Supervisory Leadership Development Programme introduced for FRS

The Supervisory Leadership Development Programme is aligned with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Leadership Framework, the Core Learning Pathway and the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard (Team Leader or Supervisor).

In essence, the programme aims to realise people-focused leaders who are empowering, collaborative and inclusive in their approach. It’s designed for every new, existing and aspiring supervisory leader across all areas of the UK’s Fire and Rescue Service, regardless of role, contract type or location.  

As part of a two-year contract organised with the Chartered Management Institute, the NFCC is able to offer 20 free licenses per Fire and Rescue Service per year.  

The Supervisory Leadership Development Programme is a self-directed development programme accessed through an online portal (ie NFCC ManagementDirect) and provides 24/7 access to the: 

*NFCC Leadership Framework self-assessment 

*Supervisory Leadership Development Programme aligned with the NFCC Leadership Framework 

*NFCC Resource Library, containing over 24,000 high-quality learning materials

Important product

Blacksell, Chief Fire Officer at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, explained: “It has been a pleasure to lead the Supervisory Leadership Development Programme to fruition, and I would like to thank all those who have helped to develop this important product. It truly has been built by fire sector specialists for the fire sector.”  

Blacksell continued: “The Project Board members view first-line leadership as a critical point in an individual’s career where they begin to develop their leadership styles. This programme sets a strong foundation to foster positive behaviours that will remain throughout the leadership pipeline. Inclusive in its approach, this programme is designed for existing, new and aspiring supervisory leaders, regardless of their role or contract type. I’m proud of what we’ve collectively managed to achieve.”

Mark Hardingham, chair of the NFCC, responded: “We know that leadership is a continual area of focus for Fire and Rescue Services. Leadership programmes enable all colleagues to reach their full leadership potential and provide for excellent Fire and Rescue Services for the public.”  

Hardingham went on to state: “The Supervisory Leadership Development Programme is one initiative from the NFCC’s Leadership Programme which helps to address these recommendations by unlocking and nurturing talent across all Fire and Rescue Service staff. Together with other workstreams being delivered by the Leadership Programme, such as the Core Code of Ethics, the Coaching and Mentoring Portal, the Talent Management Toolkit and also yhe Direct Entry Scheme, we have a strong offering for UK Fire and Rescue Services to support them in identifying and nurturing future leaders.”

Project Board

The Project Board members who have committed their time and energy to this project are as follows: 

*Vicki Howells (NFCC HR/OD business partner)

*Yvonne Moogan (director of Hull University Business School) 

*ACFO Sarah Nattrass (County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service) 

*DAC Keeley Foster (London Fire Brigade) 

*CFO Mark Baxter (Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service)  

*CFO Darren Dovey (Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service) 

*Jane Cork (senior project manager)

*Stephen Owen-Hughes (former CFO at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service)

Feedback can be directed to the project team via e-mail at leadership@nationalfirechiefs.org.uk