Community Fire Safety Advocate (6 Months Fixed Term)

Job Introduction

About us

At Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. We believe that diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and ideas drives innovation and strengthens our ability to work together for safer communities.

The Prevention team is a vital part of our Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to reducing risk and improving safety across Lincolnshire. Our focus is on proactive engagement with communities to prevent fires, promote health and wellbeing, and support wider safety initiatives. We work collaboratively with local partners, schools, voluntary organisations, and other agencies to deliver targeted campaigns, educational programs, and home fire safety visits that protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

Through innovative approaches and strong partnerships, the department leads on initiatives that address emerging safety issues, reduce deliberate fires, and improve road safety. Our work is underpinned by a commitment to safeguarding and social responsibility, ensuring that every interaction contributes to creating safer homes and stronger, more resilient communities.

About the role

Join our prevention team as a Community Fire Safety Advocate and make a real difference in people’s lives. In this role, you’ll work closely with communities to promote health, safety, and wellbeing, reduce fire risks, and support wider community safety initiatives. You’ll carry out home fire safety visits, provide tailored advice to vulnerable individuals, and deliver engaging campaigns and educational activities. By building strong partnerships with local agencies, schools, and community groups, you’ll help create safer environments and foster social cohesion.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about community engagement, confident in communication, and committed to safeguarding. You’ll need to be proactive, innovative, and able to work independently while collaborating effectively with partners and colleagues. If you have experience in community safety, partnership working, and delivering training, along with a flexible approach and a full driving licence, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and play a vital role in protecting lives and promoting safety across our communities.

This role will be based out of our Fire and Police Headquarters in Nettleham, Lincoln but we are seeking an individual that could cover across the County where needed.

About you

Essential Criteria:

• Experience with IT, particularly Microsoft Office applications and Internet
• Ability to use a problem-solving approach to systematically and effectively assess / complete work tasks
  
• Good understanding of Community Safety prevention and emerging trends within the Fire and Rescue Service and wider community needs
• Knowledge of appropriate Safeguarding legislation, specifically; The Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, Data Protection Act 1998
• Ability to organise workloads, prioritise and work unsupervised to meet deadlines/targets
• Ability to work efficiently, effectively, and safely as a team member or individual, sometimes as a lone worker
• Proven ability / understanding of the need to maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Full current manual driving licence (legally accepted for driving in the UK).
• Flexible approach to work location and working pattern.
• Committed, reliable, enthusiastic and motivated character
• Willingness to undergo Enhanced DBS/Vetting as required by the Service

Desirable Criteria:

• Proven ability to engage effectively with vulnerable individuals or groups, applying empathy, safeguarding awareness, and professional boundaries to build trust and provide appropriate support
• Experience of successful liaison and partnership working
• Experience fitting safety equipment with the ability to use basic power and hand tools whilst using a step ladder
• Ability to communicate effectively with culturally diverse communities, including proficiency in additional languages where possible
• Well-developed written skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with proven experience delivering presentations to diverse audiences in a clear and engaging manner

Application:

In the personal statement section of the application - please provide a written statement (maximum 2,000 words) that demonstrates your suitability for the role of Community Fire Safety Advocate aligning to the criteria outlined above and attached job description:

• Please ensure your response is structured, clear and stays within the 2,000 word limit.
• Focus on providing specific examples and outcomes.
• Your statement will be assessed alongside your application to determine progression to the next stage of the selection process.

Selection Process:

Following the application sift, successful applicants will be invited to carry out an interview and pre-prepared presentation on the topic:

“Innovative Approaches to Fire Prevention”. The Presentation to be no more than 10 mins and can be presented on whatever format the applicant wishes.

Disclosures and Barred Services:

Please be advised that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 now includes the requirement for Fire and Rescue Service employees to have a standard DBS check as a minimum. This legislation change applies to all Fire Services across the country and the process aims to help safeguard colleagues and communities.

Please note this role will require an Enhanced Child and Adult Workforce with child and adult barred list DBS Check and as the role will be based at our Fire and Police headquarters you will be required to undergo Police Vetting. We require satisfactory pre employment checks before a final offer of employment can be made.

As a service we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

For any queries:

Please contact recruitmentfire@lincolnshire.gov.uk or Amanda Matson, Head of Prevention on amanda.matson@lincolnshire.gov.uk