Communications Business Partner

Summary

Contract: 12-month fixed term contract (maternity cover), 22.2 hours per week

Location: Service Headquarters, Exeter.

Salary: £39,841.00 per annum (pro rata), equating to £23904.60 for working 22.2 hours per week.

Help Shape Communications That Make a Difference.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, serving the communities of Devon and Somerset through prevention, protection and emergency response.

We are looking for a talented and creative Communications Business Partner to join our Communications and Engagement team on a 12-month fixed term maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how we communicate with our people and stakeholders, helping to support the Service in creating a safer world for everyone.

About the role:

You will develop and deliver engaging campaigns, create compelling content, provide expert communications advice and evaluate the impact of activities to ensure successful outcomes. Working closely with colleagues across the Communications and Engagement team, you will help maintain and enhance the Service's reputation while ensuring communications are targeted, accessible and effective.

Find out more:

Key responsibilities:

You will:

• Build strong relationships with service areas, understanding their priorities and communication needs.
• Develop and deliver creative, audience focused communications campaigns and plans.
• Create engaging content across a range of channels and formats.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on communications best practice.
• Identify emerging opportunities, risks and priorities, contributing to forward planning and annual communications activity.
• Work collaboratively across the Communications and Engagement team to maximise impact.
• Develop positive relationships with local, regional and trade media.
• Ensure communications are on-brand, clear, accessible and tailored to the intended audience.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on communications activity and outcomes.
• Support communications during incidents and emergency situations, including participation in an out of hours communications rota if required.
• Promote continuous improvement by staying up to date with developments across the communications profession.
• Support a positive learning culture and contribute to colleagues professional development.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking an experienced communications professional who can build strong relationships, think strategically and deliver high-quality communications activity.

You will be confident advising colleagues and their senior leaders, developing engaging campaigns and content, managing competing priorities, measuring the effectiveness of communications activity.

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about delivering clear, impactful communications that help support organisational objectives, and strengthen engagement with our audiences.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to join a respected public service organisation where your work will have a direct impact on colleagues, communities and partners across Devon and Somerset.

What we offer:

As well as working in a rewarding role, we can offer:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• More than five weeks of annual leave (pro-rata)
• Family-friendly policies
• Gym access and fitness support
• Learning and development opportunities
• Blue Light Membership and associated discounts
• Benenden Health membership options
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Access to the Firefighters Charity
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Closing Date: 2359hrs 8 November 2026.

If you think this could be the role for you, apply today - we would love to hear from you!

Paul Compton - Head of Communications and Engagement, via 07966 214122

How to apply:

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

• Ability to advise, influence and persuade at all levels of an organisation.
• Excellent at creating clear and compelling communications.
• Experience evaluating communications activity and presenting findings to others within an organisation.
• Experience of working in a Communications role.
• Experience of developing communications activity across a number of channels.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and how this applies to communications.

To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document "Essential Criteria for Communications Business Partner 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 document 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.

Our values

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.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority is 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

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.