Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented fire safety professional to be at the forefront of improving building safety and to lead a team of Fire Safety Inspectors and Engineers through the regulation of the built environment with particular focus on protecting residents of Higher-Risk Buildings
Weare looking to recruit a permanent fully competent Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Regional Manager. This position is open to applications from operational (Grey Book) and non-operational (Green Book) staff. The position is covering the Southwest (SW) region so the working location is flexible, but the successful candidate will need to be based working out of a Service location. Contracted hours for this position will be 21 hours for Grey Book and 18.5 hours per week for Green Book.
If applying under Grey Book conditions the role has been assimilated to Station Manager B (please note if applying as a promotion the Service has introduced Development rates of pay with effect from 1 April. These pay rates are set out by the National Joint Council).
If applying under Green Book conditions the salary will be Grade 8 £48,226 - £51,356 (gross) per annum pro rata (subject to Job Evaluation). This equates to £24,113 - £25,678 for working 18.5 hours per week.
To apply for this role, you must meet the following essential criteria.
Essential criteria
1. Competent Fire Safety Manager in line with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Competency Framework for Fire Safety Regulators.
2. Registered with or working towards registration on the Contextualised Auditors Register.
3. Relevant premises protection and enforcement training.
If applying for this role as a promotion under Grey Book Terms and Conditions you will also need to meet the following essential criteria as a minimum:
Be a competent Watch Manager
4. Have good leadership skills
5. Not subject to formal performance and improvement actions, nor have any live disciplinary sanctions.
For internal applicants the following eligibility criteria also applies:
6. Discussed the opportunity with your line manager.
Find out more
What we are looking for in a candidate:
7. Excellent understanding of service delivery across the public sector with a political awareness and understanding of local government.
8. Ability to support project management and contribute to project outcomes.
9. Ability to lead, develop, motivate and manage staff performance effectively.
10. A credible and resourceful individual who can encourage others by example and inspire confidence through what they do and how they do it, rather than relying on position or profession.
11. Represent the regional Protection function on Committees and Working Groups and carry out research and provide information in support of project work as directed.
12. Conduct local, regional and national meetings with Representative Bodies and sector stakeholders as required.
13. Hold a full current UK driving licence at the time of accepting any employment offeror undertake to gain a full UK driving licence.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Regional Manager will recruit, lead and manage a team of Fire Safety Inspectors and Fire Safety Engineers to deliver the SW Region’s BSR function as part of a multi-disciplined team.
Monitor and maintain an informed overview of the work of Fire Safety Inspectors and Fire Safety Engineers by performance managing team members and working with stakeholders and other regulators to ensure fire safety is considered at the outset of building projects in accordance with the Building Safety Act 2022 and other legislation.
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Regional Manager needs to be technically competent to be able to quality assure the work by the region. They will also have to manage staff and the performance of the team.
Provide expert advice on enforcement, fire safety and technical queries. Provide partners and stakeholders with advice, guidance and where necessary enforcement of fire safety regarding our statutory duties, to drive cultural change and improvements in competence across the sector.
The role will be embedded within the Protection department of DSFRS, reporting to the BSR National Co-ordinator and DSFRS Protection Lead.
How to apply
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service can offer you a high quality of life in the beautiful counties of Devon and Somerset with their impressive and varied landscapes to live and work. In addition, we also offer an excellent benefits package including a Local Government Pension Scheme, access to free parking, flexible working, training and development opportunities, sports and social clubs and the use of on-site gym facilities. There is also an essential users vehicle scheme that may be considered.
Closing Date: 2359hrs 10 September 2025
The selection process will consist of an interview and a Leading the Function Assessment Centre (if not already undertaken as part of an internal promotion process).
If you feel you have the skills and attributes required for this role, please click on the “apply” button below to submit your application.
You will be required to complete an application form via the link below, which will include a personal impact statement. The personal impact statement relates to each of the four quadrants of the NFCC Leadership Framework as well as professional expertise. Your impact statement should focus on demonstrating your impact at ‘Leading the Function’ level.
There is also a section of the application form where you will be required to detail how you meet some of the essential and desirable attributes for the role. The attributes we would like you to evidence are the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification (2000 words maximum).
14. Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety or equivalent professional qualification(s) relevant to Higher Risk Buildings.
15. Previous experience of working within a regulatory environment. Ability to give technical advice to statutory bodies, planners, architects, other building professionals and members of the public.
16. Previous experience assessing and reporting on safety cases for complex buildings and advising on fire safety matters.
17. To be proactive and take a lead role when required.
18. Relevant premises protection and enforcement training.
19. Full UK driving licence.
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions, and/or reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, and as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
20. We are proud to help.
21. We are honest.
22. We are respectful.
23. We are working together.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve and aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.