Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
* Suffolk County Council
* Address: Fire Service Training Centre, Wattisham IP7 7RA - Onsite
* Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time). This is also open to current Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service grey book operational staff at Crew Manager level in accordance with NJC pay scales.
* Hours: 37 or 42 hours per week* - Flexible working options available
* Contract: Permanent
* Salary and working hours vary depending on whether you are appointed on operational fire officer terms, or local government terms. Full details are provided in the Job and Person Profile (found in the 'How to apply' section below).
Please note: This role is open to learning and development specialists from both fire and rescue services and other sectors.
As a Learning and Development Support Officer, you will play a key role in planning, delivering, and maintaining training across Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. You will help shape learning solutions, support development activities, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
Reimagine the possibilities.
What We Are Looking For
In this varied and rewarding role, you will:
* Plan and deliver engaging training sessions that build essential skills.
* Work closely with the Learning and Development Adviser to design creative learning solutions.
* Identify development needs and help close performance gaps.
* Provide constructive feedback to individuals and teams.
* Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, recommending improvements.
* Build strong relationships with internal and external partners.
* Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
This is more than a job - it’s your opportunity to make a real impact. Join a supportive team that champions creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Every day will bring new challenges and chances to grow, and your work will play a vital role in protecting and improving the safety and wellbeing of communities across Suffolk.
We’re excited to welcome you and see the positive impact you will bring to our team.
What We Are Looking For
You will bring a mix of skills, experience, and values, including:
* A teaching or adult learning qualification (or willingness to gain one); Assessor/IQA qualifications desirable.
* Evidence of continuous professional development.
* Strong communication and collaboration skills; calm and adaptable under pressure.
* Ability to design and deliver engaging training for adult learners.
* ICT proficiency and understanding of learning environments and relevant legislation.
* A creative, solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
* Willingness to travel across Suffolk; operational firefighters must be fully competent.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Our Learning and Development team plays a vital role in supporting Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. We ensure every colleague has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform effectively and keep our communities safe. Every training session and development plan strengthens our service, builds resilience, and ultimately helps protect lives. It’s work we take seriously and are proud to deliver.
We live by Suffolk County Council’s WE ASPIRE values, working together, embracing diversity, and striving for excellence. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We share ideas openly, support each other through challenges, and celebrate successes as a team. You’ll find us approachable, creative, and committed to continuous improvement.
We also value inclusion and fairness, ensuring everyone feels respected and heard.
Empowering Everyone
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk)
For more information
Please contact Helen Hope for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 260196 or emailing: helen.hope@suffolk.gov.uk
How To Apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
* You should use the Supporting Statement template.
* Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing: recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11 January 2026.
Interview date: 19 January 2026.
Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
This authority 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. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
ABOUT US
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
* up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
* membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
* performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
* training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
* a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
* diverse and active staff networks
* flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .