Volunteer Brigade Leader development and review process

From November 1 2024, appointments of a volunteer brigade leader will be for a five-year renewable term. This is a significant milestone as we seek to improve the support available to our volunteer brigade leaders in their essential roles. See below the different ways we can support you to get across these new pocesses.

What has changed?

Appointments of volunteer brigade leaders from 1 November 2024 will be for a five-year renewable term. Existing brigade leaders will be offered the opportunity to opt in which we will communicate when this is available. This allows time for Group Managers to get across the new processes.  

The term 'volunteer brigade leader' includes the following roles;

- Chief Fire Officer, Controller, Brigade Officer in Charge (OIC),

- Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Controller and Brigade 2IC.

These leaders have the opportunity to renew their terms if they meet brigade leadership expectations, wish to continue in their roles, and if the brigade is functioning well. 

Over their five-year terms, leaders who participate will work closely with their Group Managers to develop and follow through on their personalised Support and Development Plans. These plans will focus on areas such as leadership, cultural competency, and community risk management. 

What we heard from consultation. 

Responses to Feedback from Consultation [PDF, 315 KB]

From 30 April to 26 May 2024, Fire and Emergency gathered feedback on these proposed processes. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their thoughts, especially our volunteers, who made up 87% of individual submissions. The above document outlines:

- the below key themes of feedback,

- what you told us,

- and our responses to this feedback.  

Key themes: 

• Increased brigade involvement in process   
• Support and development  
• Training, resources, and support for Group Managers  
• Succession planning  
• Welfare, support, and wellbeing  

The majority of the feedback we received was positive, with most respondents, including volunteer brigade leaders, expressing support for the proposed five-year term and support and development programme.