The On-Call Improvement Programme has moved into its second year. During 2026/27, the programme will complete the changes agreed by the Fire Authority and focus on the longer-term recruitment, training, support and retention of On-Call firefighters.
On-Call firefighters are an integral part of our emergency response, helping to protect communities across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. They respond from their local fire stations when they are available and provide important operational capacity and resilience across the Service.
What has happened during year one?
The first year of the programme focused on understanding the challenges facing the On-Call system and developing proposals for its future. This included reviewing evidence, listening to staff and stakeholders, consulting local communities, and testing the proposals through a series of workshops.
The public consultation received around 1,000 responses. Feedback from residents, staff and stakeholders was considered alongside the operational evidence before the Fire Authority made its decision in March 2026.
Completing the agreed changes
During 2026/2027, we will complete and embed the changes agreed by the Fire Authority. These changes can be viewed on website article Changes to fire engines – April 2026 – Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service .
This includes finalising changes to the location of vehicles and specialist resources, supporting affected staff, completing associated training activities and developing recommendations for the future use of the former fire station sites at Great Missenden and Stokenchurch.
This work is focused on ensuring our resources are located where they can best support current and future community risk.
Great Missenden and Stokenchurch
We recognise the strength of feeling expressed by both communities during the consultation and committed to keeping residents informed as the changes were implemented.
Work is now under way to develop recommendations for the future use of the two former fire station sites. The Fire Authority will scrutinise the recommendations and make the final decision at a future public meeting.
Before that decision is made, we will share information with the affected communities about the options being considered and the factors informing the recommendations. This will give residents a clearer understanding of the process and an opportunity to raise questions or provide relevant local information.
We will confirm the date of the Fire Authority meeting once the timetable has been agreed.
Improving recruitment
Recruiting new On-Call firefighters remains one of the programme’s key priorities. During 2026/2027, we will review the barriers that may prevent people from applying and improve the journey from initial interest through to application, selection and training.
A major county-wide recruitment campaign will launch in late autumn. For the first time, applications to become an On-Call firefighter will remain open throughout the year, making it easier for people to apply when the time is right for them. Four selection processes will take place each year, creating more regular opportunities for applicants to progress. Targeted recruitment activity will also focus on stations where additional availability is most needed.
Interested in becoming an On-Call firefighter? Our new recruitment campaign is due to launch this October. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details about the role and how to take the next step.
Reviewing training and development
We will review the journey from application to becoming a qualified firefighter. This will consider how training can remain effective while recognising On-Call firefighters balance the role with work, family life and other commitments.
This work will explore flexible approaches to training and development and how firefighters can continue to maintain the skills and competence needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies.
Strengthening support for On-Call firefighters
Supporting and retaining experienced On-Call firefighters is as important as recruiting new people.
During 2026/2027, we will look at the support provided to On-Call firefighters at station level, how Wholetime and On-Call teams work together, and how management, training and operational support arrangements can be strengthened.
Understanding the needs of individual stations and providing realistic, consistent support will help make the role more achievable, rewarding and sustainable.
Continuing to listen and learn
The On-Call Improvement Programme has been shaped by evidence and feedback from staff, stakeholders and local communities. That engagement will continue as the agreed changes are completed and the longer-term work develops.
Looking ahead
The On-Call Improvement Programme supports the ambitions set out in the Community Risk Management Plan 2025-2030. Year two marks a shift from consultation and decision-making towards completing the agreed changes and strengthening recruitment, training, support and retention.
We will continue to provide updates at key milestones as work continues throughout 2026/27.
