The Opportunity has arisen for substantive, competent Firefighters currently employed by West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (WYFRS) to apply to enrol onto the Crew Manager Development and Promotions process. The development programme is designed to ensure that (WYFRS) can identify, assess, and select the best possible performing candidates. In addition, the process will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and have access to equality of development and promotion opportunities.
As part of this process, a development programme will be utilised to ensure that our people have the opportunity to develop the right skills, knowledge, behaviours and understanding in order to competently perform the role.
Following an induction, successful candidates will embark on a development programme that will prepare them for the step up into the unique and key organisational role of WYFRS Crew Manager.
Eligibility
Individuals applying for development must:
- Be currently employed by WYFRS.
- Be a substantive and competent Firefighter.
- Hold and maintain all qualifications required for their current role.
- Have completed and maintained all role related courses within the required refresher periods.
- Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement action plans or capability issues related to competency.
- Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.
- Have completed an Annual Review (AR) in the last 12 months, with no concerns captured and that you wish to be considered for promotion/development.
- Line manager has completed a Talent Assessment within the Annual Review system showing potential for promotion.
- Possess, IFE Level 3 Certificate pass in Fire Service Operations and;
- Possess, IFE Level 3 Certificate pass in Fire Engineering & Science, or IFE Level 3 Certificate pass in Fire Safety.
We are an organisation where everyone is encouraged, trusted, and supported to play their part in promoting safety and wellbeing across all communities in West Yorkshire. We are looking for candidates who are committed to our vision of making West Yorkshire safer and who demonstrate the values of team, responsibility, integrity, communication and learn.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, BAME and applicants with disabilities.
All applicants should make themselves aware of the FF-SM development and promotions policy.
The selection process will comprise of:
- Identifying potential / Application form
- Pre-Development (Phase 1)
- Selection process for promotion
- Formal Appointment
- Phase 2 and 3 of the Development Portfolio
- Competent in role sign off.
1: Identifying potential / Application form
Applicants must have completed an Annual Review (AR) in the last 12 months, with no concerns captured and that you wish to be considered for promotion/development and their Line manager must complete a Talent Assessment within the Annual Review showing potential for promotion.
Application Form
Applicants must complete and submit an online application form using the e-recruitment system which will require them to detail how they meet all the essential criteria for the role. To apply, please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers.
Applicants should write a maximum of 300 words for each criterion detailed on the personnel specification.
Shortlisting
Following the closing date, submitted application forms will be forwarded to the Shortlisting Panel for consideration. All applicants will be advised via email as to whether or not they have been successfully shortlisted.
2: Pre-Development
During the pre-development stage Internal pathway candidates are required to complete phase 1 of the development programme which must be completed within 6 months.
3: Selection process for promotion
Applicants will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation, of which the title will be given beforehand and a 60-minute interview.
4: Formal Appointments
Successful applicants will be held on a successful applicant list in merit order and will be offered a promotion role, applicable to that promotion process rank as soon as a suitable vacancy arises.
5: Substantive (Development) roles
Successful applicants that are offered and accept a promotion role will be paid at development rate of pay and required to complete Phase 2 and 3 of the development programme, with competent pay awarded on successful completion of the development pack and all associated courses.
6: Competent in role sign off.
On completion of phase 2 and 3 of the development pack, Learning and Development team will review the pack and subject to the quality and range of evidence provided being sufficient, the pack will be signed off and the candidate deemed competent in role, at which point competent pay will be awarded and the candidates role made substantive.
Timeline
- Applications close: Midnight 20/07/25
- Shortlisting: W/C 21/07/25
- Internal portfolio induction phase 1 open W/C 28/07/25
- Internal portfolio closed W/C 19/01/26.
- Presentation and Interview Jan/Feb 2026
- Candidate Feedback March 2026
WYFRS are committed to having an inclusive and diverse workforce, if you feel you require any reasonable adjustments to participate within this recruitment process, please contact our HR Team at Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk
The closing date for internal applications will be midnight on Sunday 20th July 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a large/sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, we encourage early applications. To apply, please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers
All offers of employment will be subject to a skills gap analysis, references, medical, fitness test, Disclosure and Barring Service check and pre-employment checks.
For an informal discussion about these roles, please contact:
SM Dan Howorth Daniel.howorth@westyorksfire.gov.uk
Click here for Additional Guidance on our new E-recruitment System
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.
For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk