Job Description

London Fire Commissioner (LFC) - Independent Chair of Professional Standards



The LFC wishes to appoint an Independent Chair of Professional Standards who will remain independent from the LFC reporting structure.



The Chair will provide independent advice and assurance to the LFC and where required the Deputy Mayor for Fire on a range critical matters relating to culture, behaviour and conduct as well as providing reports both written and verbal to other key stakeholders such as HMICFRS. This will include assurance on (but is not limited to):



Internal Governance & Risk Management



Ensuring there's a robust governance framework, clear delegated authorities, and that strategic priorities are effectively monitored, controlled, and aligned with legal duties. Overseeing risk identification and mitigation, project and change management governance, financial planning, and regular business planning.



PSU Structure & Independence



Confirming the PSU operates with real independence especially for complaints against senior staff and has access to confidential reporting lines. Validating that staffing, evidence collection, and investigative processes are resourced and impartial.



Complaints, Misconduct & Investigations



Assuring timely, impartial, and compliant handling of complaints, grievances, and misconduct cases supported by case management systems and meeting legal timeframes. Ensuring external or independent investigators are brought in for complex or senior staff cases to enhance trust and integrity.



Professional Standards, Culture & Behaviours



Validating that staff behaviours align with organisational values, safety culture, and equality, diversity, and inclusivity principles. Verifying transparent communication about how to raise concerns and that feedback mechanisms are accessible and trusted.



Performance Monitoring & Assurance Reporting



Checking that the service publishes regular assurance reports, including annual statements, and that these reflect compliance and lessons learned. Evaluating internal assurance activities: audits, self assessments, peer reviews, incident reviews, and ensuring effective follow up.



Learning & Continuous Improvement



Ensuring investigations (operational incidents, safety investigations) feed into service-wide learning, tracked through action plans and dashboards. Overseeing organisational responses to major inquiries (e.g. Grenfell), embedding national lessons, and peer-review benchmarking.



The Chair must be able to demonstrate the following attributes prior to appointment:



Has previous experience of working within a similar type of organisation which is fire sector specific, whilst at the same time being able to provide difference in thought and practice. Operates at a strategic level and is able to provide assurance to the Directors, Commissioner, Deputy Mayor through the Fire committee on internal procedures, standards and systems. The ability to investigate and work with internal departments to identify and deliver best practice recommendations where required. The ability to provide technical assurance reports in a range of formats to meet the wider external scrutiny needs. An individual with the technical expertise to identify compliance to LFC and/or national standards, with the wider ability to consider/recommend boarder international standards and/or outside industry that may provide greater benefit. They should act as a driver for change in support of the Transformation plan to generate best practice and efficiency. Undertake the role of compliance and monitoring of progress in areas identified in their role for improvement. Sufficient political awareness to operate in a range of environments, working with Assembly members and the Government etc. when required in support of the LFC. Articulate and able present in a public scrutiny environment.

Assessment Overview

-----------------------


This is a part time permanent post expected to require up to 2 days on average per month over the annual year period.



The post attracts an annual allowance of 16,000.



Applicants should submit a CV and a supporting statement of not more than two pages, as to how they meet the requirements of this opportunity by the closing date of: 4 PM on Monday 28 July 2025.

Additional Information

--------------------------


We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people's age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.



In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.