Deadline for applications: Friday 9th January 2026
Download: PDF version of the job profile (PDF, 201KB)
Background:
London Fire Brigade’s main role as a fire and rescue service is to make London the safest global city. London Fire Brigade is also a partner in helping to create a safer, healthier London by working with local communities to promote healthier lifestyles. The Brigade raises awareness of safety and wellbeing considerations in a whole range of activities, from water safety and road safety, through to caring for the most vulnerable residents and educating and informing tomorrow’s young Londoners.
The Community Forum was formed in September 2022. its development dates back to 2019 following recommendations from phase 1 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the first HMICFRS inspection of London Fire Brigade (LFB). Since September 2022, the Community Forum have met monthly, providing a community voice to the Brigade’s work. They are highly valued and respected within the organisation and are a vital part of how we engage with our communities.
Aims of the role:
The Community Forum’s purpose is to act as a sounding board and critical friend to the Brigade. The Forum works with Brigade staff, and in particular our Community Engagement team. This work will ensure that collaboration and evaluation are built into our activities. We will co-design solutions and make decisions in genuine partnership with those most affected. A key focus will be helping the Brigade embed good practice in community engagement within fire stations.
The Community Forum has six key areas of influence:
- Guiding our strategy and Community Risk Management Plan
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion related matters
- Feeding into community safety planning and initiatives
- Involvement in the selection process for senior officers and leadership
- Contributing to campaigns and project specific work
- Acting as a sounding board for other areas
Who the role is for:
This role is a volunteer position suitable for members of the public aged 18 and above, from across London, who have lived experience of the services we provide. We’ll always aim to have representation on the Forum from within the following communities:
- Disabled people
- Young people aged 18 – 30 years
- New Cross fire community, bereaved and survivors
- Those impacted by serious and/or fatal fires/incidents
- Members from the Grenfell community, bereaved and survivors.
- Those with lived experience of insecure housing, homelessness, and/or social housing
- Diverse communities including those with protected characteristics, in particular those who may be more vulnerable to fire.
Time and meeting expectations:
The Community Forum meets monthly for 11 sessions a year at Brigade Headquarters. There are also two separate Away Days at different locations to review its work and progress. Members are expected to attend every meeting, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Meetings are run on a hybrid basis i.e. in person and via Microsoft Teams. Members are encouraged to attend the majority of meetings in person. The Forum is chaired by an elected Chair and Vice-Chair drawn from the Community Forum membership.
Members will also be expected to undertake a range of activities outside of meetings such as training, participation in recruitment panels for senior Brigade roles, and attendance at relevant external events.
Each member serves a term of 2 years with an option for a 1-year extension. Forum members who need to resign before their term ends should give one months' notice if possible.
Role commitments and key attributes:
The role of the Forum is to act as a critical friend and contribute towards improving the work of London Fire Brigade. Forum Members also commit to representing and hearing the views of London’s diverse communities, prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion.
We ask that you:
- Be accountable to all Forum members.
- Represent the community’s views within the Brigade.
- Champion diverse communities and reflect their experiences.
- Contribute towards how the Brigade can adapt and learn from community feedback.
- Bring important views, perspectives, and challenges to the Forum meetings, which will aid our work
- Be a critical friend and contribute towards improving our work
- Review and comment on agreed documentation prepared by the Brigade and partner organisations.
- Be accountable to all Forum members and our Community Engagement Team
- Come to each meeting prepared, having read the relevant material in advance of the meeting.
- Represent the views of the community and be willing to challenge your own thinking when necessary.
- Attend monthly Community Forum meetings to discuss agreed involvement areas.
- Ensure that the Community Forum considers and prioritises equalities and hearing from seldom heard communities.
- Prepare well for agreed meetings and other events to be able to provide informed input.
- Each member signs up to a Forum member agreement aligned with the Nolan Principles of Public Life and commits to work within Brigade policies and values such as togetherness, safeguarding and health and safety.
Why should you apply?
- You will gain a greater understanding of London Fire Brigade and contribute constructively to our work.
- You will meet and connect with new people with lived experience and a common goal.
- You will learn new skills, broaden your experience and take part in collective decision making.
- You will be supported by the Community Engagement team and an interpreter if you need one
- You will be able to claim a monthly allowance or out-of-pocket expenses for attending meetings in line with our Payment for Involvement Policy.
How to apply
For more information or an informal chat please email community.engagement@london-fire.gov.uk and a member of the team will contact you.