FAQs About Joining Us

Firefighters may be required to provide cover at another fire station at short notice. They will need to get there, along with their fire kit, and therefore will need to be able to drive. There may also be a requirement to progress to driving fire appliances in the future.

Unfortunately, we are unable to check every individual address query before shortlisting. You could however carry out a postcode check on the internet to gain a rough idea of how close to the border you are. We would recommend if you think you are within a location close enough that you submit your application. All addresses will be being checked during the shortlisting stage to confirm the distance from the county border.

We seek to represent the communities we serve in the make-up of our organisation. By employing people from our communities, we enhance our organisations local knowledge. We also contribute to the economic growth of our communities by providing local jobs for local people. During the recruitment process you will be asked to provide proof of your home address.

We have developed a very positive approach to health and safety, and set extremely high standards and expectations in this area. We appreciate our work can never be hazard-free, however we have adopted an assertive, safe and effective approach to how we operate. Our Firefighters work within a competency framework, receive regular training, and are issued with effective personal protective equipment such as helmets and other fire kit. Safe systems of work are established with a high level of command and control.

No – this is a popular misconception, because there used to be restrictions on height, weight and chest expansion. Candidates are expected to pass strength and fitness tests as part of the recruitment process. The tests are at a level that’s achievable by men and women of all different sizes and builds.

We have a policy which prohibits the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking in all of our premises.

Yes, there is a requirement to have good hearing in line with functional standards (with artificial aids, where applicable) to be a Firefighter.

You will be expected to attend an eye test as part of your application, and the optician will test you for colour vision. Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal green colour vision are suitable for appointment to the Fire Service. Please refer to the Visual Entry Standards for more information – click here to find out more.

Dyslexia is considered to be a disability and you will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process. If you let us know we can make reasonable adjustments for you at the relevant stages of the selection process. We normally ask for a report to confirm the type and extent of your dyslexia which is sent to our Occupational Health Practitioner for review, they will then decide if a reasonable adjustment can be made.

As part of our recruitment process applicants are asked if they have a disability, and to give details of adjustments they may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role should they be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and, if reasonable adjustments can be made to enable you to take part in the selection process and fulfil the role of a Firefighter, then your application will be progressed.

A new clause of the Deregulation Bill 2015 extends the existing exemption for Sikhs to have to wear a safety helmet under the Employment Act in all workplaces. However, there are exclusions for emergency response services and the military, which apply only in hazardous operational situations when the wearing of a safety helmet is considered necessary, for example when entering a burning building where protective clothing needs to be worn to enclose the whole body.

Yes, a Firefighter can fast. However, it is important that all members of the Service are able to perform their core role while on duty, so we encourage staff who choose to fast to discuss it with their line manager.

On top of their basic annual wage, a Firefighter can enhance their earning potential by taking overtime and undertaking extra bank shifts at an enhanced hourly rate.

Throughout their development Firefighters are assessed through:

– On the job observations
– Written assessments
– Evidence of duties/tasks performed
– Reports from mentors and managers
– Production of an e-portfolio of evidence
– End point assessment

Wholetime Firefighters can work within any of the duty systems employed within BFRS which currently include, but are not limited to, Shift (two x nine-hour days, two x 15 hour nights, followed by four days off), Day Crewed, and Flexi-firefighter system.

There are three phases of pay for Wholetime Firefighters:
– As a Trainee (until the end of training) the annual salary is £25,884 (£11.82 basic hourly rate)
– In Development (from end of training until end of apprenticeship) the annual salary is £26,962 (£12.31 basic hourly rate)
– Once Competent (on successful completion of apprenticeship) the annual salary is £34,501 (£15.75 basic hourly rate)

Unfortunately not.

When recruiting for Firefighters we look for people who demonstrate:
– A ‘Can Do’ attitude
– A keen interest in the fire and rescue service
– A willingness to learn
– The ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
– The ability to work in a team environment
– The ability to achieve a good level of physical fitness
– The ability to follow instructions
– The ability to think about the bigger picture in a dynamic and challenging environment.

To apply for a Wholetime Firefighter role you must:

– Be at least 18 years old by the start date
– Hold a full UK driving licence (must have passed test by completion of application)
– Live within 20 miles of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes border
– Have Level 2 Functional Skills or GCSE’s in Maths and English Language A* to C (9 to 4) or accepted equivalent
– Be able to swim

Click here to see more details.

• 1st Line availability is an immediate response. This means you must respond to incidents within 10 minutes.
• 2nd Line availability is a delayed response. This means you must respond to incidents within 20 minutes.
• 3rd Line availability is a delayed response. This means you must respond to incidents within one hour.
• 4th Line availability is a delayed response. This means you must respond to incidents within three hours.

You have to be a minimum of 18 years old at the start of your employment. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are physically fit and can pass the fitness test you can become a Firefighter.

Yes, there are many benefits to being an On-Call Firefighter at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, these include (but are not limited to):

– Free on-site gyms
– Free on-site parking
– Free employee assistance programme
– Childcare vouchers/tax-free childcare
– Annual leave entitlement
– Maternity/paternity leave
– Pension scheme
– Ride to work bicycle scheme

You will be expected to attend an eye test as part of your application, and the optician will test you for colour vision. Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal green colour vision are suitable for appointment to the fire service. Please refer to the Visual Entry Standards available at: www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/eyesight/ for more information.

Wholetime Firefighters are contracted to work in the fire service as their primary employment serving at Wholetime fire stations. On-Call Firefighters usually respond from home or their primary employment on a call-by-call basis via a smartphone app.

“On-Call nights” are evenings where you attend your assigned fire station and carry out training sessions, maintain the fire appliance, undertake your admin and update your training records.