Big news on a new route to becoming a Firefighter!
The Direct Entry recruitment process is now open, and you have until June 4th to apply
Why is this relevant?
This is HUGE news. For all you of wanting to join the FRS but are struggling with the sheer numbers game of getting in as a Firefighter, this could be the news you’ve been waiting for.
Direct entry is a scheme which means people with ‘proven leadership skills, from a variety of sectors’ can apply to go straight in as a Station Manager – without needing fire service experience!
What?! How does this work?
Let’s break it down.
Firstly, ‘proven leadership skills’ is pretty broad, but allows you to draw on other career roles you’ve had, which you think have given you some decent skills and experience which would be transferable to a Fire Service manager role.
Going in as a Station Manager means you leap-frog over the Firefighter, Crew and Watch Manager roles, straight in as a middle manager. Obviously, there will be a very comprehensive development programme before you’re let anywhere near loose on station, but as an alternative development route, its really very exciting.
So why has the FRS taken this, let’s face it, pretty controversial step? Well, you may be aware of recent reports highlighting some uncomfortable truths about the culture and performance of the FRS. And as we all know, if we keep doing the same things, we all get much the same results. The FRS is no different, and if they want to improve how the service reflects the communities it serves (yes, 50% of the population are women, and yes minority groups make up a bigger chunk of many communities than the composition of the FRS would suggest!), then it’s time to shake things up a little. So, a new way to identify talent, bring in leaders, and bring the service a little more up to date has come at the right time.
Interested? What do you do now?
Firstly, which services are involved? Luckily, there’s a decent spread of ‘early adopters’ of this scheme across England and Wales:
- East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
- Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service
- Avon Fire & Rescue Service
- Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service
- North Wales Fire & Rescue Service
- Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
- Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service
Questions relating to the recruitment process can be directed to Reed, at: nfcc.recruitment@reed.com
Give some thought to your skills and experience- could they be applied to a different setting? If the prospect of this gives you a buzz, look into applying with vacancies on this page. You’ll need to answer some pre-screening questions to determine eligibility for the roles and upload your CV.
Apply here:
Closing date June 2nd 2023