Capabilities Officer: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

This national-level post is responsible for maintaining and developing interoperable capabilities such as HART, MTA, CBRN, Mass Casualties, and Command & Control. The officer will lead on the creation and maintenance of national safe systems of work, risk assessments, emergency plans, and technical documentation. They will also support training delivery, equipment coordination, and readiness monitoring.

The role requires frequent engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including NHS England, emergency services, and regulatory bodies. The officer will act as a subject matter expert, providing advice, conducting audits, and managing sensitive information, including during national emergencies. They will also deputise for the Capabilities Manager, manage staff, and contribute to national projects and events.

This is a highly autonomous role requiring excellent communication, project management, and analytical skills. You must be a registered NHS clinician, ideally with experience in high-risk environments, and hold or be willing to obtain SC-level security clearance. The role is based at the Fire Service College with flexibility for remote working and national travel. It is integral to ensuring national preparedness and resilience.

Any job offer and continued employment is contingent on that level of security clearance being maintained

• Permanent position – supporting CBRN portfolio
• 12-month secondment – supporting MTA portfolio

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Main duties of the job

The Capabilities Officer is responsible for developing and maintaining safety-critical documentation, including standard operating procedures, risk assessments, and rescue plans. They draft emergency plans, service continuity documents, and national service specifications. The role involves managing sensitive correspondence and operating national data systems. Officers produce detailed reports, populate risk registers, and prepare technical briefings. They also lead the creation and circulation of documentation for national meetings and programme boards.

In this role, the officer provides expert advice to NHS and multi-agency stakeholders. They are expected to communicate complex, sensitive, and classified information effectively. The officer chairs national meetings and incident debriefs, often involving distressing content. During national incidents, they act as a Tactical Commander. They also create and deliver presentations to a wide range of stakeholders.

The officer leads the planning and delivery of projects valued up to £200,000. They manage programme risks, conduct audits and inspections, and coordinate national events and conferences. The role includes analysing NHS performance data and clinical outcomes to inform decision-making.

Person Specification

Qualifications, Accreditations, Education

Essential

• Educated UK academic level 5 or equivalent professional experience
• Qualified and registered NHS clinician
• Full UK Driving Licence (with C1 & D1 or equivalent).

Desirable

• Diploma in Health Emergency Planning or Major Incident Management
• Health and safety qualification (IOSH, NEBOSH or equivalent)
• Qualified NHS commander (tactical level)

Experience

Essential

• Practical experience of delivering Paramedic standard care within high-risk environments
• Practical experience of risk management and emergency planning in an operational setting
• Experience of working with safety critical systems.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• A detailed and professional understanding of safety critical systems and safe systems of work.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 including their subsequent regulatory provisions and practical application.
• Demonstrable planning, organisational, and project management skills

Closing Date: 25 October 2026