People across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are being invited to explore becoming an On-Call firefighter as Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service launches a new recruitment campaign.
For the first time, applications will remain open throughout the year, replacing fixed application windows. Four assessment weekends annually will give applicants regular opportunities to progress through selection.
On-Call firefighters are trained professional firefighters who provide agreed periods of availability alongside their other work and commitments. They receive payment for their availability, responding to emergencies and attending training.
The changes form part of the Service’s On-Call Improvement Programme, which is strengthening recruitment, training and support for On-Call firefighters.
Recruiting in your community
The Service is recruiting to On-Call teams at Olney, Buckingham, Broughton, West Ashland, Waddesdon, Winslow, Aylesbury, Haddenham, Chesham, Marlow, Princes Risborough and Brill.
The initial recruitment focus is on people who live or work close enough to meet the 10-minute immediate-response requirement. The On-Call support team can explain what this means and discuss your location and availability.
Further away? We’d still love to hear from you.
If you live or work more than 10 minutes from a station, please still register your interest. Although you cannot apply through the initial recruitment route, the Service would welcome hearing about your circumstances and availability as it continues to review its On-Call offer.
Registering your interest means you can be kept informed about future opportunities, although it does not guarantee a place in a future selection process.
Group Commander Matty Burn, On-Call Improvement Programme lead, said:
“Becoming an On-Call firefighter is a chance to learn new skills, join a supportive team and make a difference in the community where you live or work.
“We know people need time and information to work out whether the role is right for them. Keeping applications open throughout the year, with regular assessment weekends and more personal support, will help people take that next step when they are ready.
“You don’t need to have everything worked out before getting in touch. Register your interest, talk to our On-Call support team and come along to an experience evening to find out what the role involves.”
Support from the first expression of interest
A dedicated recruitment webpage Become an On-Call Firefighter provides information about the role and a route to register interest,
People who register will receive an email confirmation with further information to support their application journey, including dates for the Service’s new On-Call firefighter experience evenings. They can also expect a phone call from the On-Call support team to discuss the role, their availability and local opportunities.
Applications can be submitted at any time, with progression through selection linked to scheduled assessment weekends.
Could the role be right for you?
On-Call firefighters come from all walks of life. Whether you’re working, studying, raising a family, running a business or retired, the role could be an opportunity to earn, learn new skills and support your community.
You’ll need to meet the recruitment requirements and be able to offer the availability needed.
To apply through the current recruitment route, you will need to:
- Be aged 18 or over when your employment starts.
- Hold a full UK driving licence, or have an alternative means of transport that meets the response requirement.
- Live or work close enough to a recruiting On-Call station to meet the 10-minute immediate-response requirement.
- Be able to swim.
- Be able to offer agreed periods of On-Call availability and commit to training.
- Desirable: GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English Language A* – C (9 – 4), although these qualifications are not essential.
The On-Call support team can answer questions and help you understand how the commitment could work alongside your existing responsibilities.
A paid role with valuable skills
As well as helping protect your community, becoming an On-Call firefighter offers professional training, practical skills and the opportunity to work as part of a close-knit team.
Payment includes:
- An annual retainer: Ranging from £2,365–£6,054 depending on agreed availability and development stage.
- Hourly pay for incidents and mandatory drill nights
Total earnings depend on agreed availability, development stage and the activities undertaken.
Experience the role first-hand
On-Call firefighter experience evenings offer an opportunity to meet current firefighters, ask questions, learn about recruitment and take part in practical activities that give an insight into the role.
On-Call firefighters come from a wide range of backgrounds, including people with other careers, parents, business owners and semi-retired individuals. The role requires a commitment to availability and training, and the support team can help prospective recruits understand how this could work alongside their existing responsibilities.
To find out more, register your interest or apply, visit:
https://bucksfire.gov.uk/join-us/become-an-on-call-firefighter/
For experience evening dates and booking information, visit:
https://bucksfire.gov.uk/event-category/recruitment/