Would a criminal record prevent me from applying to be a Wholetime Firefighter?
A criminal record does not necessarily prevent you applying for a role. Applicants are asked to declare any criminal convictions during the recruitment process, and we expect honesty in declarations of any convictions or charges. If an applicant declares a conviction or charge it will not necessarily prevent them from progressing any further through the recruitment process, however the matter will need to be risk assessed and discussed between the person concerned, the line manager and Human Resources.
How often do you check your Firefighters’ driving licences?
We undertake driving licence checks on all employees every three years.
Would a driving offence prevent me from applying to be a Wholetime Firefighter?
Not necessarily. We will undertake a driving licence check through an external contractor as part of the pre-employment clearance stage. So please be honest on your application. Let us know of any driving convictions, fines, etc. that you have had in the past, as some still appear even though they are spent.
Why is there a requirement for Firefighters to have a driving licence?
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.
Is my address within a 20-mile radius of your county border?
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.
Why do you restrict applications to people who live within a 20-mile radius of your 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.
Is being a Firefighter dangerous?
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.
Would somebody’s size affect their application to be a Wholetime Firefighter?
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.
Are Firefighters allowed to drink or smoke?
We have a policy which prohibits the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking in all of our premises.
