Unit Fire Safety Manager

The Unit Fire Safety Manager (UFSM) is a key member of the Academy Support Unit (ASU) fire safety team, responsible for supporting the Fire Safety Officer (FSO) in implementing and managing fire safety policies at the Defence Intelligence Academy (DefIntAc) and the wider Chicksands site. Reporting to the FSO, the UFSM helps ensure compliance with Defence Fire Safety Regulations and Regulatory Guidance, contributing to a safe, compliant environment that supports the Academy’s mission to deliver high-quality training and operational outputs.

Key responsibilities include assisting in managing fire safety systems, maintaining accurate records, identifying and mitigating fire risks, and providing fire safety advice to personnel across all three Armed Forces branches and the Civil Service. The UFSM also supports fire safety training, conducts inspections and audits, liaises with external authorities and contractors, and fosters a culture of fire safety awareness throughout the establishment. The role requires attendance at the Fire Prevention Safety Advisors course within three months post-probation and completion of the Level 3 NEBOSH qualification within 12 months.

The ideal candidate will have experience in fire safety, strong communication and organisational skills, proficiency in IT (Microsoft Word, Excel, Office 365), and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team. A proactive approach and interest in health, safety, and fire are essential. Desirable qualifications include Level 3 NEBOSH Fire Safety, Unit Fire Safety Manager certification, and experience within a Defence or military environment, along with knowledge of relevant fire safety legislation and Defence regulations.

The role is full-time (37 hours per week) and supports the ASU’s mission to maintain high standards in all support functions. Defence Intelligence values diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and promoting equal opportunities based on merit. Candidates will be assessed on behaviours including Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, and Delivering at Pace, with evidence of Managing a Quality Service required in the application.

In summary, the UFSM plays a vital role in safeguarding personnel, property, and operations by ensuring robust fire safety management, supporting the FSO, and contributing to the overall effectiveness and safety of the Defence Intelligence Academy and Chicksands site.

Please note this is 90% office based with some flexibility with LM approval

The Unit Fire Safety Manager is a vital member of the Academy Support Unit’s fire safety team, supporting the Fire Safety Officer in ensuring the effective management and implementation of fire safety policies and procedures across the Defence Intelligence Academy and the wider Chicksands site.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist the Fire Safety Officer in managing fire safety systems and ensuring compliance with Defence Fire Safety Regulations and Regulatory Guidance.
• Support the maintenance of accurate fire safety records, documentation, and reporting.
• Identify, assess, and help mitigate fire safety risks, escalating issues as necessary to maintain compliance and safety.
• Provide fire safety advice and guidance to personnel across the establishment, including military and Civil Service staff.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders from all three branches of the Armed Forces and the Civil Service to ensure fire safety requirements are met.
• Support the delivery of fire safety training and awareness initiatives.
• Conduct fire safety inspections, audits, and assurance checks as directed.
• Assist in liaising with external fire safety authorities, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to fostering a culture of fire safety awareness throughout the Academy.
• Provide cover and support within the fire safety team as required.
• Undertake additional tasks as directed by the Fire Safety Officer to support the ASU and DefIntAc priorities.
• Expected to attend the Fire Prevention Safety Advisors course in Moreton on Marsh within 3 months post probation and within 12 months to complete the Level 3 Nebosh.

Open to UK nationals only.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

At sift, Candidates will be assessed against their CV, Personal Statement (750 words maximum) and the following behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

At interview, Candidates will be assessed against the following

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Further information:

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.