Fire service experience ‘not essential’ for new chief fire officer

West Sussex Fire and Rescue is recruiting a new chief fire officer

Candidates to be West Sussex’s new chief fire officer do not need to have fire service experience to be considered for the role.

The current head of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Gavin Watts announced his decision last month to retire after 29 years in service.

West Sussex County Council is recruiting for his successor, but its job advert has been criticised for saying that ‘fire service experience would be helpful, it is not essential for this leadership role’.

It explains: “What will be key is a strong focus on outcomes, with the ability to drive performance in a large operational business.”

A spokesman for the Fire Brigades Union said: “The idea that an individual with little to no understanding of the fire and rescue service, with no previous operational experience can undertake the role of chief fire officer, is absurd.

“For West Sussex County Council to suggest fire service experience is simply desirable will be of concern to all operational personnel who could be under the strategic guidance of the CFO at major incidents. The FBU do not support this disregard for operational importance at the most senior level of the fire and rescue service.

“The CFO advises the responsible cabinet member. They are supposed to draw on years of experience and FRS knowledge to highlight risks or concerns with often ill-considered political decisions or financial pressures.