Fire Safety Inspector (WCA)

Job Title: Fire Safety Inspector (WCA)
Starting Salary: £42,672 Watch Commander Development with the opportunity to progress to £46,707 Watch Commander B - per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 42.0
Location: Stevenage
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Community Protection

About the team

The Fire Safety Team is a highly skilled and dedicated group of professionals committed to protecting the community by ensuring the highest standards of fire safety across a wide range of complex premises. Serving the residents and businesses of Hertfordshire, the team plays a vital role in safeguarding lives and property through expert risk assessments, thorough inspections, and clear, actionable guidance.

With a shared vision of creating safer environments through proactive fire prevention and compliance with legislation, the team is composed of fire safety inspectors, technical advisors, and administrative support staff, all working collaboratively.

About the role

As a Fire Safety Inspector, you will carry out risk-based inspections across all categories of premises, including complex buildings. You will evaluate fire safety plans, provide technical advice to statutory bodies and commercial clients, and ensure consistent and proportionate enforcement of fire safety legislation. Your work will directly support the fire service’s statutory obligations and help reduce risk to the community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Inspecting complex premises and assessing fire risks.
• Preparing detailed reports and issuing enforcement or legal notices where necessary.
• Reviewing fire safety measures in regulated or licensed premises.
• Gathering evidence in line with legal requirements and representing the fire authority in court when needed.
• Mentoring and training junior staff and supporting consistent service delivery.
• Conducting research and contributing to strategic projects.
• Advising businesses, the public, and internal teams on fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

We are looking for a confident, knowledgeable, and experienced fire safety professional who can work independently and as part of a team. You should be comfortable dealing with complex technical matters, mentoring others, and representing the service in formal settings. A strong understanding of fire safety legislation and a commitment to public safety are essential.

About you

Essential Criteria

• Proven ability to read and interpret detailed plans and architectural drawings.
• Ability to assess and validate complex fire risk assessments.
• Strong communication skills across various levels, including technical discussions.
• Understanding of fire behaviour and development.
• Ability to assess and manage workloads effectively.
• Skilled in writing clear, concise reports and letters for a range of audiences.
• In-depth knowledge of fire safety legislation and guidance for complex premises.
• Completion of Edexcel Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors) (QCF) or equivalent.
• Competent in using IT systems including databases, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to use a personal vehicle for work.
• Flexibility to work outside normal hours when required.

Desirable Criteria

• At least three years’ experience in fire safety inspections across a variety of building types.
• In-depth knowledge of fire service operations and their interaction with fire safety guidance.
• Familiarity with current Hertfordshire County Council IT systems.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.

To hear more about this opportunity please contact kathleen.montgomery@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: 30th/31st July 2025

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

Disability Confident
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Safeguarding
This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Driving required
You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found here.