Overview
Group Commander Gateway Sept25 –
Salary: GM Dev (*GBP*57,743) $ú GM Comp B (*GBP*64,013) plus 20% flexible duty system allowance where applicable
Basis:
Package:
Contractual Hours: 42
Region:
Job Category: Operations
Job Description:
Middle Manager Promotion Gateway – Group Manager
For Entry to Group Manager Talent Pool
Closing Date: 23.59 28 September 2025
Salary: GM Dev (£57,743) – GM Comp B (£64,013) plus 20% flexible duty system allowance where applicable
Location: Various roles and locations across Bedfordshire
If you are looking for a leadership opportunity in a fire and rescue service with a great reputation and a strong track record of visible leadership and delivering positive outcomes for our communities, then Bedfordshire could be for you. Join our team to play a vital role building upon our successes to date.
You will lead, develop and support the Service in delivering on its Mission working together to keep Bedfordshire safe.
You will demonstrate excellent leadership qualities that align with the NFCC Leadership Framework, our professional behaviours, and our Service values:
- We are Accountable
- We’ve got your Back
- Every Contact counts
- We Dare to be Different.
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, and the ability to motivate and empower others to both understand and deliver on our objectives. They will foster a strong, inclusive team working ethos.
Where applicable, substantive posts at the role/scale of Group Manager are conditioned to the Flexible Duty System (FDS) and are required to provide a response base, in an area approved by the Chief Fire Officer, which will enable them to undertake their operational command duties when on-call.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from those currently serving within a UK Fire Authority at the following levels:
- Substantive and competent Station Managers, holding a recognised Incident Command Level 2 qualification (for entry to the GM Talent Pool)
- Competent Wholetime Duty System or Retained Station Commanders, serving in a temporary SM role, or recently completed a temporary SM role (internal applicants only), holding a recognised Incident Command Level 2 qualification, a valid pass at SM gateway and IFE L4C3 and L4C5 papers (for entry to the GM Talent Pool)
NOTE: Internal applicants must be deemed ready for progression at their last appraisal.
Candidates who have a live disciplinary sanction for either Attendance or Conduct at the time of the 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 to enter the talent pool until the outcome is known. (Exceptions may be made in instances where extenuating circumstances apply).
To Apply
Applicants will need to complete an application form via the Current Vacancies section on the BFRS website, with a supporting statement. This will enable you to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification.
Internal applicants will also need to obtain line manager validation on their application by the closing date, and can request the relevant validation form from the Assessment & Selection Coordinator (operationalopportunities@bedsfire.gov.uk). They should share a copy of their application form together with the validation form with their line manager.
The Selection Process
All potential candidates have the opportunity to join an engagement forum, offering a chance to engage with Chief Fire Officer and Principal Officer team and discuss what we have to offer. We also offer support sessions via Teams to find out more about the process. The selection process will include a personality questionnaire exercise, a written report, a generic Group Commander interview with presentation and an ICL3 practical assessment. (Those holding a valid BFRS ICL3 assessment will be exempt from this element).
Candidates successful at shortlist will be invited to attend a selection process for entry to our Group Commander talent pool. Applicants will be offered the option to indicate on their application form whether they would like to be considered for an accelerated pathway, (This may, subject to their performance at the gateway, enable them to be offered additional development opportunities on appointment to a Group Manager role, and the option to undertake the assessments leading to entry to the next level up talent pool within 12 months).
Successful candidates will enter a talent pool, eligible for consideration for Group Manager posts as they arise. The pool will remain live for 12 months. (Internal applicants would be required to undertake a professional discussion to remain in the talent pool.)
Subject to outcome and any appointment to a GM role, you will be required to serve at any location in the Service, and to gain satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and pass a Service Medical and Fitness Test before appointment will be offered.
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a probationary period of 6 months and those successful on promotion will also be required to satisfactorily complete the Station Manager Development Programme. Relocation assistance may be available to successful candidates (details available on request).
Full gateway details, including more information regarding our county, our service, our behaviour and values, the selection process, line manager validation, can be found on the Careers section of BFRS website/ Promotion Gateways section:
https://www.bedsfire.gov.uk/careers/promotion-gateways
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s 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.
Completed application forms should be submitted via the Current Vacancies section on the BFRS website.
Closing date: 23.59 28 September 2025.
For further information please contact Juliet Ormerod via email: operationalopportunities@bedsfire.gov.uk
Candidates can request an informal 1-2-1 discussion with a member of our leadership team, which we will seek to accommodate, subject to availability of all parties.
At Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, we’re not all the same. And that’s our greatest strength. We draw on the differences in who we are, what we’ve experienced, and how we think. Because to provide a service that serves everyone, we believe in including everyone.
Be bold, be unique, be you, dare to be different!
