Bedfordshire “Have-a-go” events

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for full-time firefighters to work across our county.  Anyone interested has until the 22 September 2017 to submit their application, which can be found on our website.

The Service welcomes applications from all sections of our community; there are great opportunities available for everyone.  We are an inclusive employer and benefit from the strengths and skills that diversity within our workforce brings. 

Traditionally we have very low application rates from females from all communities and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities so we are holding events to promote the Fire and Rescue Service as a possible career opportunity.

We will be holding four ‘have a go’ events as part of this current campaign, which offer potential applicants a taste of what it might be like to be a firefighter. These events form part of our positive action to promote applications from under-represented areas of the community, ensuring a Service which reflects the community it serves.

All applicants must pass through our rigorous application and selection process to become one of our firefighters.

A female focused “have-a-go” event will be held on:

• Wednesday 30 August, 16.00 to 19.00 hours

Luton Community Fire Station, Studley Road, Luton LU3 1BB and;

• Saturday 2 September, 10.00 to 14.00 hours.

Bedford Community Fire Station, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB

A Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community focused “have-a-go” event will be held on:

• Saturday 2 September, 14.00 to 17.00

Luton Community Fire Station, Studley Road, Luton LU3 1BB and;

• Sunday 3 September, 10.00 to 14.00

Bedford Community Fire Station, Barkers Lane, Bedford MK41 9SB

These events will give people from under-represented groups thinking about joining the Fire and Rescue Service the opportunity to try a number of activities which may include:

     1.)    Safe working on a ladder;

     2.)    Equipment carrying;

     3.)    Manual dexterity, involving assembling and taking apart different items of equipment and;

     4.)    Wearing of protective clothing and breathing apparatus (BA) equipment

These activities will give everyone an opportunity to experience wearing and working in the full protective equipment to experience what it is like to work as a Firefighter.

The day will include a talk given by existing members outlining the recruitment process for Firefighter roles.  There will also be lots of opportunities during the day to ask questions with all the staff involved.

Robert Jones, Diversity Advisor, explains: "We believe we have an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for everyone in our community, and especially value interest from all currently under-represented groups, which include females from all communities and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities so that we have a truly diverse team of fire and rescue professionals."

Fiona Beck, Assessment and Selection Coordinator says: "We want everyone in our community to feel they can apply to be a firefighter and we continue to work toward a service that reflects the full range of different communities we serve.

"Positive Action events such as these are a lawful way for us to reach out to prospective new firefighters from areas where we are currently under represented."

To be a full-time firefighter you should live in Bedfordshire or within 10 miles of its border, be fit, over 18, have four GCSEs, be able to swim and have a full driving license (with no pending issues).

If you are interested in attending any of these events please contact Diversity@bedsfire.com for more information.

For more information on becoming a Firefighter and application details visit www.bedsfire.com/CareersandRecruitment