Fire Safety Inspecting Officer

Surrey County Council; Farnham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government entity in Farnham is seeking a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations in local businesses. The role involves inspecting high-risk premises, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting education on fire safety. Candidates must have a Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety and possess strong communication and influencing skills. This position offers a starting salary of £41,585 per annum with various employee benefits, including holiday entitlement and development opportunities.

Benefits

26 days' holiday, rising to 31 days

Carer's leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Lifestyle discounts

Volunteering days

Learning and development opportunities

Local government pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in fire safety arenas or delivery of fire safety linked activities.
• Knowledge of regulation or enforcement of fire safety legislation.
• Health and Safety qualifications and/or experience.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and audit high-risk business premises for fire safety compliance.
• Support Protection Teams in Risk Based Inspection Programme objectives.
• Engage with business owners to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

Skills

Strong communication

Influencing skills

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Ability to adapt to change

Education

Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety

Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (or working towards)

Tools

Basic software and IT equipment

Job description

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for people to carry out the role of a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer. We will also be looking to create a pool of suitable candidates to assist us in managing our retirement profile through the next 12 months.

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this position is £41,585 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.

The fantastic Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for people to carry out the vital role of a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, based out of Farnham Fire Station Business Fire Safety Office. This opportunity welcomes applications from people who have a background and expertise in compliance and regulation.

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 Role

Are you passionate about making a difference to the communities of Surrey?

As a Business Fire Safety Inspector, your role will be to inspect and audit high and very high-risk business premises in Surrey to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 on behalf of the fire authority. You will support the Protection Teams to deliver the objectives of the Risk Based Inspection Programme, ensuring that buildings, and the people that use them, are safer through education and enforcement. You will be supported by an experienced team, made up of operational and civilian backgrounds and experience. As you progress in the role you will be required to obtain further specialist and technical knowledge in fire safety which will be overseen by a Fire Safety Manager.

This role will involve engaging with various partners and business owners to lead and support people to lawfully resolve regulatory fire safety matters, ensuring compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. You will also be responsible for educating businesses and fire teams, ensuring shared understanding of risks. You will carry out consultations, inspection and audit regimes, follow up visits, and decide on appropriate enforcement levels based on audit outcomes.

A typical day in this important role will see the Business Fire Safety Inspector assessing risks and hazards associated with fire, evaluating measures in place to protect people and premises, influencing and supporting businesses to act on recommendations and, where appropriate, reporting breaches and taking required enforcement actions.

You will need to be able to demonstrate a calm, confident and resilient approach to sometimes unpredictable, challenging or dangerous situations while maintaining respect for others.

Shortlisting Criteria

This role will require you to be flexible, respond positively to change and be prepared for continuous learning and professional development throughout your career. The regulations governing the fire safety aspects of buildings are frequently evolving and you will need to ensure that you keep up to date. A reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is necessary as you will be required to inspect multiple areas of a building and take equipment with you to carry out your role. This can also include walking around the surrounding areas as well as reviewing a building internally.

To be considered for shortlisting for this position your CV and answers to the questions below will clearly evidence:

• Level 3 Certificate in Fire Safety
• Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety, or working towards this
• Knowledge of regulation or enforcement of fire safety legislation or similar
• Health and Safety qualifications and/or experience
• Experience in the fire safety arena or delivery of fire safety linked activities
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work effectively with technology and competence with basic software and IT equipment
• People and team leadership skills, as the role will offer opportunities to lead Advisors or Business Education Officers

If successful further training and qualifications will be provided to enhance and support your development.

Application Questions (300 words max per answer)

• Please describe a time when you have led, engaged and motivated others, both within the Fire Service and externally, (please describe one situation where you have had to engage with both)
• Please describe your understanding of Fire Safety in the Workplace
• Please provide an example of where you have been open and flexible towards change, and lead participation in devising solutions to problems
• Please provide an example of where you have displayed a proactive approach to work and how you achieve a consistently high standard of work

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 arrange an informal discussion please contact Dawn St Leger by email at [e-mail] or Rob Jenks at [e-mail].

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 19th December 2025. Shortlisting will take place after the week commencing 2nd January 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

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 also 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.