Learning, Development & Assurance Manager

Job Introduction

The starting salary for this role is £45,680 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for a Learning, Development and Assurance Manager to join the Learning and Development (L&D) Team, based at our Reigate Training Centre.  You will directly line manage a small team of staff, alongside the Learning and Development management team.  

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Service

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service provides fire and rescue services to over a million Surrey residents in addition to the County's many visitors. We employ approximately 700 members of staff including community and business safety experts, firefighters, 999 control room operators, trainers, mechanics, data analysts and other support colleagues. Our staff work from 25 fire stations, Headquarters site, Reigate and Wray Park Training Centre. 

About the Role

Reporting to the Group Commander L&D, you will work alongside, and in collaboration with, the function to lead on the learning and development strategy for the service, including identifying opportunities to utilise the apprenticeship levy and working with processes that underpin the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP).  

The role encompasses identification of training needs for operational staff and non-operational staff. You will be instrumental in partnering with the People Strategy and Organisational Development Partners to develop and improve capability which enables the service to plan and enable people development.  

You will contribute to and monitor quality assurance and reporting processes, utilising L&D best practice to find ways to improve our provision. You will keep up to date with emerging L&D trends, implementing and sharing best practice with colleagues and the organisation. 

As part of the role, you will also design and deliver development content that is accessible, relevant, and engaging, evolving our L&D provision and building on the blended learning approach and engaging with the organisation to look at development of its workforce. You’ll then deliver this content face to face or virtually, working with ‘technical experts’ to assist them in developing learning solutions that are engaging, practical and relevant. 

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for interview, your application will clearly evidence: 

• You are an experienced Learning and Development practitioner with previous experience of working with quality assurance processes.
• Your ability to balance processes and systems that delivers compliance training; along with other skills development.
• A degree in a similar discipline of Learning and Development, (CIPD recognised or equivalent) alongside a Level 4/5 qualification in Learning & Development or equivalent, evidenced experience 
• A strong track record of delivery in a Learning and Development management role within a service industry with experience of influencing senior stakeholders
• Experience in the design and delivery of QCF accredited development programmes
• Previous experience of effectively utilising the apprenticeship levy funding as a means to support individual and service growth

As part of the application process you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following application questions:

1. What has motivated you to apply for this role?
2. Describe your experience as a Learning and Development practitioner, particularly in working with quality assurance processes. How have you ensured the effectiveness and compliance of training programs?
3. Can you provide examples of how you have balanced the delivery of compliance training with other skills development initiatives? What strategies did you use to ensure both were effectively managed?
4. Provide an example of a time where you effectively utilised the apprenticeship levy funding to support individual and service growth. What were the outcomes, and how did you measure the success of this initiative?

As part of the interview process you will be asked to give a 15-minute presentation which details the risks and opportunities in the operational training environment, and how you plan to lead. This will be followed immediately by the interview itself.

At Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, we believe it is essential to embed our commitment to the Core Code of Ethics and particularly equality, diversity and inclusion, into every aspect of our work. This is a dual responsibility applying both to our outward facing, community-focussed activities, and to our internal responsibilities to people and volunteers. Our vision is that everyone representing Surrey Fire and Rescue Service will be a community role model. 

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

To find out more please contact Group Commander Lee Brathwaite on 07968 834547 or via email at lee.brathwaite@surreycc.gov.uk.  

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 07/05/2025 with interviews planned for the week beginning 12th May 2025.

Our Values  

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values. 

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment 

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: 

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application 
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form 

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.