Fire Service to launch new recruitment drive

CHESHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is about to launch a new recruitment drive for wholetime firefighters.
A series of taster events is being held at fire stations across the county – and one will be at Warrington Fire Station, Winwick Road, on Friday, July 20 from 11am until 3pm.
The service is stressing that firefighters don’t just fight fires and rescue people.
A spokesperson said: “If you’re passionate about changing lives in your community, and want to contribute to saving lives by reducing the risk of incidents, then being a firefighter is the role for you.”
Only around five per cent of a firefighter’s time is spent attending incidents.  They are actively involved in their communities, carrying out prevention work to reduce the chance of fires happening in the first place, delivering road safety campaigns to reduce the number of road traffic collisions and working closely with young people through programmes such as The Prince’s Trust Team, Fire Cadets and Respect courses.
The spokesperson added: “As a firefighter, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference within your community, working as part of a team and enjoying a varied career earning over £29,000 within 18 months when gaining competency.
“ Other benefits include working in an environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of staff are key priorities, coupled with generous family friendly policies and opportunities to apply for flexible working arrangements.”
Anyone interested in a career as a firefighters should attend the taster session at Warrington Fire Station.
It’s not necessary to register, just turn up within the published times and allow around an hour and a half to get the best out of the event.  Wear something comfortable as protective clothing will be supplied.
The initial stages of the recruitment process will be undertaken online. The process will be made available on the Service’s website – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk – from 10:00am on Wednesday 18 July 2018, closing at 10:00am on Friday 27 July 2018.
This method of recruitment is designed to make an initial assessment of the applicant’s potential to work as a firefighter using a range of specifically designed questions examining the qualities and basic knowledge required for the role.
“The organisation is looking to recruit a new cohort of wholetime firefighters,” explained Chief Fire Officer Mark Cashin.  “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has transformed in recent years to become one of the best performing and innovative fire and rescue services in the country, acknowledged by many awards and accolades.
“Our vision is a simple one, to be an outstanding Service where there are no deaths, injuries or damage from fires or other emergencies and we are looking for men and women with a wholehearted commitment and willingness to work hard as part of a team.
“The application process is designed to give everyone, irrespective of their professional or personal background, an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to be a firefighter.
“The heightened emphasis placed on fire safety and prevention in recent years has not only reduced fires within our communities, but has also dramatically changed the role of the modern day fire fighter.  I would therefore urge anyone who wants to make a difference within their communities and to change and save lives, to come and talk to us or contact us via the website.” continued Mark.
It is also important that, as a modern, forward thinking organisation, there is a workforce that is reflective of the diverse communities served.  Members of under-represented communities are encouraged to apply, especially women and members of the BAME and LGBT communities. Vacancies are open to everyone, regardless of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability, and no advantages will be given to applicants from diverse backgrounds during the application process.  However, in order to properly serve Cheshire’s communities, it is important the Service’s workforce is diversified.
The Service’s on-call recruitment campaign will continue to run alongside the wholetime recruitment initiative. More information about which fire stations are looking for on-call firefighters is available on the Service website.