ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for people to carry out the role of a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, based out of Walton Fire Station Business Fire Safety Office. We will also be looking to create a pool of suitable candidates to assist us in managing our retirement profile through the next 12 months.

The role has a salary based on PS9 ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Pay scale of £40,296, based on a 36-hour working week.

If you are a grey book employee, this role attracts a salary reflective of Watch Commander B, plus 10%. If not already a competent Watch Commander, pay will start on a development basis until competency is achieved and paid in line with agreed national joint council terms. The additional 10% reflects the specialist nature of the role, requirement to work flexibly and to maintain operational competence including fitness. 

For applicants applying for ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø pay scale - this opportunity welcomes applications from people who have a background and expertise in compliance and regulation as well as meeting the shortlisting criteria. For candidates, applying for a grey book postyou must be a firefighter, Crew Commander or Watch Commander who is competentand operationally fit, whilst also meeting the required Fire Safety qualifications as specified in the shortlisting criteria.

Are you passionate about making a difference to the communities of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?

As a Business Fire Safety Inspector your role will be to inspect and audit high and very high-risk business premises in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 on behalf of the fire authority.

You will support the Protection Teams in ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Fire and Rescue to deliver the objectives of the Risk Based Inspection Programme, ensuring the buildings and people that use them safer through education and enforcement.

These roles will be based at one of three locations across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, although postings will be subject to vacancies at either:

• Walton-upon-Thames
• Leatherhead
• Farnham

You will be supported by an experienced team, made up of operational and civilian backgrounds and experience. The role will require you to obtain specialist and technical knowledge in fire safety which will be overseen by a Fire Safety Manager.

This role will involve engaging with various partners and business owners to lead and support people to lawfully resolve regulatory fire safety matters, ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. You will also be responsible for educating businesses and fire teams ensuring shared understanding of risks.

As well as this, you will work independently to manage your calendar with the support of your manager in prioritising workloads. You will carry out consultations, inspection and audit regimes, follow up visits, and decide on appropriate enforcement levels based on audit outcomes.

A typical day in this important role will see the Business Fire Safety Inspector assessing risks and hazards associated with fire, evaluating measures in place to protect people and premises, influencing and supporting businesses to act on recommendations and, where appropriate, reporting breaches and taking required enforcement actions.

Job Details

You will need to be flexible, respond positively to change and be prepared for continuous learning and professional development throughout your career. The regulations governing the fire safety aspects of buildings are frequently evolving and you will need to ensure that you keep up to date.

You will have the interpersonal skills that give you the ability and flexibility to gain support and influence internal and external stakeholders. We work with businesses, partners, and the public to improve safety in the community.

You must be able to work effectively with technology and able to demonstrate competence with basic software and IT equipment. Accuracy and attention to detail are key skills.

You will be able to demonstrate a calm, confident and resilient approach to unpredictable, challenging or dangerous situations while maintaining respect for others. Lead and Support people to resolve all types of Regulatory Fire Safety matters legally and justifiably. This includes planning inspection and audit regimes, timescales for follow up visits, and deciding on appropriate enforcement levels based on audit outcomes.

A reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is necessary as you will be required to inspect multiple areas of a building and take equipment with you to carry out your role. This can also include walking around the surrounding areas as well as reviewing a building internally.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting to interview for this position you must be fit for duty and competent in role (grey book, this is a pre-requisite.) Your application will clearly evidence as many of the following as possible and answer the 5 questions in an enclosed statement. *Applications that fail to do so, will not be considered. If successful further training and qualifications will be provided to enhance and support your development.

• Experience of regulation or enforcement of fire safety legislation or similar
• Qualifications and/or experience in Health and Safety
• Experience in the fire safety arena or delivery of fire safety linked activities
• Confident in communication and stakeholder engagement with people both internally and externally.
• Have strong written communication and report writing skills
• People and team leadership and management skills, as the role will offer opportunities to lead Advisors or Business Education Officers 
• Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety or working towards

Essential Criteria

• Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety. 

Questions 300 words max each question.

• 1. Describe a time when you have led, engaged and motivated others both within the Fire Service and externally (Please describe one situation where you have had to engage with both)
• 2. Please describe your understanding of Fire Safety in the Workplace.
• 3. Provide an example where you have been open and flexible towards change, and lead participation in devising solutions to problems that may occur.

• 4. Provide an example where you have displayed a proactive approach to work and the achievement of a consistently high standard of work.
• 5. Provide an example of when you have experienced conflict whilst at work with a member of the public, or someone from another organisation, and explain how you managed this conflict.

Applicants' appointment to this role will be subject to the following:

• Satisfactory references
• DBS clearance
• Fitness test (grey book only)
• Medical clearance via Occupational Health (grey book only)
• Evidence of required qualifications to be shown on request

Additional information

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 8th August 2025 with shortlisting being completed the week commencing 11th August 2025. Interviews will take place after the week commencing 18th August.

Contact details

To arrange an informal discussion please contact Dawn St Leger by email on Dawn.St-Leger@surreycc.gov.uk or Rob Jenks at robert.jenks@surreycc.gov.uk

A Enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service, a generous local government salary related pension, as well as the option to join our car lease scheme. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø staff.

Our Commitment

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.