Watch                      Manager  

     

SELECTION  PROCESS  

Guidance for External Applicants

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Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in our forthcoming selection process for the role of Watch Manager. Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service has transformed in recent years to become one of the most improved Fire & Rescue Services in the United Kingdom acknowledged by the many accolades and awards. Our mission is a simple one and that is to be an outstanding Service where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies. The role of Watch Manager is one of the most crucial in transforming this mission into a reality and I am looking for exceptional men and women to promote into this role to continue our journey towards being outstanding. To be successful, you will need to demonstrate a good track record of leadership and delivering results as well as a wholehearted commitment to my ambition for Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service. I need people who can demonstrate and understand the bigger issues affecting the Service and who are willing to work hard as part of a team, with the ability to motivate others in support of our objectives. In terms of preparation, you do not need to spend hours ploughing through corporate documents and numerous reports but you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the Service’s strategic goals which, as a Watch Manager, you will have a key role in delivering. Most importantly of all, you need to think about how you, as an individual, will personally contribute to the delivery of those goals and lead by example so that others do the same. I make no apology for the fact that we are setting high standards and only the best people who show the potential for promotion will succeed. The competition will be scrupulously fair and it is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be an effective Watch Manager. If, having reflected on this, you think you have got what it takes then I would encourage you to apply, but please only do so if you can make your application wholeheartedly. If you do apply, I wish you every success and look forward, if you are successful, to congratulating you on your promotion to Watch Manager. Yours sincerely

Paul Hancock Chief Fire Officer

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Contents  

Selection Process Flowchart and Overview 3-4 Initial Application 5-7

- Eligibility to participate in the process - Competency Based Application Form - Management Endorsement - Job and Location Preferencing - Dual Applications

Stage 1 Written and Incident Command Assessment 8

- Assessment Format - Results and Outcomes

Stage 2 Panel Interview and Presentation 9

- Interview Questions - Presentation - Results and Outcomes

Entry to Watch Manager Promotion Pool 10

- Role Assignment - Job Roles and Locations - Watch Manager Development

Watch Manager Application Form 11-20

 

 

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Selection  Process  Overview  –  Flowchart  

Watch  Manager  

People  and  Development   Successful   Unsuccessful  

Selection  Process    

Applications  invited  from  individuals  who  are  competent  in  

the  role  of  watch  or  crew  manager.      

Eligibility  includes  achievement  of  IFE  Level  3  Diploma  or  a  Fire  

related  degree  together  with  the  IFE  Level  3  Diploma  Operations  

paper.    

Feedback  provided  for    Candidates  upon  request  

.

STAGE  1  –  WRITTEN  AND  INCIDENT  COMMAND  ASSESSMENT  

Assessment  activities  will  include  an  ICA,    and  a  written    in-­‐tray  exercise.    

WATCH  MANAGER  PROMOTION    POOL  

Postings  to  Watch  Manager  posts  will  be  based  on  skills,  experience  and  best  fit  for  role.  

Bespoke  development  plan  agreed  in  conjunction  with  Watch  Manager  and  Leadership  Development  Advisor.  

.  

Feedback  provided  for    Candidates  upon  request.  

 

INITIAL  APPLICATION  

Completion  of  Application  Form    

Line  Manager  and  Grandparent  Manager  support  based  on  validation  of  evidence,  

assessment  of  performance  in  current  role  and  endorsement  for  promotion  to  Watch  

Manager    

STAGE  2  –  PANEL  INTERVIEW  AND  PRESENTATION  

Shortlisted  to  attend  Panel  Interview  and  presentation  chaired  by  an  Area  Manager  

NOTE  

Candidates  who  are  eligible  and  wish  to  apply  to  participate  in  both  

the  Watch  and  Crew  Manager  Promotion  Boards  will  not  be  

required  to  submit  two  separate  application  forms.      

The  WM  application  form  can  be  used  for  both  processes.  

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Selection  Process  Overview  

INITIAL APPLICATION

This represents the gateway for progression to the formal selection process.

Applications will require scrutiny and endorsement from the Line Manager and Grandparent Manager. Endorsement will be based on an assessment of the candidate’s performance in their current role, a review of the evidence provided on the application form and professional judgement of the individual’s readiness and suitability for the role of Watch Manager.

Following submission of the completed application form, applications will be checked by the HR Business Support Unit to ensure that all applicants meet the eligibility criteria.

STAGE 1 – WRITTEN AND INCIDENT COMMAND ASSESSMENT

Stage 1 will require candidates to attend an assessment day comprising of an Incident Command Assessment (WM7) and a written in-tray exercise.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW AND PRESENTATION

Stage 2 will comprise of a panel interview and a presentation. The interview panel will be chaired by an Area Manager.

ENTRY TO THE WATCH MANAGER PROMOTION POOL

The number of people given entry to the Watch Manager promotion pool will depend on the anticipated number of vacancies over the next 12-18 month period. Once in the promotion pool candidates will receive a formal development plan and will be posted to positions based on a review of their previous experience, skills, posting preferences and performance during the selection process. It should be noted however, that the highest scoring individual will not necessarily be the first person to be promoted to a Watch Manager role. Best fit, needs of the business and suitability for the role will be the overriding factor.

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Initial  Application  ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCESS

To be eligible to engage in the selection process an individual must be a competent Crew Manager or a competent Watch Manager. They must also have the following:

• The support of his/her Line Manager with Grandparent Manager endorsement.

• Achievement of the full IFE Level 3 Diploma qualification

or

• Achievement of a fire related degree and IFE Level 3 Operations Diplomapaper

Candidates who have a live disciplinary sanction for either Attendance or Conduct at the time of the application closing date will not normally be eligible to engage in the selection process unless extenuating circumstances apply and both the Line and Grandparent Manager have endorsed the application.

COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORM

The application form is an electronic document and should be completed and submitted online. A receipt will be sent to all candidates to confirm that their application has been received.

The form is designed to help candidates assess their own eligibility and also to assist the Service in making the decision regarding their suitability. As the application is a filter candidates are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to provide evidence that demonstrates they have the right skills and qualities to be suitable for a Watch Manager role within Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Candidates are also encouraged to take care in the completion of their application form in order to provide clear and accurate information.

Candidates are required to complete Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 before emailing the form to their Line Manager who should complete Section 6 and forward to the Grandparent Manager to complete Section 7.

The Grandparent Manager should then return the form via email to the candidate who will be responsible for submission.

Please ensure that all sections of the form are completed prior to submission.

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It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that their completed application form is submitted before the deadline of 12 noon on 29th July 2016.

MANAGEMENT ENDORSEMENT

Applicants are encouraged to seek feedback regarding their suitability for promotion prior to completing their application.

To promote transparency it is also expected that where a manager is not intending to support an application for promotion a face to face dialogue will take place to explain the reasons why.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to plan and ensure that sufficient time is given to their respective managers to review and complete Sections 6 and 7 of the application form prior to the closing date. It is also the responsibility of the applicant to submit the form rather than the Line and/or Grandparent Manager. Applications that are submitted without both manager’s comments will be excluded from the process.

Where an application is not supported managers understand that they are required to provide evidence and commentary to explain the reasons for this decision. This evidence will be quality assured by the sifting panel to ensure that it is comprehensive and provides sufficient justification to support the decision.

In the event that an application is not supported members of the sifting panel will contact the manager directly to check their rationale and/or to request further clarification as required. In the event that the sifting panel are not satisfied that sufficient evidence has been provided to decline support, the Group Manager will be contacted for a final decision.

JOB AND LOCATION PREFERENCING

On the application form you will be asked to indicate which role(s) you wish to be considered for and your preferred location(s). Although no guarantees can be given these preferences will be factored into promotion decisions at the end of the process for successful candidates.

DUAL APPLICATIONS

A scenario is possible where an individual has the required IFE/degree qualification and is a competent Crew Manager but in a temporary position. In this instance the individual may wish to submit a dual application so that in the event that they are unsuccessful in the Watch Manager process, they will have the fall back position of competing for a substantive Crew Manager position within the Crew Manager promotion board.

Individuals in this position are not required to submit two separate application forms. Dual Applications can be declared under Section 2 of the Watch Manager application form. The timetable for the Watch Manager process has been designed so that if an

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individual falls out at any stage they can be automatically plugged into the Crew Manager process at the appropriate stage as is shown in the diagram below:

Dual  Application  Process  

Watch  Manager  Process   Crew  Manager  Process  

Entry  to  CM  Written  Exercise  

STAGE  1  –  WRITTEN  AND  INCIDENT  COMMAND  ASSESSMENT  

Failure  to  pass  the  WM  Written  Exercise  provides  automatic  entry  to  undertake  CM  

Written  Exercise  

Failure  to  pass  the  WM7  Incident  Command  Assessment  will  result  in  the  application  being  withdrawn  for  both  the  WM  and  CM  process.  

WATCH  MANAGER  PROMOTION    POOL  

Success  in  the  WM  promotion  process  will  void  the  application  for  the  CM  process.  

Invitation  to  attend  Panel  Interview  and  Presentation  for  CM  process  

 

APPLICATION  SIFT  If  dual  application  is  sifted  and  progressed  to  Stage  1  of  the  Watch  Manager  process,  this  negates  the  requirement  for  the  form  to  be  

included  in  the  sift  for  the    Crew  Manager  process.    

STAGE  2  –  PANEL  INTERVIEW  AND  PRESENTATION  

Failure  to  pass  Stage  2  provides  automatic  entry  to  Stage  2  of  the  CM  process  

APPLICATION  SIFT  Only  included  in  the  sift  for  the  Crew  

Manager  process  if  unsuccessful  in  the  sift  for  the  Watch  Manager  process.  

 

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Stage  1  –  Written  and  Incident  Command  Assessment  

ASSESSMENT FORMAT

Subject to being shortlisted at the application stage candidates will be invited to Stage 1 of the process.

The purpose of Stage 1 is to assess a candidate’s performance and demonstration of potential against the role map of a Watch Manager.

The Assessment will comprise of the following;

i) A Written In-Tray exercise which allows candidates to demonstrate the abilityto work under pressure and evaluate, prioritise and provide workable solutionsto a series of issues and tasks. The exercise will also assess writtencommunication skills and judgement.

ii) Incident Command Assessment – Candidates will undertake an assessment atWM7 level involving a 60 minute simulated incident using VSTEP Rescue Simsoftware. Time will be given for familiarisation with the software if notpreviously used.

STAGE 1 RESULTS AND OUTCOMES

Only candidates who are successful at this stage will be shortlisted to progress to Stage 2 of the process. There are 2 possible outcomes following the review of results:

Outcome 1 – candidate was unsuccessful. In this case feedback will be provided upon request. See flow chart on page 7 for dual application outcome.

Outcome 2 – candidate was successful and is invited to participate in Stage 2 of the process.

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Stage  2  –  Panel  Interview  and  Presentation  

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

The interview panel will be chaired by an Area Manager who will be supported by two other managers.

Interview questions may be based around the SKU’s (Skills, Knowledge and Understanding) and PQA’s (Personal Qualities and Attributes) for the role of a Watch Manager. Alternatively questions may be situational/scenario based where the candidate is required to articulate what they would do in a particular situation or they may be required to express a view and/or opinion on a fire related issue.

PRESENTATION

Presentation themes are typically based on topical, contemporary fire and rescue service issues requiring consideration of the challenges of balancing competing operational and public needs and the potential impact of changes on service delivery. Presentations are timed and have a normal duration of 15 minutes.

Candidates will either be provided with a presentation topic in advance of Stage 2 or be given the topic with time to prepare on the day.

STAGE 2 RESULTS AND OUTCOMES

Successful Candidates – Entry to the Watch Manager promotion pool

The number of candidates that are successful at Stage 2 will depend on the forecasted number of vacancies for the following 12-18 month period.

Candidates who are successful at Stage 2 will be given entry to the Watch Manager promotion pool and assigned to a Watch Manager role either immediately or when a suitable vacancy arises.

Unsuccessful Candidates

All unsuccessful candidates will be offered feedback. See flow chart on Page 7 for outcomes in respect of Dual Applications.

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Entry  to  the  Watch  Manager  Promotion  Pool  

ROLE ASSIGNMENT

Once a candidate has gained entry to the promotion pool there will be no further requirement for applications or participation in selection processes to secure a Watch Manager position.

Assignment decisions are made by the Service and will be based on a review of skills, knowledge, experience and performance during the selection process. Assignment is based on best fit and suitability for the role rather than on the rank order and scores from the promotion board process.

JOB ROLES AND LOCATIONS

Individual job role and location preferences that were expressed on the application form will be taken into consideration when assigning people to roles.

Although every effort will be made to fulfil individual preferences whilst ensuring best fit for the role, the Service cannot provide guarantees that preferences will be fulfilled. Having been offered a role individuals can choose whether to accept or decline, but should be aware that if they decline they may not be offered another opportunity. Inflexibility could result in exclusion from the promotion pool.

If an individual in the promotion pool becomes subject to a disciplinary sanction, their position within the pool will be suspended until the sanction has been spent. Depending on the nature and severity of the sanction, discretion may also be applied to remove candidates from the promotion pool.

WATCH MANAGER DEVELOPMENT

A bespoke development plan will be agreed which may incorporate the need for further study and/or engagement in leadership development activities. Candidates will also be enrolled at the earliest opportunity onto the WM Step Up Development Programme.

Ongoing operational development and assessment may also feature within the development plan of individuals within the promotion pool.

The development offered to individuals within the promotion pool will include the assignment of a mentor which will continue into the first 100 days after being promoted.  

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Watch Manager Application

Please read the guidance that accompanies this document before completing. It is essential that you use the TAB key to move from one field to the next, rather than pressing RETURN. If you wish to go back to a field, use SHIFT and TAB together or simply click in the field you wish to edit.

Section 1 Personal and Contact Details

First Name(s): Last Name:

Station/Department: Work Telephone:

Mobile:

Workplace Address: Correspondence Address (if different):

Postcode: Postcode:

Work Email: Private Email:

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Section 2 Self Declaration of Eligibility for Promotion

Please consider the following questions and indicate ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ as appropriate in the check boxes regarding your eligibility for promotion.

Question 1

Have you gained your full Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE) Level 3 Diploma Qualification?

Yes No

or Question 2

Have you gained a Fire Related Degree and gained the IFE Level 3 Diploma paper in Operations and Incident Command?

Yes No

Question 3

Is your personal record free from live misconduct/disciplinary sanctions?

Yes No

Question 4

Are you currently under formal investigation that may result in a disciplinary process or sanction?

Yes No

Question 5

Have you had less than 6 day’s sickness absence in the last 12 months?

Yes No

Question 6

Are you submitting this application as a dual application to be considered for participation in both the Watch Manager and Crew Manager promotion board processes?

Yes No

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If a ‘No’ is shown to either Question 1 or 2, you will not be eligible to participate in the selection process. If a ‘No’ is shown to either Question 3 or 5, you will not normally be eligible to participate in the process but if you believe you have extenuating circumstances in respect of your responses to questions 3 or 5 which you wish to be taken into account, please complete the box below. A ‘Yes’ response to question 4 will also not automatically preclude you from participating, but your application may be subject to further review prior to the conclusion of the selection process. Rationale

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Section 3 Qualifications, Relevant Job History and Training

Qualifications Educational/vocational

qualifications Dates of education Grade (if applicable)

Relevant Job History Role Employer Dates of employment

Relevant Training Title Date Pass/Fail (if applicable)

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Section 4 Job and Location Preferences Please indicate which role(s) you wish to be considered for

Service Delivery Fire Prevention

Operational / Command Training Fire Protection Please indicate if you have any preference in respect of location(s) I have no preference Yes No I would prefer to work at a location within Cheshire West & Chester Yes No

Station Order of Preference Chester

Ellesmere Port

Lymm

Powey Lane

Northwich

Winsford

I would prefer to work at a location within Cheshire East Yes No

Station Order of Preference

Crewe

Knutsford

Wilmslow

Macclesfield

Congleton

I would prefer to work at a location within Halton & Warrington Yes No

Station Order of Preference Widnes

Runcorn

Warrington

Birchwood

Penketh

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Section 5 Assessment of Potential In this section you are asked to provide examples of your performance/experience against the role map of a Watch Manager. Although it is not expected that you are currently performing at the level of Watch Manager, the evidence that you provide will be evaluated to identify your suitability to be promoted into the role. Please consider your answers carefully having reviewed the PQA’s contained within the role map. A maximum of 200 words should be used for each answer. Once you have entered your response please insert the total word count at the end of each question. Q1. Please give one example that demonstrates your competence in the area of Problem Solving.

# Words

Q2. Please give one example that demonstrates your competence in the area of Confidence and Resilience

# Words

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Q3. Please give one example that demonstrates your competence in the area of Effective Communication

# Words

Q4. Please give one example that demonstrates your competence in the area of Commitment to Diversity and Integrity.

# Words

Q5. Please provide a statement to support your application in your chosen role(s) in no more than 800 words.

# Words

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Section 6 Line Manager Comment/Endorsement In this section your Line Manager should validate (i.e. confirm accuracy of) the evidence that you have provided within your responses to the competency based questions. They are also asked to give their rationale for endorsing or not endorsing the application and provide professional judgement regarding your readiness for promotion. Appraisal ratings should be included along with any other evidence that will assist with an objective judgement. Validation of Evidence within Competency Based Questions Question Comment

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Assessment of Performance in Current Role and Readiness for Promotion

Last Appraisal Rating

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Line Manager Recommendation

I have reviewed and evaluated all the available evidence and based on this I

Support the application Do not support the application

If this application is not supported, please provide your evidence based rationale below. (For dual applications only that are not supported at WM level please also include an assessment and commentary in respect of the candidate’s suitability for promotion to the role of Crew Manager).

Details of Officer completing Section 6

Name:

Job Title:

Contact Telephone Number:

Date

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Section 7 Grandparent Manager Endorsement I endorse this application for promotion to Watch Manager Yes No Name:

Job Title:

Department:

Contact Telephone Number:

Date

If this application is not supported, please provide your evidence based rationale below. (For dual applications only that are not supported at WM level please also include an assessment and commentary in respect of the candidate’s suitability for promotion to the role of Crew Manager).

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Section 8 Declaration of Availability

Stage 1 - Written and Incident Command Assessments

If you are shortlisted following submission of your application you will be invited to Stage 1 of the selection process which will take place on one of the four dates outlined below. The assessments will be completed within 1 day.

We would ask that all shortlisted candidates make every effort to be available to participate in the process on the assigned dates. For planning purposes please declare your availability below.

Stage 1 Yes No Monday 15th August 2016 Tuesday 16th August 2016 Wednesday 17th August 2016 Tuesday 30th August 2016 Wednesday 31st August 2016

Stage 2 – Interview and Presentation

If you are short listed after Stage 1, you will be invited to Stage 2 of the process which will take place during week commencing 5th September 2016. The dates are outlined below and the interview and presentation will last approximately 2 hours.

Please confirm your availability to attend on any of the following dates should you be invited to participate in Stage 2 of the selection process.

Stage 2 Yes No Monday 5th September 2016 Tuesday 6th September 2016 Wednesday 7th September 2016 Thursday 8th September 2016

The venue for all assessments will be Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters.

Submission of applications

Please email your completed form to recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk by 12 noon on 29 July 2016

Note; Any applications received after the closing date of 29 July 2016 at noon will not be considered.

Please note it is the responsibility of the applicant to plan accordingly and ensure that the form is submitted on time with all of the necessary management

endorsement sections completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered within the selection process.