Our chief fire officer is Jon Charters. Jon is supported by fellow principal officer Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Healey. Our directors include Director of People and Development Liz Sandiford and Director of Corporate Services Steven Brown.
Heads of departments sit under each principal officer and director in our leadership framework, allowing us to run an effective service that makes Lancashire safer.
Jon was appointed as the Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) in Jan 2025 and has responsibility for the leadership of the service together with providing direction and improvement.
He advises the Combined Fire Authority on all matters to ensure that the service continues to meet its statutory obligations through reducing risk, providing effective operational response and resilience, whilst providing value for money.
Jon joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as a recruit firefighter in 1999. He has worked in operational roles across the county and a number of functional roles within Service Headquarters before becoming Assistant Chief Fire Officer in February 2022.
Jon has a degree in Fire and Leadership and a Masters degree in Professional Practice (Senior Leadership).
In his free time, Jon enjoys family time and many outdoor activities.
Steve joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as the deputy chief fire officer in January 2021. Previously, Steve served for 24 years in Cumbria, progressing to chief fire officer before taking up his new post in Lancashire.
As the deputy chief fire officer and director of strategy and planning, Steve is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of service and he is the deputy chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum.
Steve is a Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers (IFE), and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) where he is the national lead Officer for On-Call. He has a Masters degree in management.
In his free time, Steve enjoys all sports, particularly rugby.
The role of an area manager is, within the framework of policies and procedures, determined by the Fire Authority and the executive management team, to:
Be responsible for the overall management and command of an area of service delivery or training and operational review, or service development, or prevention and protection within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as directed by the chief fire officer or
Plan and implement organisational strategy to meet organisational objectives.
Lead organisational strategy through effective decision making.
As head of department contribute to the service management team.
Provide support and direction to members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to developing and discharging responsibilities identified within the integrated risk management plan and annual service plan.
Determine the effective use of physical and financial resources.
Develop and implement robust strategic service delivery plans in consultation with staff.
Lead, monitor, attend operational incidents/exercises and take command where appropriate, supporting people to resolve operational incidents.
Provide leadership and support to staff to effect the necessary cultural change, promote diversity and develop a highly flexible and responsive service.
Recruit, and develop a high performing team to achieve the targets and objectives assigned.
Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place; manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve objectives.
Undertake the appraisal of staff, giving constructive feedback, identifying training needs and challenging underperformance.
Establish, monitor and maintain high standards of staff attendance, performance, conduct and discipline.
Apply human resources policies and procedures as appropriate.
Implement and manage projects including projects of change leading to an improvement in quality and efficiency.
Develop information systems to support service delivery objectives.
Implement quality assurance systems.
Monitor compliance with quality assurance systems.
Advise on the development and implementation of quality policies.
Adhere to the health and safety legislation applicable to the role and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place.
Observe rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
Lead and deliver projects as directed by the chief fire officer or director.
Develop and co-ordinate links and networks within and outside LFRS with partners and other external bodies.
Represent their director and/or Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on appropriate occasions.
Participate in and lead service-wide committees, task groups and project groups where directed.
Promote a positive image of the Service in dealing with all other organisations and members of the public.
Promote the principles of equality and diversity and comply with LFRS equal opportunities policy at all times.
Support Service activities by developing a network of contacts both within and outside the organisation.
Engage with the media and provide information as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and actively participate in the appraisal process.
To observe all rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
To support LFRS in its commitment to prevent pollution and minimise its impact on the environment.
The post holder may be requested to undertake the duties of higher graded staff subject to consultation. In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.
The role of an area manager is, within the framework of policies and procedures, determined by the Fire Authority and the executive management team, to:
Be responsible for the overall management and command of an area of service delivery or training and operational review, or service development, or prevention and protection within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as directed by the chief fire officer or
Plan and implement organisational strategy to meet organisational objectives.
Lead organisational strategy through effective decision making.
As head of department contribute to the service management team.
Provide support and direction to members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to developing and discharging responsibilities identified within the integrated risk management plan and annual service plan.
Determine the effective use of physical and financial resources.
Develop and implement robust strategic service delivery plans in consultation with staff.
Lead, monitor, attend operational incidents/exercises and take command where appropriate, supporting people to resolve operational incidents.
Provide leadership and support to staff to effect the necessary cultural change, promote diversity and develop a highly flexible and responsive service.
Recruit, and develop a high performing team to achieve the targets and objectives assigned.
Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place; manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve objectives.
Undertake the appraisal of staff, giving constructive feedback, identifying training needs and challenging underperformance.
Establish, monitor and maintain high standards of staff attendance, performance, conduct and discipline.
Apply human resources policies and procedures as appropriate.
Implement and manage projects including projects of change leading to an improvement in quality and efficiency.
Develop information systems to support service delivery objectives.
Implement quality assurance systems.
Monitor compliance with quality assurance systems.
Advise on the development and implementation of quality policies.
Adhere to the health and safety legislation applicable to the role and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place.
Observe rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
Lead and deliver projects as directed by the chief fire officer or director.
Develop and co-ordinate links and networks within and outside LFRS with partners and other external bodies.
Represent their director and/or Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on appropriate occasions.
Participate in and lead service-wide committees, task groups and project groups where directed.
Promote a positive image of the Service in dealing with all other organisations and members of the public.
Promote the principles of equality and diversity and comply with LFRS equal opportunities policy at all times.
Support Service activities by developing a network of contacts both within and outside the organisation.
Engage with the media and provide information as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and actively participate in the appraisal process.
To observe all rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
To support LFRS in its commitment to prevent pollution and minimise its impact on the environment.
The post holder may be requested to undertake the duties of higher graded staff subject to consultation. In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.
To assist the assistant chief fire officer (head of strategy and planning) to develop and operate an efficient, commercially orientated fleet and technical services department in accordance with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service annual budget.
To plan, organise, control and be responsible for making the most effective and economical use of fleet resources. To set and monitor performance/financial targets for each work area of the department.
To develop, implement, monitor and review adequate and effective policies and systems in connection with fleet services employee training, health and safety, equipment and tools, workshop premises, quality control/assurance, work planning etc.
To co-ordinate and direct fleet service operations at headquarters ensuring that managers, supervisors and others undertake all work to the required standard of quality, safety and cost and Have the necessary resources to carry out their work effectively and efficiently.
To oversee and direct the work of the technical services team in connection with materials and component requirements, specifications, testing, modification and procurement.
To liaise with the assistant chief fire officer (head of strategy and planning) to ensure that satisfactory administrative, financial and personnel procedures are developed/operated to support the work of the department.
Provide technology leadership, working closely with executive and other members of the senior management team and ensuring the digital transformation roadmap is aligned to the business vision.
Collaborate with the head of ICT, ensuring the digital strategy is mutually complimentary with the ICT strategy and exposing interdependencies and interactions.
Establish and embed a digital by default, cloud first approach to providing transformational solutions in accordance with government guidelines.
Ensure the digital transformation department engages with key stakeholders proactively and takes a lead role in overseeing the architecting of full end-to-end digital solutions in support of product delivery.
Manage relationships with third party digital delivery partners.
In conjunction with the assistant chief fire officer (director of strategy and planning), develop a comprehensive ICT strategy to support defined organisational aims and objectives.
Deliver an effective, resilient and responsive ICT support service to a wide range of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service users.
Direct, support and develop all ICT departmental staff and provide advice to assistant chief fire officer (director of strategy and planning) on general ICT training and development requirements for the wider organisation.
Procure a wide range of ICT goods and services and manage suppliers to ensure the highest levels of quality and customer service.
Liaise with external bodies and agencies and advise assistant chief fire officer (director of strategy and planning) of local, regional and national developments in the field of ICT.
Ensure that effective ICT related research and development is undertaken in order that LFRS is well placed to take advantage of evolving technology.
The role of an area manager is, within the framework of policies and procedures, determined by the Fire Authority and the executive management team, to:
Be responsible for the overall management and command of an area of service delivery or training and operational review, or service development, or prevention and protection within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as directed by the chief fire officer or
Plan and implement organisational strategy to meet organisational objectives.
Lead organisational strategy through effective decision making.
As head of department contribute to the service management team.
Provide support and direction to members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to developing and discharging responsibilities identified within the integrated risk management plan and annual service plan.
Determine the effective use of physical and financial resources.
Develop and implement robust strategic service delivery plans in consultation with staff.
Lead, monitor, attend operational incidents/exercises and take command where appropriate, supporting people to resolve operational incidents.
Provide leadership and support to staff to effect the necessary cultural change, promote diversity and develop a highly flexible and responsive service.
Recruit, and develop a high performing team to achieve the targets and objectives assigned.
Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place; manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve objectives.
Undertake the appraisal of staff, giving constructive feedback, identifying training needs and challenging underperformance.
Establish, monitor and maintain high standards of staff attendance, performance, conduct and discipline.
Apply human resources policies and procedures as appropriate.
Implement and manage projects including projects of change leading to an improvement in quality and efficiency.
Develop information systems to support service delivery objectives.
Implement quality assurance systems.
Monitor compliance with quality assurance systems.
Advise on the development and implementation of quality policies.
Adhere to the health and safety legislation applicable to the role and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place.
Observe rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
Lead and deliver projects as directed by the chief fire officer or director.
Develop and co-ordinate links and networks within and outside LFRS with partners and other external bodies.
Represent their director and/or Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on appropriate occasions.
Participate in and lead service-wide committees, task groups and project groups where directed.
Promote a positive image of the Service in dealing with all other organisations and members of the public.
Promote the principles of equality and diversity and comply with LFRS equal opportunities policy at all times.
Support Service activities by developing a network of contacts both within and outside the organisation.
Engage with the media and provide information as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and actively participate in the appraisal process.
To observe all rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
To support LFRS in its commitment to prevent pollution and minimise its impact on the environment.
The post holder may be requested to undertake the duties of higher graded staff subject to consultation. In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.
The role of an area manager is, within the framework of policies and procedures, determined by the Fire Authority and the executive management team, to:
Be responsible for the overall management and command of an area of service delivery or training and operational review, or service development, or prevention and protection within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as directed by the chief fire officer or
Plan and implement organisational strategy to meet organisational objectives.
Lead organisational strategy through effective decision making.
As head of department contribute to the service management team.
Provide support and direction to members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to developing and discharging responsibilities identified within the integrated risk management plan and annual service plan.
Determine the effective use of physical and financial resources.
Develop and implement robust strategic service delivery plans in consultation with staff.
Lead, monitor, attend operational incidents/exercises and take command where appropriate, supporting people to resolve operational incidents.
Provide leadership and support to staff to effect the necessary cultural change, promote diversity and develop a highly flexible and responsive service.
Recruit, and develop a high performing team to achieve the targets and objectives assigned.
Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place; manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve objectives.
Undertake the appraisal of staff, giving constructive feedback, identifying training needs and challenging underperformance.
Establish, monitor and maintain high standards of staff attendance, performance, conduct and discipline.
Apply human resources policies and procedures as appropriate.
Implement and manage projects including projects of change leading to an improvement in quality and efficiency.
Develop information systems to support service delivery objectives.
Implement quality assurance systems.
Monitor compliance with quality assurance systems.
Advise on the development and implementation of quality policies.
Adhere to the health and safety legislation applicable to the role and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place.
Observe rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
Lead and deliver projects as directed by the chief fire officer or director.
Develop and co-ordinate links and networks within and outside LFRS with partners and other external bodies.
Represent their director and/or Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on appropriate occasions.
Participate in and lead service-wide committees, task groups and project groups where directed.
Promote a positive image of the Service in dealing with all other organisations and members of the public.
Promote the principles of equality and diversity and comply with LFRS equal opportunities policy at all times.
Support Service activities by developing a network of contacts both within and outside the organisation.
Engage with the media and provide information as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and actively participate in the appraisal process.
To observe all rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
To support LFRS in its commitment to prevent pollution and minimise its impact on the environment.
The post holder may be requested to undertake the duties of higher graded staff subject to consultation. In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.
The role of an area manager is, within the framework of policies and procedures, determined by the Fire Authority and the executive management team, to:
Be responsible for the overall management and command of an area of service delivery or training and operational review, or service development, or prevention and protection within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as directed by the chief fire officer or
Plan and implement organisational strategy to meet organisational objectives.
Lead organisational strategy through effective decision making.
As head of department contribute to the service management team.
Provide support and direction to members of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in relation to developing and discharging responsibilities identified within the integrated risk management plan and annual service plan.
Determine the effective use of physical and financial resources.
Develop and implement robust strategic service delivery plans in consultation with staff.
Lead, monitor, attend operational incidents/exercises and take command where appropriate, supporting people to resolve operational incidents.
Provide leadership and support to staff to effect the necessary cultural change, promote diversity and develop a highly flexible and responsive service.
Recruit, and develop a high performing team to achieve the targets and objectives assigned.
Ensure robust performance management arrangements are in place; manage the performance of teams and individuals to achieve objectives.
Undertake the appraisal of staff, giving constructive feedback, identifying training needs and challenging underperformance.
Establish, monitor and maintain high standards of staff attendance, performance, conduct and discipline.
Apply human resources policies and procedures as appropriate.
Implement and manage projects including projects of change leading to an improvement in quality and efficiency.
Develop information systems to support service delivery objectives.
Implement quality assurance systems.
Monitor compliance with quality assurance systems.
Advise on the development and implementation of quality policies.
Adhere to the health and safety legislation applicable to the role and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are in place.
Observe rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
Lead and deliver projects as directed by the chief fire officer or director.
Develop and co-ordinate links and networks within and outside LFRS with partners and other external bodies.
Represent their director and/or Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service on appropriate occasions.
Participate in and lead service-wide committees, task groups and project groups where directed.
Promote a positive image of the Service in dealing with all other organisations and members of the public.
Promote the principles of equality and diversity and comply with LFRS equal opportunities policy at all times.
Support Service activities by developing a network of contacts both within and outside the organisation.
Engage with the media and provide information as required.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal development and actively participate in the appraisal process.
To observe all rules governing health and safety and use safety equipment where it is provided.
To support LFRS in its commitment to prevent pollution and minimise its impact on the environment.
The post holder may be requested to undertake the duties of higher graded staff subject to consultation. In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with/added to this list at any time.
Liz joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as Head of Human Resources in 2015 and has been the Service’s Director of People and Development since 2024. Her responsibilities include equality, diversity and inclusion, training, organisational development, employee resourcing and employee relations.
Liz has over 30 years’ experience of working within Human Resources within the public sector. Her previous roles before joining the Service were within local government at a District and County level and within the further education sector.
To develop and co-ordinate Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s internal and external communications strategies.
To promote knowledge and understanding of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and its services and objectives, to both internal and external stakeholders, through the use of appropriate and effective communications and marketing techniques.
To devise and implement appropriate methods to communicate the service’s achievements, innovations and policy developments to the full spectrum of audiences.
To provide 24/7 press officer cover to support incident commanders and the interests of the service
To lead and support the development and implementation of HR policy across all areas of the organisation including improving performance, maximising attendance and providing effective management of change. Work with the HR team to develop, co-ordinate, implement and audit all HR activity within the department and across the organisation.
Provide advice to managers on pay, conditions of service matters, employee relations issues and policies taking into account current employment and case law to influence best practice and operational activity.
Make proper arrangements for the effective recruitment of personnel to maintain the capacity and capability of the organisation. Maintain effective employee relations including participation, consultation and negotiation with representative bodies and ensure maintenance of productive working relationships with all colleagues.
Ensure effective implementation of the disciplinary and grievance procedures for all employee groups.
Provide an effective occupational health service including involvement in the determination of policies in individual cases of long-term absences and ill health retirements. Determine, monitor and co-ordinate the service’s absence management policy.
Monitoring officer and account manager for payroll and pensions. Budget holder for personnel and other services – including pensions holding account. Provide advice and guidance on the operation of firefighter pension schemes and the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). (The CFA has ‘scheduled body’ status.) Determine action required in conjunction with Lancashire County Council as the administering body.
Support the director of people and development in determining policy, formulating plans, setting targets and evaluating performance in respect of safety, health and environment (SHE) risk management.
Plan, develop, implement and review a wide range of activities designed to reduce SHE risk and improve organisational performance.
Evaluate the effectiveness of organisational SHE risk management arrangements to ensure that legal obligations are met and continuous improvement in SHE performance is promoted.
Provide support and guidance to a range of staff on SHE matters, and ensure that robust, user-friendly management information is provided to facilitate informed decisions regarding organisational performance.
Engage with a wide range of fire service and non-fire service bodies to actively promote the concept of improved SHE performance.
Liaise with in-house, and external, legal and other advisors on matters of SHE related litigation.
Steven joined Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service as the director of corporate services in April 2023.
Steven’s previous roles included interim chief executive and director of financial resources at Copeland Borough Council, senior finance officer at Cumbria County Council and manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
As the director of corporate services, Steven fulfils the statutory role as chief finance officer (S151 officer) to the Combined Fire Authority, leading and delivering the financial requirements of the Authority to ensure long term financial sustainability. Steven’s role incorporates responsibility for corporate services incorporating finance, procurement, property and administration.
Steven is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
In his free time Steven enjoys family time with his two children, watching his son Ben play football and his daughter Ella ballet dancing.
Responsible for all property functions including budget preparation, acquisition, development, management, maintenance, security, and disposal of all land and buildings held for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Develop and implement short and long term property asset management plans and contribute to the service’s overall asset management strategy.
Arrange for the tendering, letting and management of service contracts to ensure, as a minimum, all statutory and safety requirements are met in respect of all sites.
Responsible for control of all building and estate matters, including acquisitions, leases, disposals and development using outside consultants as and when required.
Manage and monitor property related budgets also ensuring efficient and effective use of energy budgets. Develop and implement management strategies and energy efficiency policies.
Lead officer for health and safety matters within the property function. Ensure all work undertaken complies strictly with health and safety legislation.
Head Of Finance:
Preparation of statutory accounts, financial statements in accordance with accounting standards, guidelines and statues including the production of financial returns as required, i.e. government, CIPFA etc.
To assist in the production of the annual budget in consultation with other staff across the organisation, providing reporting mechanisms to facilitate overall budgetary control.
To maintain a comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, accounting policy, practice and current developments and advise the director of corporate services on relevant implications.
To manage, develop and maintain all financial systems and internal controls and provide advice and training to budget holders and staff within the organisation on finance related procedures, issues and budgetary control.
To assist in preparing the annual departmental plan and review, ensuring the effective allocation of work and efficient use of resources.
To manage and develop the staff within the finance team through staff supervision, appraisal, coaching and monitoring.
Head Of Procurement:
To provide professional advice, guidance and commercial expertise regarding procurement, including options appraisal, commercial risk management and compliance with national/EU legal requirements.
Undertake tender exercises for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and other partners.
Proactively engage in the commercial management of major contracts.
Develop and implement all procurement policies and procedures, including contract standing orders and risk management processes.
Provide effective leadership, direction and support for the procurement team and stores team.
In conjunction with the director of corporate services develop a comprehensive strategy for service support to sustain defined organisational aims and objectives.
Ensure the delivery of efficient, resilient and responsive service support resources to aid the day to day business of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service personnel.
Take overall responsibility for administration throughout Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and primarily through:
Service delivery administration (area admin offices).
Centralised Administration Office at Service Headquarters and Service Training Centre.
Contact Centre.
Develop an annual departmental plan and operating budget and ensure that all targets are met.
Monitor performance to ensure the highest level of quality and customer service is provided.
Prepare, implement and review policies, procedures and standards relating to the provision of service support.
Drive forward business improvement and change within Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Provide line management to the service support manager and office manager.
Lead officer for the service on the Gartan Retained Duty System Availability and Payroll systems. Liaising with Gartan technologies and internal working groups to ensure continuous improvements are made to the system in line with LFRS requirements.
Project manage the contact centre approach to the processing, assessment and booking of home fire safety checks. Liaising with outside agencies and internal departments to ensure continual business improvement.
Lead Lancashire Combined Fire Authority representative for PFI Stations. Liaise with NWFR project manager and providers to ensure that upkeep, maintenance and defect rectification is progressed.
Provide support and advice on projects that require an element of business analysis and improvement.
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