Station Commander Promotional Process

Station Commander Promotional Process 2026/27

Are you a dedicated leader who values integrity, demonstrates inclusive leadership and is passionate about making a difference?

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is looking to establish a pool of talented and diverse candidates for anticipated Station Commander vacancies.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the leadership of SFRS, drive service-wide improvements, role model excellent leadership behaviours and support our ongoing cultural development.

Successful applicants will join the Station Commander Promotional Pool, making them eligible for consideration for future Station Commander vacancies as they arise.

About Our Offer

This selection process provides successful candidates with the opportunity to enter the Station Commander Promotional Pool and apply for upcoming vacancies.

Appointments will depend on the availability and requirements of individual roles, including working location and arrangements.

Salary will commence at the relevant development rate and increase upon achieving competence, in accordance with the applicable pay arrangements.

Station Commander salary scales:

• Station Commander A (Control): £50,924

• Station Commander A (Non-Flexi): £53,604

• Station Commander A (Flexi): £64,324

• Station Commander B (Control): £54,532

• Station Commander B (Non-Flexi): £57,402

• Station Commander B (Flexi): £68,882

The role also attracts a Surrey Allowance of £1,754 per annum and a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) payment of £949, subject to eligibility.

About the Role

We are seeking ambitious, motivated and experienced leaders who can demonstrate a strong track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering excellent operational and organisational outcomes.

As a Station Commander, you will play a key role in supporting the Service's strategic priorities, leading and developing people, and driving continuous improvement.

You will be expected to:

• Provide effective leadership and management across operational and organisational activities.

• Lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.

• Demonstrate strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Contribute to service-wide improvements and organisational development.

• Champion ethical decision-making, inclusion and the National Core Code of Ethics.

• Manage competing priorities and respond positively to change.

• Support the delivery of SFRS objectives and its Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025–2030.

Experience of project management and formal leadership or management qualifications would be advantageous.

About You

Eligibility and Essential Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a substantive and competent Watch Commander/Manager, or an existing Station Commander, serving with a UK Fire and Rescue Service.

• Demonstrate experience of successfully leading or managing a high-performing team or department.

• Not be subject to a current capability action plan relating to performance.

• Not be subject to ongoing disciplinary proceedings or a live formal disciplinary sanction.

• Have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK.

• Meet the requirements for Enhanced DBS checks.

All essential criteria must be clearly evidenced in your application.

Desirable Criteria

Applicants should ideally demonstrate:

• A formal leadership or management qualification, such as ILM or equivalent.

• A Health and Safety Management qualification, ideally NEBOSH.

• Professional qualifications or status, such as IFE.

• Evidence of 20 hours of Command Hours CPD (for internal candidates, through Effective Command).

Desirable criteria may be considered during shortlisting.

Selection Process

Following the application deadline, candidates will be shortlisted based on their CV and personal statement of no more than 1,000 words, demonstrating how they meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Successful candidates will be invited to participate in the following assessment stages.

Stage 1A – Stakeholder Panel Presentation

Candidates will deliver a presentation to a panel comprising SFRS stakeholders and community partners.

The presentation will focus on a service or community impact theme, followed by questions from the panel to assess candidates' understanding, knowledge and leadership approach.

Candidates will receive a minimum of 10 days to prepare and research their presentation.

Stage 1B – Technical Knowledge Test

Candidates will complete a technical knowledge assessment and must achieve a minimum pass mark of 70%.

Stage 2A – Level 2 Incident Command Assessment

Candidates will undertake a Level 2 Incident Command Assessment (Test of Potential).

This assessment will involve taking command of a developing incident, managing a challenging operational scenario and providing a detailed briefing to a senior commander.

Candidates will be assessed on their knowledge, decision-making, resilience and ability to demonstrate safe and effective incident command.

Candidates who already hold a current, accredited Level 2 Incident Command qualification will not be required to undertake the Test of Potential but must provide evidence of their qualification and ongoing CPD.

Non-operational personnel are exempt from this element of the process.

Assessments will be based on SFJ criteria, the ICS behavioural marking system and JESIP principles, alongside the National Core Code of Ethics and NFCC Leadership Framework.

Stage 2B – Final Panel Interview

Candidates who successfully progress through the earlier assessment stages will be invited to a final interview with a panel of senior SFRS representatives.

The interview will explore a range of leadership, operational and organisational themes. Some questions may be provided 15 minutes before the interview.

Successful candidates will enter the Station Commander Promotional Pool and be eligible for consideration for suitable future vacancies. Development opportunities, courses and mentoring may be provided where appropriate.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the recruitment portal.

Applicants are required to provide:

• An up-to-date CV.

• A personal statement of no more than 1,000 words, demonstrating how they meet all essential criteria and, where applicable, the desirable criteria.

• For internal applicants, supporting statements from their Line Manager and Group Commander.

Please ensure your application provides clear evidence of your relevant experience, leadership capabilities and suitability for progression to Station Commander.

Important Dates

StageDateApplications open28 October 2026Applications close18 November 2026 at 12 noonShortlisting outcomes20 November 2026Stage 1 assessments8–11 December 2026Stage 1 outcomes communicatedBy 15 December 2026Stage 2 assessments and interviews5–8 January 2027Final outcomesWeek commencing 12 January 2027

Candidates holding a current and accredited ICS Level 2 qualification (SFJ Award Level 4 Intermediate ICS) may be exempt from the Test of Potential, subject to evidence of their certification.

Additional Information

Successful applicants will enter a talent pool for consideration for Station Commander posts as vacancies arise.

Candidates appointed to a Station Commander role must be prepared to work at any location across Surrey and successfully complete the required pre-employment checks, including Enhanced DBS, medical and fitness assessments.

Appointments will be subject to a six-month probationary period, and candidates promoted into the role will be required to complete the Station Commander Development Programme satisfactorily.

Feedback will be available to applicants upon request.

A full bibliography and supporting preparation materials will be provided to candidates successfully shortlisted for Stage 1.

Why Surrey Is Your Future

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for protecting more than 1.2 million residents across approximately 650 square miles of Surrey.

Our Service operates from 25 fire stations, Wray Park Training Centre and our headquarters at Woodhatch Place in Reigate.

We are committed to protecting our communities, delivering excellent services, improving organisational culture and creating an inclusive environment where our people can develop and succeed.

As part of Surrey County Council, we support the Community Vision for Surrey and deliver our priorities through the Community Risk Management Plan 2025–2030.

For further information about the Service, visit:

www.surreycc.gov.uk/community/fire-and-rescue

Our Ethical Principles

SFRS has adopted the National Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England.

We expect all employees to demonstrate our commitment to:

• Putting our communities first

• Integrity

• Dignity and respect

• Leadership

• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all eligible candidates.

Informal Enquiries

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact:

Group Commander Daniel O'Donovan

daniel.odonovan@surreycc.gov.uk