Children and Young People (CYP) Programme Officer

About the job

Key information

Join Our Team as a Children and Young People (CYP) Programme Officer at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service!

Are you passionate about inspiring young people and improving community safety? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is on the lookout for a CYP Programme Officer to join our Community Safety team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter and help shape impactful education programmes that make a real difference across Devon and Somerset. This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £33,699 rising annually to £36,363 per annum.

37 hours per week

What will I be doing?

At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.

As a CYP Programme Officer, you will support the delivery and development of high-quality education and intervention programmes for children and young people, including Fire Cadets, Phoenix, and School visits. Working with the Education Coordinator, you will help ensure our programmes are engaging, safe and aligned with national best practice.

• Deliver and support Fire Cadets and other youth programmes in line with national guidance.
• Provide supervision and support to Education Advocates and Cadet Instructors
• Contribute to quality assurance, evaluation and continuous improvement
• Support safeguarding processes and respond appropriately to concerns
• Develop and maintain programme resources, including the Fire Cadets handbook.
• Assist with Community Safety Campaigns and wider Prevention activities.
• Monitor budgets, data compliance and performance standards.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

• Experience delivering or coordinating education or youth programmes.
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and best practice.
• Confidence working collaboratively with partners and internal teams.

What is in it for me?

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

As a Service and as individuals:

• We are proud to help
• We are honest
• We are respectful
• We are working together

Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including:

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
• A generous pension scheme for your future
• Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
• Family leave policies that support your loved ones
• Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
• Support for eye care and wellness programs
• Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
• Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
• Engaging sports and social groups for community building
• Confidential counselling services and mental health support
• Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
• A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting

DBS check

DBS check required.

Supporting documents and information

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 23:59 Thursday 26 March 2026

Should you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Gemma Skelley – Education Officer via gskelley@dsfire.gov.uk.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become a CYP Programme Officer please click ‘apply’ today, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.

You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteriataken from the Job Description and Person Specification.

1. Significant experience of working within an educational institution, youth working environment or equivalent.
2. Proven experience of effectively working with children and young people/vulnerable adults with due regard to safeguarding protocols.
3. Proven ability to implement and evaluate programmes and resources such as an educational programme activity workshop.
4. Proven track record of delivering interventions and diversionary activities for children, young people, and/or vulnerable adults.
5. Ability and willingness to work outside core working hours, including weekends and evenings.
6. Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently both on own initiative and as a member of a busy team.

To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Essential Criteria for CYP Programme Officer Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.

Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).

Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.

Please note that the successful applicant will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS Check before being appointed to this role.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services’ Safeguarding Policy.

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.

Apply on the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website

Apply now