Fire Safety Adviser

Salary:  £29,071 - £33,119 per annum, Grade 3 rising to £41,177 - £46,579 per annum, Grade 5 upon achieving competence as a Fire Safety Inspector in accordance with the NFCC Competency Framework for Fire Safety Regulators

Hours:  37 hours per week

Location – Protection office located at our HQ in Reading – travel may be required across Berkshire

Benefits: Excellent annual leave allowance of 25 days, flexible working, onsite gym, parking facilities and a Local Government Pension Scheme are available

Other information about our benefits can be found here

This vacancy falls under eligibility criteria for the  ‘Employee Referral Scheme’

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for a Fire Safety Adviser.  You will follow a detailed career progression pathway which includes a comprehensive training and development programme gaining the nationally recognised qualifications and experience you need to demonstrate competence to become a Fire Safety Inspector.

Upon successful completion of the development process in line with the NFCC Competency Framework for Fire Safety Regulators, the post holder will progress to the role of Fire Safety Inspector.

You will then contribute fully to the work and Corporate Aims of the Fire Authority through the enforcement of fire safety legislation by auditing and advising on the fire safety measures in existing premises, planned structures and events. 

The work you will be involved in will also be crucial for protecting the environment, our heritage buildings and healthy business growth, which can be adversely affected by building fire losses.

We are seeking a motivated and engaging individual who can communicate effectively with a diverse range of people explaining and delivering complex information in a clear and logical manner. You will also have the ability to gather, analyse, use and share data to inform risk assessment. You must be able to plan and prioritise work and be able to work effectively both individually and as part of a team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to drive and deliver Protection Fire Safety activities to enhance the safety and support to the public of Berkshire.

• To improve public and business safety and reduce risk through targeted education and enforcement of fire safety legislation.
• To protect people, property and the environment by advising on the management of risks associated with actual or potential fire. 
• To promote and support business and economic growth by providing guidance and advice to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in line with the government better for business for all agenda. 
• To receive, process, allocate, complete and issue documents, standard letters and relevant communications in respect of all the work areas within the non-uniformed fire safety inspecting officers role whether statutory (required to meet legal compliance deadlines) or non-statutory.  
• Providing fire safety and prevention advice and guidance.
• To support Operational crews with Protection activities, including but not limited to Fire Safety Checks

• A good standard of general education – Level 2 in English and Maths  
• Awareness of the elements of the role. 
• Awareness of current Health & Safety legislation with basic knowledge of risk assessment.
• Awareness of the aims and objectives of Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service and its role within the community. 
• Be self-motivated and prioritise work to achieve targets within tight deadlines and with minimal supervision. 
• Be able to use IT systems effectively in the collation, analysis and presentation of information. 
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and regulations. 
• Experience of working as an individual and team member.
• Experience of working within a customer focused environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework.

The Behavioural Competency Framework allows us to easily identify the behaviours that drive successful performance and enables us to deliver an effective service. The behaviours detailed within the job profile will be assessed throughout the selection process.

If you are interested in applying for this position, click, please submit an expression of interest (no more than 1500 words) outlining your suitability in line with the job profile by clicking Apply Now.

Please see the link to the Job Profile/Person Specification.

Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Rechecks will be required in line with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy.   

For further details about the role please Protection Hub Manager Gareth Murphy murphyg@rbfrs.co.uk) to arrange an informal discussion.

If you have any queries about the application process or to discuss any adaptations or adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application or with our promotion process please contact Amanda Gavin at gavina@rbfrs.co.uk or by phone 01189 4550 for an informal discussion.

The closing date for applications is 9am on 22 Oct 2026.

It is anticipated that the assessment/interview process will run from the week commencing 26 October 2026. Candidates should ensure they are available during this period.

Anticipated start date: ASAP

Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying / accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity.  All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.

Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.

Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.

All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).

To find out more, visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.