Crew Manager
Kent Fire & Rescue Service
Crew Manager Assessments (CPG)
April 2025
Kent Fire & Rescue Service worked with VCA to deliver behavioural assessments through the Career Progression Gateway (CPG) as part of their Crew Manager development process.
The service required an assessment approach that aligned with national leadership criteria while reflecting Kent’s own internal competency and leadership framework.
VCA delivered a two-part assessment consisting of a written case study and a video-based role play. Assessments were measured leadership behaviours across four domains. Candidates were supported through access to the CPG e-learning course, and post-assessment manager training was delivered to support the effective use of feedback.
A total of 31 candidates completed the assessment process:
- 15 candidates successfully passed
- Results aligned closely with national performance averages
- Candidate feedback highlighted the realism, relevance, and fairness of the assessment experience
Candidate Feedback
ROLE PLAY: I found this very useful with how it portrays day to day station life
Very relevant in the changing fire service, with all crew of varying time served and experience facing difficulties in adapting to the ever changing expectations and add pressures on their role
CASE STUDY: Relevance was good. Found this more useful that the example on the e course as this was FRS specific. Keeping the exercise in line with the fire service is a great idea as it allows you to visualise what you would do within your own station I found the content to be very relevant. All aspects of the exercise could be applied to my role.
Discover how we supported Kent FRS by developing the skills of their HR and Development Team to deliver structured, effective CPG development feedback in-house.
Watch Manager
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Watch Manager Assessments (CPG)
May 2025
In May 2025, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service worked with VCA to deliver Career Progression Gateway (CPG) assessments for Watch Manager candidates, supporting fair and structured leadership development.
The service needed a consistent assessment process to evaluate leadership behaviours and support informed progression decisions for Watch Manager roles.
VCA delivered a two-part assessment comprising a Case Study and a Role Play, designed to measure leadership behaviours aligned with the national leadership framework. Both exercises provided candidates with realistic scenarios to demonstrate analytical, decision-making, and operational leadership skills.
A total of 30 candidates completed the assessments.
- 12 candidates met the required standard
- 18 candidates did not meet the required standard
Results provided clear behavioural insight to support progression and development discussions within the service.
Candidate Feedback:
The layout and usability was straightforward to use.
Brilliant, it is what we face daily, and is about open conversations
I think it was very relevant as this will assist me in conducting 1to 1 situations in the future.
Station Manager
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service
Station Manager Assessments (CPG)
October 2024
In June 2025, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service partnered with VCA to deliver Career Progression Gateway (CPG) assessments for Station Manager candidates, supporting fair and structured leadership development.
The service required a consistent and evidence-based process to assess leadership behaviours at the Station Manager level and inform progression decisions.
VCA delivered a Policy, Procedure and Guidance (PPG) test, a 24-item multiple-choice assessment of candidates’ correct application of policy and procedure, used as an initial sift in the assessment process. Candidates who were successful in the PPG test then progressed to the two-part CPG assessment, comprising the Station Manager Case Study and Role Play, tailored to the role of Station Manager. These exercises were designed to evaluate leadership behaviours aligned with the national leadership framework and provided candidates with realistic, scenario-based opportunities to demonstrate decision-making, operational leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
A total of 11 candidates completed the assessments.
- 6 candidates passed
- 5 candidates did not meet the required standard
Assessment results provided clear, actionable insights to support leadership development and progression planning within the service.
Candidate Feedback:
Realistic based on what projects happen within FRS
Very relevant to potential future role.
Very professional from the start
Very relevant, about multiple issues and challenges of a SM!
Very realistic based on the build up of our organisation with a large number of on call teams
Group Manager
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service
Group Manager Assessments (CPG)
March 2025
West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service partnered with VCA to deliver behavioural assessments for Group Manager candidates.
The service sought a structured and evidence-based process aligned to the NFCC Leadership Framework to support leadership development and succession planning.
VCA delivered a written case study and a video-based role play, assessing candidates across four core leadership behaviours. Candidates were supported through access to VCA’s e-learning platform, and internal administrative teams worked closely with VCA to support smooth delivery.
Candidate performance data highlighted:
- Strong performance within the role-play exercise, particularly in leadership presence and communication
- Additional insight from the case study into analytical thinking and organisational awareness
Feedback:
xtremely relevant, and the exercise gave me a chance to think about the wider picture.
A good exercise and worthwhile experience.
Area Manager
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service
Leadership Assessments (CPG)
2025
Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service completed CPG assessments at Area Manager and Group Manager levels to support senior leadership development.
The service required clear insight into leadership behaviours to inform development and align future capability with organisational priorities.
VCA delivered combined case study and role-play assessments focused on four leadership behaviour areas: Personal Impact, Outstanding Leadership, Service Delivery, and Organisational Effectiveness.
Assessment outcomes were as follows:
- Area Manager: 4 candidates assessed, with a 50% pass rate
- Group Manager: 5 candidates assessed, with a 40% pass rate
Candidates demonstrated particularly strong Personal Impact scores, exceeding average performance seen across other Fire & Rescue Services.
Feedback:
I think the relevance was clear as it gave the ability to highlight strengths that I would bring to the role
Very relevant given the current operational /political environment we work within.
Challenging but fully relevant to the work I do and potentially could do at a strategic level. Trying to balance the conversation to maintain engagement.
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If you’d like to learn more about how VCA can help your organisation assess, develop, and retain talent, get in touch:
+44 (0)1202 798272
