THE management of Cleveland Fire Authority is about to be restructured with roles such as deputy and assistant chief officer replaced.

The restructuring means job titles will reflect the roles of individuals rather than their rank.

A spokesman for the fire brigade said: "The demands on fire authorities and senior management have changed significantly over the past 15 years.

"It is no longer appropriate for an organisation subject to such demands to be based solely on rank.

"A national move from a rank to role basis of organisation has therefore taken place."

There are currently seven funded senior posts at Cleveland Fire Brigade, chief fire officer, deputy chief fire officer, assistant chief fire officer, four senior divisional officers, and a finance officer.

These are likely to be replaced with directors for each departments, such as community safety, service support and business development, although the chief fire officer role will remain.

The proposals for change will be voted on at a special meeting of the fire authority next week. Work will then start to find individuals to fill the new posts.