Common Questions

Would somebody’s physical size have any bearing on their application?

A candidate’s physical size does not have any bearing on their application. This is a popular misconception due to the fact that there used to be restrictions on height, weight and chest expansion. Candidates are expected to pass strength and fitness tests as part of the process. These are at a level that is achievable by men and women of all different sizes and builds.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Due to both the volume of people who show an interest in joining the Fire Service, (particularly as a Wholetime Firefighter) and the length of time the selection procedure takes, it can take between 6 - 12 months for applicants to complete the recruitment application and test process.

What if I have got a criminal record, will it prevent me from applying?

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. If you have a conviction that not spent you must mention it on your application. If however, you have a conviction that is spent you may wish to mention it as some Fire Service roles are engaged in the provision of supervision and training to people under the age of 18. Following any disclosure, a panel will consider the nature of the conviction, its relevance to the role of Firefighter, the sentence, patterns of offending and the length of time since the offence. An assessment will then be carried out to identify the risks to the Service's business, customers, clients and employees. A decision will be made by the panel as to whether your application can proceed and this will take place at an early stage in the recruitment process. Before an offer of employment is made a disclosure document from the Criminal Records Bureau may be obtained. If a conviction is highlighted that you have not declared, your application may be withdrawn from the recruitment process.

If you have any concerns relating to this then you can contact the Recruitment Manager and speak with someone in confidence.

How long will my training be and how long will it take to qualify?

Your training is split into phases.

Initial Training is 13 weeks for a Wholetime Firefighter. For a Retained Duty System Firefighter the initial training course spans a number of week days and weekends.

From this Wholetime Firefighter’s will study for a NVQ Level 3, which typically takes 2-3 years to achieve. Once you have completed the NVQ you are deemed qualified.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

No formal qualifications are required to join the Humberside Fire & Rescue Service, but a written test has to be passed before proceeding with the physical assessments. Any qualifications you bring into the Fire Service may be relevant when working towards promotion.

Can I choose which station to work at?

For personnel applying to become a Wholetime Firefighter the answer, unfortunately is no, whilst we will endeavour to place all new employees at a station that does not cause any inconvenience in relation to travel arrangements etc. we must also take into account where the service has vacancies.

However, for someone applying to become a Retained Firefighter they must live or work within 5 minutes (driving at normal road speed) of one of the 22 Retained fire stations in the Humberside Fire & Rescue Service area.

I have a beard for religious religions; will I have to shave this off in order to be a Firefighter?

Sadly, yes. The Humberside Fire & Rescue Service respects your religious needs however there are health and safety reasons why facial hair below the top lip cannot be accepted. As a Firefighter you will be required to wear a facemask when you are wearing breathing apparatus. To ensure that the facemask forms a seal around the face, it is necessary to keep the face shaven to prevent any dangerous airborne chemicals entering the facemask.

I wear glasses/have had corrective eye surgery can I apply?

Yes, part of the Recruitment process will include all applicants having to visit an optician who will provide a report. The eyesight standards as provided to the optician are as follows:

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 binocularly, and a minimum of 6/12 in the worse eye. The minimum uncorrected vision for recruits should be 6/18 in the better eye and 6/24 in the worse eye.

The optician will also be asked whether you have undergone any significant surgery to either eye, including implants or radical keratotomy. Please note that laser eye treatment is considered on an individual basis.

The report will be forwarded to our Occupational Health Advisor for a decision as to your suitability for the role of a Firefighter.

I have a disability, can I still apply?

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 has now been amended and firefighters are no longer exempt from the Act. This means that anyone who considers themselves to have a disability can apply to join the fire service. A disability is defined by the Act as:

'Anyone who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities'

You will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process and to give details of the type of adjustments you may require in order to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a Firefighter, should you be successful. Each case will be considered on an individual basis and a risk assessment carried out. If reasonable adjustments can be made to enable you to take part in the selection process and to fulfil the role of a Firefighter then your application will proceed.

I am dyslexic, will I be able to cope with the written tests?

Dyslexia is considered to be a disability (and therefore the Disability Discrimination Act applies) and you will be asked if you have a disability as part of the recruitment process. You should answer yes so that we can then make reasonable adjustments for you at the relevant stages of the selection process. We normally ask for a report to confirm the type and extent of your dyslexia and then use this information to determine the reasonable adjustment that can be made. For example, this may mean that you are given additional time in the written tests.

Can I have a second job?

The Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has a policy on Wholetime Firefighters holding secondary employment. Wholetime employees cannot engage in this without first obtaining written approval from the Chief Fire Officer / Chief Executive.

Do I need to hold a full driving licence to become a Firefighter?

We do not insist upon personnel holding a full UK driving licence. However, it is the responsibility of the employee to ensure that they arrive, on time and ready for duty at any designated location as may be determined.

The Service is not responsible for the acquisition of a full driving licence, for making transport arrangements on behalf of employees, or for reimbursing costs incurred due to travelling to or from a place of employment unless designated within the Conditions of Service or by local agreement.

What do the different coloured watches mean?

The operational staff at each Wholetime station are split into four shifts called watches, red, green, blue and white. The reason for the four watches is so we provide a continual service 24 hours a day.

Are you allowed to smoke?

The Service has a smoking policy in order for all of its premises.