Recruitment process
Please be aware that in order to make an application in the next wholetime recruitment process you must possess a level 2 Maths and English Language qualification (this is equivalent to an NVQ level 2, a GCSE Grade C or above, 'O' Level grade 1 and a GCE grade 1 in both Maths and English Language).
If you do not hold either or both of these qualifications please see the attached briefing note contained within the requirements section for details of who to contact to discuss how to obtain them.
Application Form
Please note that all applications will be made online this year. If you register your interest in becoming a firefighter on this website you will automatically be sent the link to access the application form.
There are a series of questions at the start of the application form which determine your eligibility to continue with the application process. There is additional information provided for each eligibility question. A self-selection questionnaire is available for you to fill in at www.fire.gov.uk/Careers/firefighter/SSQ
It is important that you read the instructions on the application form along with the guidance notes below, and answer every question. A self-selection questionnaire is available for you to fill in at www.fire.gov.uk/Careers/firefighter/SSQ
Please complete every section of the application form. The application form is the only acceptable format. No extra sheets or CVs should be submitted with your application.
The electronic application system will not allow applications to be made after the closing date.
Personal Details
It is important you complete this section accurately, as the information requested is needed to process your application and to allow us to communicate with you.
If you are selected for the post, you will need to provide the following evidence of eligibility to work in the UK further details will be issued to you with any provisional job offer.
A passport showing you are a British Citizen and have a right of abode in the UK or a national passport of national identity card from a European Economic Area Country or Switzerland.
If you do not have one of the above documents you may alternatively produce a P45, P60 or National Insurance Card showing your NI number, PLUS a full birth certificate (including names of parents) issued in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland.
References
You need to provide the names of two people who will provide a reference. It is important that they are able to verify and substantiate the evidence provided on your application form, therefore, one of the references should be your present or most recent employer.
Equality and Fairness Monitoring Form
TThe information provided in this section will be used for statistical monitoring purposes and will be kept confidential. If we do not have this information, we will not be able to identify potential areas of discrimination.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a disability as: "A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities."
Completed form
It is recommended that a copy of the completed application form is taken / printed off for future reference
The completed Application Form and Equality & Fairness Monitoring Form should be submitted via the online portal.
Written tests
You will undertake the National firefighter Ability Test which is split into 3 parts - Working with Numbers, Understanding Information and Situational Awareness and Problem Solving. You will also undertake a memory retention test which involves listening to an audio recording and noting key points from what you have heard.
The tests are taken under exam conditions and will last approximately 3 hours. If you achieve the satisfactory standard, you will be invited to undertake the physical and job related tests.
Job related tests/physical
The tests will determine whether you have the required levels of aerobic fitness and strength to carry out the role of a firefighter. You will be asked to complete medical declaration forms prior to taking these tests. We suggest you wear suitable clothes such as tracksuit bottoms, T-shirt and trainers.
In addition, you will be required to carry out job-related awareness tasks. These are designed to simulate aspects of a firefighter’s role. You will be required to wear a fire kit, which will be provided. You should not be concerned at the prospect of taking these tests, as you will be closely supervised. Examples of the tests and the attributes being measured are given overleaf.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Ladder climb | To test confidence and ability to follow instructions |
| Casualty evacuation | To test physical upper and lower body strength and co-ordination |
| Ladder lift | To test physical upper and lower body strength and co-ordination |
| Enclosed space | To test confidence, agility and identify claustrophobic tendencies |
| Equipment assembly | To test manual dexterity |
| Equipment carry | To test aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination |
Training can improve your aerobic capacity - in the very unfit by as much as 100%, in the moderately fit, by around 20 - 40%, and in the already fit by no more than 15%. By carrying out an exercise programme suitably geared for your age and sex, you can achieve substantial improvements in your aerobic capacity.
You are therefore advised to prepare for the tests by seeking appropriate advice from your local gym/fitness centre. Any exercise programme should be aimed at improving your physical fitness and stamina in preparation for the fitness tests detailed in this information pack for example, walking, swimming, running, circuit training etc.
You are advised to consult your own doctor before commencing any exercise programme to avoid any adverse side effects.
If you meet the required standard you will be invited to attend an interview.
Interview
This will be a panel interview and will comprise of 2 panel members.
You will be asked several PQA-based questions and we advise that you use the S.T.A.R model to answer these questions. Further details about this model are provided in the section covering Personal Qualities and Attributes. The interview will last no more than 1 hour. If you are successful at the interview stage, you will be required to attend a full medical.
Medical
The full medical takes place at one of our Occupational Health Units and you will be expected to declare any health problems. It will be a matter for a Fire Service Occupational Health Doctor to consider whether any physical or mental impairment is incompatible with the duties of a firefighter. Each individual will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that there is no discrimination against individuals with a disability, however where safe adjustments cannot reasonably be made it may be necessary to reject a candidate on medical grounds.
Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau
As this post will involve contact with children and/or vulnerable adults, employment is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau Standard Disclosure. Only those convictions that are relevant to the post will preclude your application being progressed further. For further information see the policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders.
Registered persons and other recipients of disclosure information are required to comply with the CRB Code of Practice, a copy of which is available from the Human Resources Department upon request.
Offer of Employment
An offer of employment will only be made when satisfactory references, a satisfactory Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and medical clearance have been obtained
For further information on the PQAs involved in the application form and written tests please see the mentoring presentation below, please also see the 'Firefighter PQA' document for full details of the PQAs.
