Deputy Head of Fire Safety Assurance

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including: 

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year). 
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%. 
• Access to training and development. 
• Flexible working. 
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan. 

Introduction 

The Fire Risk Assurance Team is responsible for ensuring that the Parliamentary Estate complies with fire safety legislation and is responsible for ensuring its occupants are safe in the event of a fire. This includes involvement in fire safety design and prevention for all premises and occupants.

The role will sit within the Parliamentary Safety Team (PST) in the House of Commons Governance Office. The team is responsible for the provision of specialist advice, support and independent assurance that Parliament is managing safety sensibly, consistently, proportionately and effectively, and for the development and embedding of a positive safety culture across the wider Parliamentary community. 

The Role 

The role of the Deputy Head of Fire Safety Assurance is to support the Head of Fire Safety Assurance in the development of fire policy, strategy and the planning of fire prevention, protection and intervention arrangements on the Parliamentary Estate.

The post holder will be required to deputise as the senior Competent Person for the purposes of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The post holder will also be responsible to the Corporate Officers and give assurance that they are discharging their responsibilities in line with the legislation.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Working to ensure that there is a consistent and developed fire safety policy and culture across Parliament.
• Supporting the Head of Fire Safety Assurance as the Senior Competent Person, including being on call.
• Offering fire safety advice that allows both Accountable Officers to fulfil their legal responsibilities for fire safety and the impact on the business of the House. This includes taking a key role in the Parliamentary Incident Management Team during major incidents on the estate.
• The planning of fire prevention, protection and intervention arrangements on the Parliamentary Estate and to lead on implementation of the Parliamentary Fire Risk Management Team Plan.
• To lead and develop the Fire Risk Management Team policy and implementation of Construction Fire Safety standards in conjunction with the wider Parliamentary Safety Team.

Skills and Experience 

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Membership (at least at the level of Graduate) of the Institute of Fire Engineers or similar professional body together with documented proof of CPD since leaving a fire related occupation.
• A qualification to show competence in carrying out fire risk assessments, such as NEBOSH fire and General Certificate.
• Previous fire safety experience in a fire safety organisation or department, with evidence of assisting in the planning of fire prevention, protection and intervention, fire training and education, and carrying out fire risk assessments.
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of fire legislation, practices and methods of implementation.
• Strong written and oral communications skills with the ability to produce reports and have the ability to determine solutions and mitigate risks.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key customers, stakeholders and colleagues at all levels. 

Next Steps and Additional Information

• CV & Supporting Statement – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with a 500 word limit. 

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description. 

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