On callInformation Pack
West YorkshireFire & Rescue Service
Making West Yorkshire Saferwww.westyorksfire.gov.uk
firefighter
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Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
About On-call firefighters .................................................................................... 4
Essential requirements ....................................................................................... 5
What’s in it for you? ............................................................................................ 6
Fitness and strength ........................................................................................... 8
Application process ............................................................................................ 9
Training ............................................................................................................ 17
Equality and diversity ....................................................................................... 19
Further information and how to contact us ........................................................ 20
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Introduction
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is a high-performing organisation dedicated
to serving the 2.2m people in our county's diverse communities.
Our highly committed employees do more than just put out fires: they protect West
Yorkshire's citizens, their homes, schools, hospitals and businesses. On-call
firefighters rescue people and animals, provide vital support at road traffic accidents,
deal with hazardous materials, floods and carry out salvage operations. Our
specialists use their expertise in range of emergency situations within West
Yorkshire, the UK or abroad.
They also work closely with partners and members of West Yorkshire communities to
prevent fires and accidents from starting. This includes carrying out fire safety checks
and fire safety inspections, visiting schools, community groups, voluntary
organisations and businesses throughout West Yorkshire.
About On-call firefighters
On-call firefighters who work the Retained Duty System (RDS) are skilled men and
women who offer evening, daytime and/or weekend cover, working for us, in addition
to their normal, day-to-day activities (e.g. main employment, caring responsibilities
etc.). Alerted by a pager, they respond as part of a crew to incidents.
On-call firefighters are a diverse group of men and women from various vocational
backgrounds. They are ready to go to a ‘shout’ the moment an emergency call comes
in. They are committed, professional, highly trained, competent people working on
the front line, saving lives and property.
The role calls for determination, self-motivation and above all, a desire to serve the
community in which the firefighters live and/or work.
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We look for dedicated people who reflect the communities we serve and share our
Core Values. These are described in the Authority's Statement of Purpose at
www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/statutory-duties
Essential requirements
If you want to be one of our On-call firefighters, you must:
live and/or work within one mile of the Fire Station you wish to work at, or be
able to get there within five minutes of receiving an emergency call (if in doubt,
please contact your local Station who can conduct a timed run);
be able to provide cover during day-time hours: between 08:00-17:00, up to a
maximum of 120 hours per week;
be 18 or over at the date of enrolment and eligible to work in the UK;
commit to attend training drills once a week at your Station;
ensure your main employer (if you have one) has given you permission to be
an On-call firefighter; this is because, on occasion, you may have to leave your
main employment to attend an incident.
have obtained GCSEs in both Maths and English at Grade ‘C’ or above, or hold
equivalent Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy qualifications; you will need to
provide evidence of these qualifications*;
* If you do not have these qualifications, you may wish to contact LearnDirect at
Batley on 0800 101 901. They can offer advice and help you achieve them.
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What’s in it for you?
Everyone has a different reason for becoming an On-call firefighter and get different
things out of it. There's plenty of scope for you to gain new skills, develop and fulfil
your own potential. It can provide you with a real sense of achievement and
satisfaction. All of which will be useful to you in other aspects of your personal or
professional life.
Pay rates
In addition to receiving turn-out and drill-night fees, you will receive a retaining fee.
The current pay rates* are:
On-call Firefighter: Hourly rate (£) Maximum annual
retaining fee (£)**
Trainee 9.95 2,180
In development 10.37 2,271
Competent 13.27 2,905
* Correct at time of publishing; up-to-date information is available from
www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers or e-mail [email protected]
** The annual retaining fee is based on the number of hours of availability you
provide each week. On-call firefighters provide availability from a minimum of 50
hours per week up to a maximum of 120 hours per week.
If you provide:
less than 100 hours, you will receive 75% of the annual retaining fee;
if you work 100-119 hours you will receive 90%;
the maximum 120 hours you will receive 100%.
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Other benefits
We aim to provide a rewarding career with a range of benefits, including:
Training and personal development opportunities, including a Level 3 NVQ
Diploma (Emergency Fire Services Operations in the Community), an LGV
licence, First Aid qualification and health and safety training.
28 days annual leave, increasing to 35 days after 5 years' service.
Access to a Pension scheme.
Childcare vouchers.
Sports and Social club.
Use of the gym at Fire Services Headquarters, Birkenshaw, and at Stations.
Free-of-charge parking at WYFRS premises.
Occupational health support (including nurses, medical checks and
counselling).
Access to The Firefighters Charity, their resources and support
www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
Skills in dealing with people in difficult circumstances or providing expert
advice.
Satisfaction and pride in helping people who live in your community.
Carrying out a worthwhile and rewarding job that can fit in with your other
commitments such as family/private life, and main employment.
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Fitness and strength
Being a firefighter can place great physical demands on your body. To be able to
cope with these demands you will need higher-than-average levels of strength,
endurance and aerobic fitness. These will be tested during the application process
(see Section 7) and throughout your career, to ensure you continue to meet the
required standards.
Further information on physical training, fitness and general health can be found at
www.firefitsteeringgroup.co.uk
Important note: anyone who has doubts about their health or physical ability to
exercise should consult a Doctor before beginning any physical training programme.
This is especially important if you are (or think you might be) pregnant, if your health
status has recently changed, haven’t exercised for the last six months or have had a
recent illness or injury. WYFRS cannot accept any liability for any injury that may
occur.
If you would like advice from our Authority Fitness Advisor, please contact the Human
Resources Department on 01274 473794.
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Application process
Reasonable Adjustments
We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
If you have any additional requirements that prevent you from completing an online
application, or if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact
Human Resources on 01274 473794.
Before you apply: things to consider
It's extremely important that you understand the personal commitment you need to
make to be an On-call firefighter. When you are deciding what days and hours you
will provide to work for us, please consider the following:
how working for us could affect others, such as your family, either because you
will respond to incidents, or attend weekly training drills at your Station.
take into account the hours you work for your main employer, including regular
overtime (where applicable);
whether your main employer (if you have one) has any specific rules about
secondary employment;
whether your main employer requires you to arrive at work at a specific start time,
and will not accept you being late;
travelling time to and from work or home, if this exceeds 5 minutes;(you must
reach your station within this time);
child or other caring responsibilities;
any regular social activities that you wish to take part in uninterrupted.
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We recommend you visit the Station you wish to work at to discuss the role with
existing On-call firefighters. Station contact details can be found in Section 9.
Stage One: Online Application Form
Applications are made via our on-line recruitment system, available at:
www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/careers. We do not accept CVs. We prefer to contact you
via e-mail, rather than by letter. Please check your email account and phone
regularly.
Please inform the Human Resources department on 01274 473794 if this creates
any difficulties.
Please read the guidance notes that accompany the job advert carefully. Ensure you
provide information on how you meet each of the selection criteria listed.
Your application will be assessed against these criteria, along with:
whether the hours of availability you provide meet the Fire Station’s needs,
and whether you can reach the Station within the required time from home
and/or work.
Important note: the days and times when you're available to work that you provide on
the application form will form part of your contract of employment. Any changes you
wish to make after being appointed must be approved by your Station Commander;
your contract will then be updated. If your new availability does not meet the needs of
the Service, then the Authority may have to consider terminating your employment.
Successful completion of this Stage will allow you to move on to Stage Two.
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Stage Two: Fitness Test
You will complete a fitness test which will assess your strength, muscular endurance
and aerobic capacity.
Strength Test
Uneven upright row with 1 x 10kg dumbbell and 1 x 7.5/8kg dumbbell.
Pronated grip; straight back, dumbbells raised to shoulder height.
Hold at top for 3 seconds, and then lower.
Maximum of 6 repetitions.
Muscular Endurance – Incline Chest Press
Bench set at 45 degrees. Using 2 x 10kg dumbbells.
Pronated grip; bottom, back and head resting on the bench.
Lift and lower under control, 1 second up, 1 second down.
Maximum repetitions in 60 seconds (maximum of 30).
Muscular Endurance – Prone Row
Bench set at 45 degrees, using 2 x 10kg dumbbells.
Neutral grip; feet on the floor, chest supported on the bench. Head in a neutral
position above the bench.
Lift and lower under control, 1 second up, 1 second down.
Maximum repetitions in 60 seconds (maximum of 30).
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Core Stability – The Plank
Resting on forearms and toes. Straight line from head to toe.
Hold for a maximum of 60 seconds.
Aerobic Fitness – Chester Treadmill Test (12 minutes)
Complete at walking pace, no jogging or holding the treadmill.
Set the speed to 6.2kph and 0% incline.
0-2 minutes at 0%. At 2 minutes increase the incline to 3%.
2-4 minutes at 3%. At 4 minutes increase the incline to 6%.
4-6 minutes at 6%. At 6 minutes increase the incline to 9%.
6-8 minutes at 9%. At 8 minutes increase the incline to 12%.
8-10 minutes at 12%. At 10 minutes increase the incline to 15%.
After 12 minutes, you need to reach the required standard of 42ml/kg/min.
Successful completion of this Stage will allow you to move on to Stage Three.
Important note: Please take this information to a qualified instructor at a gym to make
sure you are doing it correctly. Warm up thoroughly beforehand. Rest at least one
minute between each test. If you feel any pain or injury, stop the test immediately.
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Stage Three: Physical Role Related Tests
Under supervision, you will complete a number physical, role related tests.
Confined space
test
You will have four minutes to make your way through a confined
space pulling a small dummy. You will wear a breathing
apparatus face mask with obscured vision.
Ladder climb You will be required to climb a 13.5m-high ladder to two-thirds
of its height and take a leg lock, releasing your hands from the
ladder. You will then look over your shoulder and shout out the
symbol displayed on a card held by the instructor below. You
will then descend the ladder. A full safety harness will be worn
whilst carrying out this test.
Rural simulation
Wearing full fire kit, you will ‘shuttle’ back and forth along a 50m
track. Individuals will first drag for 50m a hose reel, jog back
50m then pick up and carry (one in each hand) a coiled hose,
dropping one at 175m and the second at 200m. You will run
out the two dropped hoses 50m then jog back 150m to the fire
appliance. You will then pick up and carry 100mm suction
hose and basket for 200m, jog back 200m to the appliance,
then pick up and carry a Light Portable Pump simulator
weighing 32.9kg, for 200m. This test must be completed within
12.5 minutes.
Equipment
assembly test
You will be given a piece of fire service equipment to assemble
and then disassemble, using the pictorial and verbal
instructions provided, within five minutes and eight seconds.
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Casualty Drag You will drag a 55kg casualty around a 30m course as fast as
you can.
Ladder Lift You will raise a bar 75cm off the ground, to a height of 182cm,
and back down to the 75cm support. The weight of the bar at
the lifting point will start at 5kg. The maximum load to be added
is 15kg.
Ladder Extension You will fully extend the ladder simulation from the 1st to the 9
th
round (1 storey height), secure it, and then lower it under
control to the grounded position.
Successful completion of this stage will allow you to move on to Stage Four.
Stage Four: Interview
The purpose of the interview is to assess you against The National Firefighter
Selection "Personal Qualities and Attributes" (PQAs). A copy of the PQAs and an
interview practice booklet can be found on our web site:
www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/becoming-a-firefighter
This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate you have the skills and competencies
required for the role. You should use all the information available (such as the job
description, essential and desirable criteria, key information on our web site) to
prepare for the interview. You need to provide real examples that demonstrate how
you meet the criteria and PQAs. This is also an opportunity for you to ask us
questions about the role or working for WYFRS.
Successful completion of this Stage will allow you to move on to Stage Five.
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Stage Five: Medical Assessments
You will be asked to provide a health questionnaire about your medical history to the
Occupational Health Department. You will also be asked to provide a signed GP
consent form; this gives permission for the Occupational Health Department to ask
your GP for medical information in confidence. These checks are in place to protect
your health, safety and welfare, that of your colleagues, and the public whom you
serve.
In line with Authority policy, you will also be required to participate in drug and alcohol
screening at some point during the recruitment process.
Occupational Health Check
You will have a health check by the Occupational Health Department at Fire Service
Headquarters. This will include an assessment of:
Height – recorded in order to work out your Body Mass Index (BMI) and
complete other tests.
Weight – recorded to work out the BMI. Body fat, neck and waist
measurement may also be recorded.
Vision - all applicants must have an eye test with the Authority-approved
opticians. Visual acuity without the use of glasses or contact lenses must be at
least 6/18 and 6/24. If you have a colour vision problem or have had laser eye
surgery, you may be referred to a specialist for further assessment.
Hearing - you will be asked to complete an audio questionnaire prior to a full
hearing test carried out in a sound reduction booth. If a hearing problem is
found or you have any history of ear or hearing problems, the Authority Medical
Advisor (AMA) may refer you for a practical hearing assessment.
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Lung function – this assesses your lung capacity. If you have a history of
childhood asthma or other lung condition, you may be referred for further tests.
Blood pressure and pulse readings – they should be within the normal
range and it may be necessary to take several readings. If the readings are
found to be persistently outside the norm, you may be asked to come back
another day, or referred to your GP before a final decision is made.
A urine test – this is used to identify possible abnormalities or signs of other
diseases.
Authority Medical Advisor Assessment
In additional to the Occupational Health Check you will have an appointment with the
Authority Medical Advisor (AMA) at Fire Service Headquarters. During this
Assessment you will have a medical examination and all the medical information will
be reviewed.
The AMA may refer you for further tests, medical assessments or seek specialist
consultant advice, if necessary. The AMA will make their recommendations based on
all the information available.
Important note: all personal medical information or test results are confidential and
kept securely by the Occupational Health Department. No personal medical details
will be released without your prior, written consent, in line with the Data Protection
Act 1998. The details are not made available to the recruiting team, only the final
outcome (i.e. successful or unsuccessful at this Stage).
If you are unsuccessful during the selection process, all documentation relating to the
medical process will be kept for 6 months after your application, after which it will be
securely destroyed. If you are successful in being appointed, all medical
documentation will be kept by the Occupational Health Department and form part of
your medical record.
Successful completion of this Stage will allow you to move on to Stage Six.
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Stage Six: Pre-employment documentation and security checks
We must, as a Government Agency, check the information you provided in your
application. You will be required to provide details of your qualifications, evidence of
your identity (e.g. passport, driving licence, birth certificate, including one
photographic document), details of references covering a minimum of three years’
work/academic history and five years' address history. You will also have a
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please ensure you can provide this information and that you are happy to disclose it.
Failure to provide all the required information will result in a conditional offer being
retracted at a later stage.
Should these prove satisfactory, you will be offered a post as an On-call firefighter,
given a contract of employment and invited to join a training course.
Training
When you start your career with us, you will complete Initial Training to give you basic
skills. You will become a competent firefighter on successful completion of this Initial
Training and your Probationary Period. Throughout your career you will receive
personal development and training.
The following options have been designed to be flexible and suit your personal
circumstances and preferences:
Option 1 – a 9-week residential course at Fire Service College in
Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk/
Option 2 - a 7-week non-residential course at Fire and Rescue Service
Headquarters, completed Monday to Friday during the hours of 08:00 - 18:00
the course at Fire Service Headquarters will require you to complete 8 weeks
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of pre-learning, this will be carried out at your local Fire Station during drill
nights. This will take approximately four hours per week. Some personal study
in your own time will be required.
Option 3 – If Options 1 is not suitable, you will be able to carry out your initial
training over a 12 month period. This will take place at your station and Fire and
Rescue Service Headquarters.
We will ask you to indicate your preferences on your application form. If you wish to
discuss this further contact the Human Resources Department.
* Attendance on Options 1 or 2 are dependent on a minimum number of trainees
being available..
Initial Training
Content
You will be trained in the use of pumps, ladders, firefighting equipment, road traffic
collision, breathing apparatus and casualty care.
Assessment
At the end of each module you must pass a practical and written assessment in order
to move onto the next module.
If you are unsuccessful in any module, you will be provided with specific objectives to
improve your performance. These must be achieved within a set period of time.
Training Instructors will provide you with support and advice to help you achieve
them. If you do not meet these objectives and your performance does not meet the
required standards, your contract may be terminated.
When you successfully complete the Initial Training, you are considered safe to ride a
fire appliance and you will move into a Probationary Period.
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Development during the Probationary Period
You will complete further training during your probationary period. This includes a
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fire Service Operations in the Community.
Equality and diversity
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to promoting equality and
diversity in service delivery and employment. This is highlighted in our Statement of
Purpose and Core Values www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/statutory-duties.
We have a legal duty to promote equality of opportunity in employment. Applications
from women and people from black and minority ethnic groups in particular are
welcome, because they are currently under-represented in our workforce compared
to the resident West Yorkshire working population. Recruiting a more diverse
workforce and employing the best people enriches West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Service. It helps us better understand and meet the needs of all the communities we
serve.
Our commitment to fairness, equality of opportunity and transparency means every
job applicant is evaluated based on their individual skills and abilities, and whether
they meet the application form and interview criteria.
More information on our commitment to equality and diversity in all aspects of what
we do can be found on our website at: www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/diversity
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Further information and how to contact us
On-call Stations with vacancies*:
Station Drill night Station Commander Parent Station
Featherstone
01977 792211
Wednesday
1830-2130 Ian Stead
Pontefract
01977 702223
Ilkley
01943 607970
Tuesday
1845-2145 Andy Clayton
Bingley
01274 562223
Mirfield
01924 493399
Wednesday
1900-2200 Mick Davis
Batley
01924 473355
Mytholmroyd
01422 883259
Monday
1830-2130 Dominic Furby
Illingworth
01422 244222
Otley
01943 462222
Monday
1830-2130 Nigel Atkins
Rawdon
01132 502223
Silsden
01535 653371
Wednesday
1830-2130 Mark Helliwell
Keighley
01535 607401
Slaithwaite
01484 842618
Thursday
1830-2130 Tony Williams
Slaithwaite
01484 842618
* Correct at time of publishing
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Information online
For information on Stations which are currently recruiting please visit:
http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/vacancies
About the role of an On-call firefighter:
http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/roles/On-call-firefighter
About becoming a firefighter, the Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQAs) and
interview practice booklet: http://www.westyorkfire.gov.uk/becoming-a-firefighter
Frequently asked questions about careers with us:
http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/faqs
To view the job description and essential criteria or make an online application:
http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/vacancies
For advice relating to application forms and interviews:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk
Contact us
Human Resources Department: for queries about the application process, to
contact the Occupational Health team or Fitness Instructor, or for queries about
reasonable adjustments call 01274 473794 or e-mail
Your local Station: http://www.westyorksfire.gov.uk/your-area
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Contact
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Oakroyd Hall
Birkenshaw
Bradford
BD11 2DY
01274 682311