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On call Information Pack West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Making West Yorkshire Safer www.westyorksfire.gov.uk firefighter

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On callInformation Pack

West YorkshireFire & Rescue Service

Making West Yorkshire Saferwww.westyorksfire.gov.uk

firefighter

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Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 3

2. About On-call firefighters ............................................................................ 3

3. Essential requirements............................................................................... 4

4. What’s in it for you? ................................................................................... 5

5. Fitness and strength .................................................................................. 7

6. Application process .................................................................................... 8

7. Training .................................................................................................... 16

8. Equality and diversity ............................................................................... 18

9. Further information and how to contact us ............................................... 19

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1. 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 a 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.

2. About On-call firefighters

On-call firefighters who work the Retained Duty System (RDS) are skilled people

from all walks of life 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

3. 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 (travelling

to the station at normal road speed)

be able to provide cover during hours that are specific to the stations’

requirements

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 occasions, 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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4. 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 10.05 2,202

In development 10.47 2,293

Competent 13.40 2,935

* 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 40 hours per week

up to a maximum of 120 hours per week.

If you provide:

Up to 49 hours, you will receive 50% of the annual retaining fee;

Between 50-100 hours you will receive 75%;

Between 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, subject to availability and security

arrangements

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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5. 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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6. 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.

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.

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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 the Operations Group

Manager; 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%.

At 12 minutes the test is complete and you will have reached 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.

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.

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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 Criminal

Records Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and an online check

of your driving licence.

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.

7. 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 three options have been designed to be flexible and suit your personal

circumstances and preferences:

Option 1* –In the first 8 weeks you will complete two e-learning modules at

your Station during drill nights. This will take approximately four hours per

week. Some personal study in your own time will be required. This is followed

by a 7-week non-residential course at Fire Service Headquarters, completed

Monday to Friday during the hours of 08:00 – 18:00.

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Option 2* –An 8-week residential course at the Fire Service College in

Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire http://www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk/.

This is followed by a 6-week non-residential course at Fire Service

Headquarters, completed Monday to Friday during the hours of 08:00 – 18:00.

Option 3 – If Options 1 or 2 are 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 Service Headquarters. Although this option can be completed over a 12

month period, there is still a mandatory requirement to complete a 2 week Core

skills module and a 2 week Breathing Apparatus module at Fire 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 Option 1 or Option 2 is dependent on a minimum number of trainees

being available to run either course.

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

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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.

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.

8. 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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9. 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 Clare Hesslewood

Pontefract

01977 702223

Ilkley

01943 607970

Tuesday

1845-2145 Paul Taylor

Bingley

01274 562223

Mytholmroyd

01422 883259

Monday

1830-2130 Gareth Atkins

Illingworth

01422 244222

Otley

01943 462222

Monday

1830-2130

Graham Heath

Rawdon

01132 502223

Slaithwaite

01484 842618

Thursday

1830-2130 Mick Davis

Slaithwaite

01484 842618

Meltham

01484 850393

Wednesday

18:30-21:30

Dale Gardiner

Huddersfield

01484 551800

Holmfirth

01484 682482

Wednesday

17:30-21:30

Dale Gardiner

Huddersfield

01484 551800

* 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

[email protected]

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