Corporate Risk & Assurance Support Officer

WMFS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WMFS is seeking a Corporate Risk & Assurance Support Officer to shape and embed governance and risk frameworks across its operations. The position offers a salary between £39,513 and £41,511, with an emphasis on corporate risk management. Successful candidates will enjoy a supportive work environment and a variety of benefits aimed at promoting well-being and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

On-site gym facilities

On-site parking

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing programmes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in risk management and governance.
• Degree or equivalent experience in related fields.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and align corporate risk register and framework.
• Deliver second line of defence risk reporting and assurance.
• Support operational leads on risk ownership and governance.

Skills

Analytical

Problem-solving

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree in risk, governance or public administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Corporate Risk & Assurance Support Officer

Job Description

Corporate Risk and Assurance Support Officer

Professional 2B

Publish date: 16 July 2025

Closing date: 13 August 2025

Salary: £39,513 - £41,511
Hours - 37 hours

Full Time; Permanent

Overview

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902 square kilometres, and a population of over 2.9 million people.

Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

Are you passionate about Corporate and Strategic Risk Management? We are seeking an experienced Corporate Risk and Assurance Officer to join our Governance and Strategic Planning Team.

This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping and embedding effective governance and risk frameworks across the service, at a time of organisational transformation. You will support the delivery of the Three Lines of Defence model by working across risk, assurance, inspection, and data reporting functions.

This role is pivotal in supporting the corporate risk framework, leading inspection readiness, and strengthening the link between risk, assurance and decision-making.

Responsibilities

update, maintain and align the corporate risk register and framework with statutory and governance requirements to support effective decision-making and regulatory compliances

deliver second line of defence risk reporting, assurance and oversight, analysing mitigation plans and providing clear insight to risk and audit committees

provide expert guidance to senior managers and operational leads on risk ownership, escalation protocols, and governance responsibilities

support and facilitate the risk management role of the services Strategic Assurance Board, and support updates to the Authority's Audit and Risk Committee

develop and monitor inspection schedules, assurance reporting, and improvement plan recommendations to enable transparency and continuous learning

support HMICFRS inspection readiness and lead coordination of data submissions and evidence gathering to ensure organisational preparedness

act as a strategic link between governance, assurance, and risk functions to ensure joined-up, consistent oversight.

Essential skills or experience

proven experience in risk management, governance, assurance, or democratic/public sector reporting

degree or equivalent experience in risk, governance, public administration, or a related field

excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience interpreting complex data to support decision-making

strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels

sound understanding of public sector regulatory environments and governance standards

proficiency in Microsoft Office and confidence working with reporting or risk systems

ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-trust environment.

Desirable skills or experience

professional qualification in risk, assurance or governance (e.g. IRM, ICSA, or equivalent)

experience in inspection or audit preparation (ideally for HMICFRS or similar bodies)

familiarity with Fire and Rescue governance structures and legislation

experience delivering reports and recommendations to senior boards or public committees.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

flexible and agile working arrangements

free, on-site gym facilities

free, on-site parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

wellbeing programmes

'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes

Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

How to apply

Should you wish to proceed with an application please read through the job summary for the role and complete the application form.

Questions

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Tom Embury on 07590 721088 or Lucy Lawson on 07973 810494.

Job Summary

• We prioritise your well-being with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally.
• We prioritise your well-being with a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support you both personally and professionally.