Job Description

Corporate Risk and Assurance Support Officer


Professional 2B


Publish date: 16 July 2025


Closing date: 13 August 2025


Salary: 39,513 - 41,511


Hours - 37 hours


Full Time; Permanent


Overview


West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902 square kilometres, and a population of over 2.9 million people.


Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.


This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.


Are you passionate about Corporate and Strategic Risk Management? We are seeking an experienced Corporate Risk and Assurance Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Planning Team.


This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping and embedding effective governance and risk frameworks across the service, at a time of organisational transformation. You will support the delivery of the

Three Lines of Defence

model by working across risk, assurance, inspection, and data reporting functions.


This role is pivotal in supporting the corporate risk framework, leading inspection readiness, and strengthening the link between risk, assurance and decision-making.


Responsibilities


update, maintain and align the corporate risk register and framework with statutory and governance requirements to support effective decision-making and regulatory compliances


deliver second line of defence risk reporting, assurance and oversight, analysing mitigation plans and providing clear insight to risk and audit committees


provide expert guidance to senior managers and operational leads on risk ownership, escalation protocols, and governance responsibilities


support and facilitate the risk management role of the services Strategic Assurance Board, and support updates to the Authority's Audit and Risk Committee


develop and monitor inspection schedules, assurance reporting, and improvement plan recommendations to enable transparency and continuous learning


support HMICFRS inspection readiness and lead coordination of data submissions and evidence gathering to ensure organisational preparedness


act as a strategic link between governance, assurance, and risk functions to ensure joined-up, consistent oversight.


Essential skills or experience


proven experience in risk management, governance, assurance, or democratic/public sector reporting


degree or equivalent experience in risk, governance, public administration, or a related field


excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience interpreting complex data to support decision-making


strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels


sound understanding of public sector regulatory environments and governance standards


proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence working with reporting or risk systems


ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-trust environment.


Desirable skills or experience


professional qualification in risk, assurance or governance (e.g. IRM, ICSA, or equivalent)


experience in inspection or audit preparation (ideally for HMICFRS or similar bodies)


familiarity with Fire and Rescue governance structures and legislation


experience delivering reports and recommendations to senior boards or public committees.


Benefits


We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:


flexible and agile working arrangements


free, on-site gym facilities


free, on-site parking.


We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.


In addition, employees have access to:


24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


wellbeing programmes


'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes


Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.


Diversity


We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.


WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.


Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.


How to apply


Should you wish to proceed with an application please read through the for the role and complete the application form.


Questions


If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Tom Embury on 07590 721088 or Lucy Lawson on 07973 810494.