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Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.
NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.
Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.
As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.
NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.
Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.
The Selection Process
How to apply:
If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.
Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.
Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026
Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026
NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.
NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.
NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.
NFCC is an independent membership association and the professional voice of UK fire and rescue services.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Main Role & Responsibilities
Working with approximately 45 staff, the HR & Admin Officer will provide effective and well-organised HR and administrative support across the organisation. The role ensures smooth people processes, reliable administrative coordination and highquality support for the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
The role also plays a key part in bringing colleagues together by coordinating internal events, including the planning and delivery of all-staff Together Days.
Our commitment as a People Team is to help the wider staff group on their journey within Ygam. We aim to provide an environment which brings out the best in our team, so that they can provide the best possible service to the people we support.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an organised and proactive HR & Admin professional who is motivated by supporting people and contributing to our cause.
If successful in this role, you will be a trusted first point of contact for colleagues and a discreet, reliable support to senior leaders. With excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills, you will manage the employee lifecycle, maintain accurate records and coordinate diaries, meetings and travel.
You’ll also play a key role in creating a positive colleague experience, including bringing people together through well‑planned internal events. Above all, you’ll share our values and enjoy helping a purpose‑driven organisation to make a difference.
Role Requirements
Duties will include but not be limited to:
HR Support
• Act as a first point of contact for routine HR queries, providing timely and professional advice.
• Administer the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contracts, changes of terms, probation and leaver processes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, ensuring GDPR compliance at all times.
• Support recruitment administration, including interview coordination, offers and pre-employment checks.
• Provide administrative support for absence management, performance reviews and appraisal processes.
• Assist with HR reporting and people data as required.
CEO & Senior Leadership Team Support
• Provide confidential and proactive administrative support to the CEO and SLT.
• Coordinate diaries, meetings and scheduling, ensuring effective use of time.
• Book and manage travel arrangements, including transport, accommodation and itineraries.
• Arrange and prepare meeting rooms, including room bookings, catering and technology requirements.
Together Days & Internal Events
• Take ownership of the planning, booking and coordination of all-staff Together Days.
• Source and manage venues, suppliers, catering, travel and accommodation as required.
• Coordinate logistics, timelines and budgets to ensure events run smoothly.
• Communicate clearly with colleagues before and after events.
• Gather feedback to support continuous improvement of future events.
Administration & Office Support
• Provide general administrative support to ensure the effective running of the organisation.
• Maintain HR templates, policies and people documentation.
• Support invoice processing and supplier administration linked to HR and events.
• Act as a reliable point of contact for internal administrative queries.
At Ygam, we are committed to safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable people in our work. We will do everything possible to recruit only suitable people to work with children or vulnerable people.
Ygam is an equal opportunity employer. It is Ygam’s approach that all employees have a working environment which promotes dignity and respect and where individual differences, and the contributions made are recognised and valued.
Person Specification
Essential
• Previous HR Officer/administration experience.
• CIPD L3 qualification (or working towards).
• Experience in working with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge and proficiency with MS Office tools and an aptitude for learning new software and systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a high level of professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills plus ability to multi-task and work to deadlines within a busy environment.
• Flexible team player, excellent interpersonal skills and a willing to adapt to changes.
• Experience in developing and maintaining internal processes and filing systems.
• Confident in dealing with difficult conversations and complex situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organisation, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact.
• Professional and positive manner and approachable to establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of (and commitment to) an inclusive culture.
• Employment rights to live and work in the UK
Desirable
• Experience of organising events or staff away days.
• Previous experience of working within the Charity sector.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.