Culture & EDI Lead

About the job

Key information

We have an exciting opportunity for an EDI and Culture Lead to enhance our People Services team based at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. You’ll join us on a permanent contract working 37 hours per week, in return you will receive a competitive salary of £41511.00 – £44711.00 (gross) per annum.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset.

Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.

What will I be doing?

About the role:

Are you ready to lead a bold transformation supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in a forward-thinking fire service? We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and visionary EDI and Culture Lead to help shape the future of our fire service. This isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to create lasting impact. You’ll be at the forefront of championing equality, diversity, and inclusion across our teams and the communities we serve. If you’re ready to inspire progress, influence culture, and help build a workplace where everyone can thrive — this is for you. You will make every voice heard and every person valued. Are you up for the challenge?

What You’ll Do –

• Lead the development and delivery of EDI strategies that align with our service’s vision and values.
• Promote a culture of inclusion across the organisation by embedding EDI principles into everyday practices.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and People Services to influence policy, decision-making, and organisational culture.
• Design and implement impactful EDI initiatives that address key barriers and drive measurable change.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of EDI efforts, using data to inform future strategies.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on equality, diversity, and inclusion to teams and stakeholders.
• Support training and awareness programmes that empower staff at all levels to champion EDI values.
• Foster strong relationships with our communities, ensuring their voices are represented and respected.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and industry best practice, maintaining high standards of accountability.
• Be a visible, proactive ambassador for change, inspiring others and leading by example in creating a fairer, more inclusive fire service.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

What We’re Looking For –

• An EDI Specialist who brings deep knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion legislation and best practice, with proven ability to analyse and present EDI performance metrics.
• An experienced change leader with a strong track record of driving and contributing to transformational change, particularly in complex or public sector environments.
• A skilled communicator and influencer who is excellent at building relationships, consulting, negotiating, and advocating across all levels.
• A strategic thinker with analytical flair who demonstrates strong policy/report writing and problem-solving abilities, with confidence in interpreting legislation and key performance indicators.
• An organised, results-driven professional who excels in time management, prioritisation, and delivering initiatives from concept to completion.
• Digitally confident with advanced IT skills and the ability to leverage digital systems effectively and seamlessly in a remote/hybrid working environment.
• A confident leader and team player with experience of leading teams and projects, motivating others, and working collaboratively in busy, dynamic settings.
• Performance-focused and resilient who understands and applies performance management principles and maintains high energy, professionalism, and composure under pressure.
• Values-led and people-centred who is deeply committed to fairness, inclusion, and continuous improvement—for themselves, their team, and the organisation.
• Flexible and mobile and willing and able to travel across Devon & Somerset (and beyond), including occasional overnight stays, with flexibility around working hours.

What is in it for me?

Why Join Us?

Be a key player in the growth and development of a high-performing and passionate organisation

Help embed EDI principles in all that we do to make a real difference to our staff and community

Competitive salary and benefits

A unique chance to work with a service that has a direct and positive impact on communities

If you’re looking for a role where you can apply your skills and make a difference, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Supporting documents and information

Closing Date: 2359hrs 28 May 2025

For more information, or for an informal discussion about the role, please contact Steve Huntington via shuntington@dsfire.gov.uk or 07977 353466.

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

Apply on the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue website

Apply now