HR Assistant - Operations
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade D Salary £30,518 per annum (pro rata to 18.5 hours - £15,259 per annum)
Location: Fire Service Headquarters, Ripley
Hours: 18.5 hours per week covering Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, however you may occasionally need to work beyond normal office hours.
Agile working arrangements can be discussed with the successful candidate.
Department: Human Resources (HR)
Reports to: Senior HR Partner - Operations
Closing date: midnight on 25 March 2026
About Us:
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is an emergency service with a team of over 800 people working towards the vision of ‘Making Derbyshire Safer Together’. We’re proud to be one of the country’s top-performing fire and rescue services, recently rated ‘Good’ in 9 out of 11 areas by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This recognition reflects the professionalism, progress, and dedication of our people. Whether it’s responding to emergencies, preventing incidents, or supporting our frontline teams behind the scenes, every role makes a real difference.
We work to our values of - Leadership, Respect, Integrity, Openness, Teamwork and Ambition
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your HR and recruitment skills within a supportive, values driven organisation, contributing to meaningful work that directly supports our workforce and wider community.
Over recent months, we have been reviewing the HR service delivery model to ensure the department is equipped to meet the evolving needs of our Service. As a result, we are realigning parts of the structure creating two new roles of Resourcing Manager and Systems Administrator/Team Leader. Existing roles of HR Assistant and Service Centre Assistant are now being recruited to following the review.
What we are looking for:
A proactive, organised and people‑focused individual who can provide confident HR support across a broad range of HR activities. You will bring strong communication skills, the ability to build positive working relationships, and a commitment to delivering a professional and inclusive service. With a keen eye for detail and a willingness to improve processes, you will be comfortable managing data, advising on HR queries, contributing to casework and supporting recruitment activity. You will be adaptable, collaborative, and motivated by helping managers and employees navigate people‑related matters in a way that reflects our values and supports a positive workplace culture.
About the Role:
There will be a requirement for some travel for which a pool car will be provided.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
To be successful in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and experience:
* Experience of working in a HR environment
* Supporting on HR processes and casework
* Minimum of 5 GCSE’s including Maths and English
What We Offer in Return:
We believe in rewarding our people with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
* Flexible working hours.
* Agile working (60% office based).
* Family friendly policies.
* Annual leave entitlement of 25 days pro rata, increasing to 30 days pro rata after 5 years’ service.
* Free, secure on-site car parking.
* Health & wellbeing services, including free access to gyms at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service locations.
* Employee discount scheme (Boost) and eligibility to apply for Blue Light Card.
* Employee support networks.
* Enhanced maternity pay (subject to meeting eligibility criteria).
* Occupational sick pay subject to length of service, increasing up to 6 months’ full & 6 months’ half after 5 years’ service.
* Ongoing training and development opportunities.
* Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Pension Scheme (FPS) with generous employer contributions.
* Eligibility to join Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) offering highly beneficial tax advantages.
How to Apply:
We are a Disability Confident employer committed to equality and fairness at work. Applications are encouraged from all diverse communities. Under the Disability Confident scheme, we will offer an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with a disability that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
Police security vetting procedures at the appropriate level will be requested for the successful applicant. Please note that, due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
The closing date for completed applications is midnight on 25 March 2026
Interviews will be held on 15 and 17 April 2026