Firefighter Recruitment Information Pack - Cheshire Fire ... · Firefighter Recruitment Information...

www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Retained Duty System

Firefighter Recruitment Information Pack

Contents Page Role of a Retained Firefighter 1 Job Description 2 Person Specification 3 General Information 4 Essential Requirements 4 Equality of Opportunity 4 The Recruitment Process 4 Guidance Notes for the Application Form 6 General Ability Tests 8 Basic Training 10 Conditions of Service 11 Retained Firefighter - Recruit Medical 15

www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Role of a Retained Firefighter The common image of the Fire and Rescue service is naturally one of firefighters turning out in fire appliances and fighting fires. It is true, of course that some of the work involves attendance at fires, but the role of the service is much wider. In recent years greater emphasis has been placed on the Fire & Rescue Service’s role within the community, with firefighters spending more time out in the community raising awareness, communicating fire prevention and other safety messages.

In addition firefighters’ working life and training also has to be geared to responding at top speed to emergency calls, regardless of weather conditions or the time of day or night. Every time firefighters are called to the scene of an emergency they must be prepared to deploy each and every skill in which they have been trained.

Fully competent firefighters are skilled technicians capable of using the most modern equipment, methods and techniques to undertake the full range of firefighting and rescue duties, including road accidents and other emergencies which the Fire and Rescue Service is called upon to deal with.

When they arrive at an incident as part of a team under the command of a Watch Manager or Crew Manager, firefighters may individually have to absorb a great deal of information rapidly and apply the skills they have learnt in conditions which will often be extremely dangerous and confusing. Despite all the training given in preparation for such incidents, however, firefighters will from time to time be faced with new situations where they may individually be required to provide the answers using previous experiences as a guide.

A firefighter wearing breathing apparatus feeling their way through a smoke filled building with toxic hazards in order to effect a rescue cannot ask for instructions. In order to function effectively in emergencies every firefighter’s pre-eminent characteristics must be those of courage, physical strength, the capacity for rapid, intense and sustained effort, an unquestioning acceptance of orders at emergencies combined with the capacity to use initiative when alone, as skilled technicians you will be expected to complete a familiarity with the equipment and tools of the profession which may range up to major items of plant such as turntable ladders and appliances; a practical understanding of the basis of a wide range of subjects necessary to anticipate and overcome hazards, sympathy towards the victims of emergencies and the ability to carry on in what may occasionally be emotionally harrowing circumstances.

If you live within 5 minutes of your local Retained Fire Station, are over 18 and looking for an exciting opportunity, the Retained Fire Service may be for you.

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Job Description To act as an integral part of both an emergency response and community safety teams by working with and within the community to prevent emergencies occurring, minimise their impact when they do and intervene effectively when required, to the benefit of that community and within a safe working environment. Main Duties & Responsibilities • To respond swiftly and safely to all emergency calls and requests for assistance. • Work with all members of the community, being sensitive to the needs of others

particularly having regard to equality and diversity issues. • Assist in Service initiatives, including the giving of general fire safety advice and

guidance, to all members of the community, through a variety of agreed community safety initiatives designed to reduce the misery of fire and other emergencies

• Undertake routine inspections of premises as part of a direct or indirect fire safety

legislative requirement. • Maintain all emergency equipment in a state of readiness, including cleanliness,

repairing and testing as required to approved standards and procedures to undertake checks on emergency resources provided for fire service use.

• Take part in continuous training and learning programmes by attending lectures,

exercises, simulated incidents, practice drill sessions and other forms of training to achieve and maintain competence levels, in line with national role maps.

• Maintain a level of personal fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of a

firefighter. • Undertake routine administration tasks as required in order to ensure all entries to

records are correct and kept up to date. • To practice and promote the Health and Safety policies of the Service and to ensure

the development and progression of Health & Safety within the sphere of responsibility of this job description, and the Health and Safety of all employees and customers.

• To promote application of the Authority’s Equality and Diversity Policy. • In addition to the above to undertake such other duties as directed from time to time

by the Brigade Manager - Chief Fire Officer.

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Person Specification Job Title: Retained Firefighter PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

Essential

Desirable

Experience Proven experience of working with the Community. Proven experience of working within a team.

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Knowledge and Skills An understanding of the role of the Fire and Rescue Service within the Community. Previous practical work experience. Proven organisational skills. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, the community and other agencies. Effective written and oral communication skills. Proven planning and problem solving skills. The ability to work methodically with attention to detail.

* * * *

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Commitment A commitment to the delivery of diversity and equality. A commitment to the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service statement of values.

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General Information The successful applicant will possess the following: • A mature and balanced outlook • Be capable of functioning under pressure • Be an effective and reliable team worker • Exhibit a high standard of self discipline • Be punctual, honest and dependable • Able to use initiative • Able to assimilate new skills • Able to retain information quickly and accurately • Able to accept discipline • Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in written form • Maintain high standards of personal fitness and stamina with a capacity for rapid

intense and sustained efforts • Be sociable and self confident • Be enthusiastic and tenacious • Have common sense and sound problem sharing ability Essential Requirements • Be able to reach the station within 5 minutes • Aged 18+ • Fit enough to carry out the role of a Firefighter • Have enthusiasm to work in a team environment • Willing to support and serve your community Equality of Opportunity Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service is committed to provide equal opportunities in employment. This means that all job applicants and employees shall receive equal treatment regardless of sex, age, marital status, race, colour, and nationality, ethnic or national origins. The Recruitment Process On submission of an application form the following recruitment procedure is followed. Each stage must be passed before moving on to the next stage, all stages have to be successfully completed before a candidate can be offered employment. Application form The application form along with all guidance is available both on-line via our website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.


http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/

Application forms must be completed in full in black ink and returned to the following address. Wilmslow Retained Recruitment HR Department Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service Sadler Road Winsford Cheshire CW7 2FQ Or email [email protected] On receipt of the application form the requirements to join the Fire and Rescue Service will be checked and sifted.


Guidance Notes for the Application Form Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service is embracing change. We are already a good Authority, but we are striving to be excellent. An excellent organisation however needs excellent employees at all levels. If you wish to be considered for a key role as a Retained Firefighter and can demonstrate that you have the necessary Personal Qualities and Attributes, then you should submit a written or on-line application form. Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of how they meet all the following elements from the following National Personal Qualities and Attributes for Retained Firefighters. If you have never been in paid employment you should draw on your skills, knowledge and experience gained from other aspects of your life such as community or voluntary work, leisure, school or other responsibilities such as bringing up a family. Commitment to Diversity and Integrity In particular, applicants will need to evidence how far they have: • Proactively challenged unacceptable behaviour • Facilitated and respected fair, ethical and diverse behaviour • Demonstrated a commitment to Fire & Rescue Service values Confidence and Resilience In particular, applicants will need to evidence how far they have: • Demonstrated a calm and controlled approach during difficult situations • Maintained focus and worked effectively to achieve a task or objective, despite

pressure • Identified ways to overcome barriers Working with Others In particular, applicants will need to evidence how far they have: • Worked with others around them • Developed a positive relationship with all • Demonstrated good communication skills with the team and others • Been sensitive to the well being of others and acted where necessary • Encouraged feedback Openness to Change In particular, applicants will need to evidence how far they have: • Questioned existing approaches to improve current systems • Proactively identified, initiated and supported change • Sought information about changing circumstances/developments • Explored the ideas of others • Looked for innovative solutions


Commitment to Development In particular, applicants will need to evidence how far they have: • Devised an effective development plan for self and monitored progress • Sought feedback from colleagues on a regular basis • Embraced a learning culture and evidenced commitment to personal development. In demonstrating compliance with all the above elements of the PQA’s, applicants will need to provide direct evidence in their application of how they meet the criteria. This evidence can be drawn from current/past experience and external/unpaid experience. Panel members will not be able to take into account prior knowledge of applicants and so it is important that applicants provide sufficient information on which to base an assessment. Example The following is an example of how the PQA - ‘Commitment to diversity and integrity’, element - ‘proactively challenged unacceptable behaviour’, could be evidenced in an application form: In my role as ……. I strive to create an environment where there is a zero tolerance of behaviour that does not respect and value diversity. I achieve this by ensuring that no offensive material is displayed, that individuals use appropriate language and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Recently I have had occasion to challenge a colleague for telling a joke which was derogatory to women. This counselling has resulted in the individual refraining from further unacceptable behaviour. However if there had not been an improvement I would have considered taking further action” Please note that during the recruitment process we will be unable to discuss the status of your application.


General Ability Tests A series of tests designed to indicate levels of literacy, numeracy and general intelligence is undertaken if your application meets the standard required. You must pass each stage of the process before moving onto the next stage. Candidates will only be given one chance at each stage. Physical Tests These are a series of tests designed to access the candidate’s ability to work in a team, to give an insight to both applicants and assessors of the applicant’s reaction to the Fire & Rescue Service environment. The candidate should be aware that this is a physically demanding day designed to mimic the effort required of firefighters at the scene of incidents. Candidates suffering from temporary illness, injury or receiving antibiotics or other drugs should not attend until they are well. The range of physical tests are designed to test the candidate’s ability to understand, absorb and carry out instructions, plus other elements particular to each test. Ladder Climb This test is designed to assess confidence at heights. Applicants in full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must wear a safety harness and practice a leg-lock at ground level. The applicant then has to ascend two thirds of the way up the ladder (indicated by a mark on the ladder) then take a leg-lock. They will then be asked to lean backwards and outstretch their arms to the sides, and then whilst looking over their shoulder they should say out loud what symbol is being shown by the assessor at ground. Casualty Evacuation This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants wearing full PPE are to drag a 55 kg dummy backwards around a 30M course, by a carrying handle fixed to the dummy. Applicants are permitted to watch other applicant’s performance. Applicants can be briefed one at a time or in small groups to allow them to continue onto the next test without delay. Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve to pass the test and are permitted to watch the performance of others. Ladder Lift This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants wearing full PPE are to raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to the required height with 15 kg of weight placed on the simulator cradle, which gives a total of 24 kg. Applicants will be assisted if necessary by the Safety Officer. Applicants are directed to perform an initial lift with 5 kg of weight on the cradle to ensure they are prepared for the test.


Enclosed Space This is a test designed to assess confidence, agility and stamina. Applicants in full PPE are to put on a facemask and with un-obscured vision make their way through a crawl and walkway. Once inside the crawl/walkway they have their vision obscured and return to the start. Applicants who travel in the wrong direction or do not make any progress for 30 seconds will be stopped and directed so that they can continue, however, the stopwatch will run. Equipment Assembly This is a test designed to assess manual dexterity. Applicants will be given a demonstration of the test before having to assemble and disassemble a number of components to make an item of equipment. The assembly will be timed and recorded and then the disassembly will be timed and recorded. Wherever possible this test should be conducted prior to the equipment carry to give applicants a pause before their last most strenuous effort. Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve. Equipment Carry This is a test designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Applicants are to carry items of equipment up and down a course between two cones placed 25M apart. They will be given brief demonstrations of correct lifting techniques and permitted to practice picking up the various items. Applicants will be reminded of the sequence of events as the test progresses as they are not required to memorise them. Applicants will be told the performance standard they need to achieve. Medical The applicant must then be able to pass a medical in order to satisfy the Service’s Medical Advisor that they are in good general health and have the potential to maintain minimum fitness levels. References and CRB Check Once a candidate has passed the selection process requests for references will be made from current or last employer/school as to character. In addition an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Check will be carried out. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory receipt of these references. We will also check GCSE qualifications by asking to see your certificates. Candidates should note that the period from first tendering an application to enrolment could take up to six months, possibly longer.


Basic Training Once accepted into the Service, Recruit Firefighters will undergo a period of basic training, either carried out via our own Learning and Development team, based at Service Headquarters, Winsford or via one our partner organisations. The recruit must be able to make continual and satisfactory progress to pass the written, oral and practical tests at intervals throughout the course. The training is varied and demanding and covers such subjects as; basic equipment handling, breathing apparatus, first aid, hydraulics, chemistry, physics, building construction, legislation and fire safety. The course also includes training on Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and fitness training. Failure to maintain an acceptable standard may result in the contract of employment being terminated After basic training the trainee Firefighter will be posted to the Retained Fire Station where they will develop their skills, working as part of a the team carrying out community work, as well as attending fires and other emergencies. During the first two years of employment you will be expected to attend the Learning and Development Centre at Winsford for up to 30 days for further training. During this period the new firefighter will develop their skills and their level of practical and technical knowledge and collate a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their progress and ultimately be deemed a ‘competent’ firefighter.


Conditions of Service Pay You will be paid a retaining fee, hourly rate and disturbance fee as detailed in the table below. The following additional allowances are currently payable:

Holidays With effect from 1 January of each year you are entitled to 4 weeks holiday pay providing you have one year’s completed continuous service at this date. Annual leave may only be taken by prior agreement with your line manager or supervisor. The leave period is from 1 January to 31 December. Employees starting or leaving employment during the year are entitled to leave proportionate to the number of completed months’ service during that year. After five years completed service the entitlement will increase to 5 weeks paid leave. Promotion All members of the Fire & Rescue Service have the opportunity to progress within the organsiation. Promotion depends upon successfully completing an assessment process which would include aspects such as selection by an interview panel and practical tests to measure leadership skills, situational awareness and understanding of the role of the modern Fire and Rescue Service. No Smoking Policy Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service operates a ‘No Smoking’ Policy and accordingly smoking is not allowed in Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service premises and vehicles including buildings, car parks, pathways or grassed areas. This also includes temporary workplaces such as those visited when carrying out Community Fire Safety activity and when on Incident Grounds including when Training or Exercising. This policy includes all staff, visitors, contractors and groups or organisations that use our facilities. This will include any candidates attending for assessment as part of the recruitment process.


Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 requires all employers in the United Kingdom to make basic document checks on every person they intend to employ. By making these checks, employers can be sure they will not break the law by employing illegal workers. To ensure that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service comply with the law by not employing illegal workers, you will be asked to provide evidence of your legal right to work in the United Kingdom. You will need to provide: • ONE of the ORIGINAL documents included in List 1; OR • TWO of the ORIGINAL documents in the combinations given in List 2 Appropriate documentation is detailed overleaf. Please note There is no requirement to produce documents from both List 1 and List 2. LIST 1 • A passport showing that the holder is a British citizen, or has a right of abode in

the United Kingdom. • A document showing that the holder is a national of a European Economic Area

country or Switzerland. This must be a national passport or national identity card. • A residence permit issued by the Home Office to a national from a European

Economic Area country or Switzerland. • A passport or other document issued by the Home Office which has an

endorsement stating that the holder has a current right of residence in the United Kingdom as the family member of a national from a European Economic Area country or Switzerland who is resident in the United Kingdom.

• A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder can stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom, or has no time limit on their stay.

• A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder can stay in the United Kingdom; and that this endorsement allows the holder to do the type of work they are applying for if they do not have a work permit.

• An Application Registration Card issued by the Home Office to an asylum seeker stating that the holder is permitted to take employment.

LIST 2 First combination A document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance Number and name. This could be a: P45, P60, National Insurance card, or a letter from a Government agency. Along with the document giving your National Insurance Number, you must also provide one of the following documents: • A full birth certificate issued in the United Kingdom, which includes the • names of the holder’s parents; OR • A birth certificate issued in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland; OR


• A certificate of registration or naturalisation stating that the holder is a British citizen; OR

• A letter issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the • person named in it can stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom, or has no time limit

on their stay; OR • An Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an

endorsement indicating that the person named in it can stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom, or has no time limit on their stay; OR

• A letter issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the person named in it can stay in the United Kingdom, and this allows them

• to do the type of work they are applying for; OR • An Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an

endorsement indicating that the person named in it can stay in the United Kingdom, and this allows them to do the type of work they are applying for.

Second combination A work permit or other approval to take employment that has been issued by Work Permits UK. Along with a document issued by Work Permits UK, you should also provide one of the following documents: • A passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder is able to

stay in the United Kingdom and can take the work permit • employment in question; OR • A letter issued by the Home Office to the holder confirming that the person named

in it is able to stay in the United Kingdom and can take the work permit employment in question.

Under the changes to the law, we are required to satisfy ourselves that any potential employee is the rightful holder of any of the documents they present to us. These documents should also allow you to do the type of work we are offering. We must carry out the following reasonable steps when checking all of the documents presented by a potential employee: • Check any photographs, where available, to ensure that we are satisfied they are

consistent with the appearance of the potential employee; • Check the dates of birth listed so that we are satisfied they are consistent with the

appearance of the potential employee; • Check that the expiry dates have not been passed; • Check any United Kingdom Government stamps or endorsements to see if the

potential employee is able to do the type of work we are offering; • If the potential employee gives us two documents from List 2 which have different

names, we will ask you for a further document to explain the reason for this. The further document could be a marriage certificate, divorce document, deed poll, adoption certificate or statutory declaration.

Finally, we will make a photocopy or a scan of the following parts of all documents shown to us:


• The front cover and all of the pages which give the potential employee’s personal details. In particular, we will copy the page with the photograph and the page which shows the signature; and

• any page containing a United Kingdom Government stamp or endorsement • which allows the potential employee to do the type of work we are offering. We will then keep a record of every document we have copied. By doing this the Immigration Service will be able to examine our right to the defence if they detect anyone working illegally for us. We will ask you to provide this information before we make any offer of employment to you. Do not send any of this documentation with your application form as we will ask you to provide it separately.


Retained Firefighter - Recruit Medical The medical consists of the following elements, all of which must be passed: • Weight - BMI no more than 30 • Urine analysis - tested for drugs and alcohol • Blood pressure - systolic < 180, diastolic < 100 • Vision - opticians results and test on the day • Colour vision • Hearing test • Lung function test (peak flow test) • Hand grip - 35 kg dominant hand, 33kg subordinate hand • Back/leg pull - minimum pull 117 kg • Step test - 12” step to level 1 - 5 (80% max heart rate) • Flexibility test T:\ER\UJ\RETAINED FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK


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