch Commander at the next available opportunity.
Expressions of interest should be submitted via the Internal Vacancies section on ITRENT which can be accessed via ESS. Applicants should outline within the personal statement how they meet the following core areas:
- Understanding operational assurance
- Experience of Microsoft Office suite, and ability to use a range of internal IT systems
- Ability to design and deliver presentations
- Collaboration and communication skills
Applicants will be required to attend a short selection process involving a brief presentation and interview, addressing the specialist post-specific elements of the role. Selection will be based upon the outcome from this post-specific interview. Where a single application is received, a professional discussion may take place.
Closing Date: 7 June 2026, 23.59 hours
A selection process is anticipated to take place w/c 15 June 2026.
Internal applicants who meet the essential criteria and are at risk of redundancy will be given priority consideration in line with the Service policy.
For further information please contact T/St. Commander David Haynes (David.haynes@bedsfire.gov.uk)
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This is a public-facing role and it is essential to have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are spent under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Services recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
At Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, were not all the same. And thats our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what weve experienced, and how we think. Because to provide a service that serves everyone, we believe in including everyone.
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