Supervisory Manager Control Gateway
For entry to WC Control Talent Pool - internal and external applicants
Closing Date: 23.59 28 June 2026
Salary:
WC Control Dev £41,836 rising to WC Control Comp £45,792
Location: Control, Head Quarters, Kempston Bedfordshire
The Service aims to establish a talent pool of high calibre individuals ready for appointment to Watch Commander Control vacancies that may arise over the next 6-12 months.
If you are looking for a leadership opportunity, join us to play a vital role building upon our successes to date and striving to deliver on our Mission working together to keep Bedfordshire safe.
The Watch Commander Control role involves being responsible for the designated Watch in Service Control, providing leadership for and assisting in coordinating the activities of the Watch and managing the day to day use of allocated Service Control resources to ensure the effective provision of call receipt, mobilising, communications, operational availability and associated information support functions.
You will demonstrate excellent leadership qualities that align with the NFCC Leadership Framework, the Core Code of Ethics, our professional behaviours, and our Service values:
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We are Accountable
- We’ve got your Back
- Every Contact counts
- We Dare to be Different.
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. They will demonstrate the ability to motivate and empower others, and they will foster an inclusive team environment. They will demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People.
The operational shift pattern for CC Control and WC Control is a 2 days, 2 nights followed by 4 days off.
(Day duty posts, where offered, are aligned to the 9 day fortnight.)
Eligibility
We welcome applications to join Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service from those currently serving within a UK Fire Control as a
-
Substantive Competent Crew Commanders (Control) – for entry to the WC Control Talent pool (external applicants)
- Competent Crew Commanders (Control) and deemed ready for progression at last appraisal – for entry to WC Control talent pool (internal applicants)
NOTE: Internal applicants must be deemed ready for progression at their last appraisal.
The relevant IFE paper requirements for Watch Manager (Control) roles are as follows:
-
IFE Level 3 Certificate: Leadership & Management (L3D5)
Candidates are not required to hold the relevant IFE paper as outlined above at the point of application, however, subject to performance at gateway, applicants may be eligible to enter the talent pool and attain the relevant IFE paper within 2 IFE exam sittings. (Internal candidates may sit in a temporary development pool until such time their IFE papers are attained.)
Applicants will also be required to complete a Fire Control Incident Command practical exercise.
Internal applicants holding a valid pass at the BFRS Fire Control Incident Command assessment will be exempt this element.
Subject to success at all stages of the gateway process, and achievement of the required IFE examinations, and control incident command assessment, candidates will progress to the talent pool this cycle.
Candidates who have a live disciplinary sanction for either Attendance or Conduct at the time of the application closing date will not normally be eligible to engage in the selection process. Candidates pending the outcome of a disciplinary matter will not normally be eligible to enter the talent pool until the outcome is known. (Exceptions may be made in instances where extenuating circumstances apply).
To Apply:
External applicants should apply via the link to Current Vacancies from the BFRS website.
Internal applicants should access the Current Vacancies site via the Employee Self Service ESS portal on the BFRS intranet Sharepoint site.
Applicants will need to complete an application form, which includes a supporting statement. This will enable you to demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the essential criteria listed in the relevant Essential Criteria/Person Specification.
Internal applicants will also need to obtain line manager validation on their application by the closing date. They should forward a copy of their submitted application form directly to their Station Commander Fire Control, who in turn, will submit their completed validation form to the Assessment & Selection Coordinator. This will be collated for review at the shortlist stage, and the candidate should be copied in on this validation form sent via email for transparency.
All potential candidates have the opportunity to join an engagement forum, offering a chance to engage with Chief Fire Officer to discuss what we have to offer. We also offer support sessions to find out more about the process.
The selection process will include the following elements:
Scenario based exercise
WC Control Interview
Fire Control Incident Command practical exercise*
- The Fire Control Incident Command exercise will be a practical simulation exercise, assessing fire control command skills and decision making skills. This will assess candidate’s ability to manage fire control resources, to ensure the effective management of emergency calls, effective mobilising decisions and communication. [Internal applicants holding a valid pass at the BFRS Fire Control Incident Command assessment will be exempt this element.]
The practical exercise will normally be scheduled on a separate date to the assessment and interview stage.
Candidates successful at shortlist will be invited to attend the relevant selection process for entry to our Watch Commander Control talent pool. Applicants will be offered the option to indicate on their application form whether they would like to be considered for an accelerated pathway, (This may, subject to their performance at the gateway, enable them to be offered additional development opportunities on appointment to role, and the option to undertake the assessments leading to entry to the next level up talent pool within 12 months).
Successful candidates will enter the service WC Control talent pool. This does not guarantee an appointment, however those within the talent pool are eligible for consideration for WC Control posts as they arise. The pool will remain live for 12 months. (Internal applicants would be required to undertake a professional discussion after 12 months to remain in the talent pool. External applicants would be required to reapply.)
Subject to outcome and any appointment, you will be required to serve at any location in the Service, and to gain satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and pass a Service Medical before appointment will be offered.
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a probationary period of 6 months and those successful on promotion will also be required to satisfactorily complete the relevant Development Programme. Relocation assistance may be available to successful candidates (details available on request).
Full gateway details, including more information regarding our county, our service, our behaviours and values, the selection process, line manager validation, and support sessions available can be found on the Careers section of BFRS website, Promotion Gateways section.
Completed application forms should be submitted by the closing date: 23.59 28 June 2026
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
To understand how we might use your information during the recruitment process, please refer to the Applicant Privacy Notice (attachment above).
