The Staff and Appointments Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 30 March 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the appointment of a Deputy Chief Fire Officer.

Appointment of Deputy Chief Fire Officer

The committee is scheduled to consider the outcome of the selection process for the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer. The report pack indicates that the committee will be asked to confirm and approve the appointment of the preferred candidate. This role has been vacant since June 2025, with Stephen Kennedy, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, acting in the position.

The selection process involved a nationwide search, with Stephen Kennedy being the sole candidate shortlisted for interview. The process included a psychometric assessment, a technical interview conducted by Peter Heath, Chief Fire Officer of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a staff panel question and answer session, and a presentation with a structured interview. The interview panel comprised Councillor Gordon Stewart, Chair of the Fire Authority, Peter Heath, and Keith Carruthers, Chief Fire Officer (Designate) of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service. Dr Helen Paterson, Chief Executive, Sarah Farrell, Director of People and Culture, and Phil Alcock, an Executive Coach, observed the process.

The report states that the interview panel identified Stephen Kennedy as the preferred candidate, following a thorough assessment of his skills, knowledge, and experience, and his fit against the council's values and the Nolan Principles¹. The candidate has reportedly accepted a conditional offer of appointment, subject to the committee's recommendation and the Officer Employment Procedure Rules.

The proposed remuneration for the Deputy Chief Fire Officer is aligned with the National Joint Council for Brigade Managers of Fire and Rescue Services terms and conditions (Gold Book), with a spot salary at the top of NCC Band 17, amounting to £136,163. This figure excludes employer's national insurance and pension contributions. The report also notes that the appointment is considered appropriate in relation to finance and value for money, as it represents a direct replacement and can be met from existing budgets.

The committee will also be asked to note that offers of employment are subject to necessary pre-employment checks and that the effective date of commencement is anticipated to be 1 April 2026, pending the committee's agreement.