Retained Duty System Recruitment Process

The recruitment of Firefighters needs to be timely process taking into account current staffing levels and predicted leavers. The Humberside Fire & Rescue Service operates a continual recruitment process, which means we will accept applications throughout the year.

There are 5 stages to the application process and candidates have to pass each stage before progressing on to the next.

The selection tests are based on the National Firefighter Selection process, which can take many months to complete.

At the end of the application and assessment process the Service will determine how many vacancies we have, look at the number of people who have applied and been successful at every stage and then allocate a training course to address the vacancy situation.

The application stages are as follows:

Stage 1

Initial submission of the application form and Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA’s).

The information you provide to us on your application form is the only information we will use in deciding whether or not you are to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Previous applications and/or prior knowledge of you are not taken into account, even if you already work for the Fire Authority.

Therefore, it is very important that you take your time and complete the application form fully and as accurately as possible. In doing so, you should not underestimate the time you will need to prepare and complete the form.

Curriculum Vitaes (CV) are not accepted. If a CV is received from you, it will not be considered during the selection process. You are required to complete the Fire and Rescue Service Application Form.

As part of an application package, the candidate will receive a great deal of information. You must read all the information thoroughly. This information tells you what we are looking for and should help you to sell yourself. Many applicants fail the application form stage because they have not read the information or followed instructions.

The form must be completed by you. All the questions should be answered.

Stage 2

Written Ability Test & Police Record Check.

This section forms part of the National Firefighter Ability Tests which are made up of the following tests:

Declaration of Criminal Offences

If you have a record of offence(s), this will not necessarily disqualify you as all applications are considered strictly on their merits. However, you are required to declare any offence for which the conviction is not yet ‘spent’ within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Incorporating the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act [Exceptions] Order 1975 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 [Exceptions] [Amendment] Order 1986). You are advised to declare any charge that is pending; a subsequent conviction could lead to you being dismissed from the Service.

Broadly, the Act provides for anyone who has ever been convicted of a criminal offence and not sentenced to more than 2.5 years in prison to become a ‘Rehabilitated Person’ at the end of the Rehabilitation period, provided there have been no further convictions. At the end of this period, the conviction is considered ‘spent’ and thus to be treated as if it never happened. There is no requirement to disclose ‘spent’ convictions. These sentences have fixed rehabilitation periods.

Sentence Rehabilitation Period - People aged under 18 when convicted Rehabilition Period - People aged 18 or over when convicted
Prison sentences* of 6 months or less 3 ½ years 7 years
Prison sentences* of more than 6 months to 2 and a half years 5 years 10 years
Borstal (abolished 1983) 7 years 7 years
Detention Centres (abolished in 1988) 3 years 3 years
Fines, compensation, community service, combination and curfew orders 2 ½ years 5 years
Absolute Discharge 6 months 6 months

*Including suspended sentences, youth custody (abolished 1988) and detention in a young offender institution.

Further guidance on the Act can be found in the Home Office Booklet “A Guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974” issued by HM Stationery Office. If you are in any doubt about your declaration, you can get legal advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau, local Law Centre etc.

Note: As part of your application to become a Firefighter, we will make an application to the Criminal Records Bureau to investigate if you have a current criminal record.

Stage 3

Practical Selection Tests

There are currently six tests that make up the National Firefighter Physical Tests. These are Enclosed Space, Ladder Climb, Casualty Evacuation, Ladder Lift, Equipment Assembly and Equipment Carry.

Enclosed Space

Whilst wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask, you will be required to negotiate a measured crawl-way, within a set time. You will also be required to perform specific tasks during the test. Full instructions will be given prior to the commencement of the test.

Ladder Climb

The test will consist of you ascending a fully extended 13.5 metre ladder to approximately two-thirds of its extended height. At this position you will take a ‘leg lock’, remove your hands from the ladder, look down and identify a symbol on the ground and then descend the ladder. You will have to perform this within a specified time.

Casualty Evacuation

You will be required to drag a 55kg casualty walking backwards (guided by an assessor) around a 30 metre course. You will have to perform this within a specified time.

Ladder Lift/Lower Simulation

You will be required to raise the free end of the pivoted ladder arm supported 75 cm off the ground to a height of 182 cm and back down to the 75 cm support. The weight of the ladder at the lifting point will start at 5 kg. The maximum load to be added is 15 kg. This is to be completed within a specified time.

Equipment Assembly

Testing Manual Dexterity

You will be required to assemble and dissemble an item of hydraulic lifting equipment and follow the diagrams provided. This is to be completed within a specified time.

Equipment Carry

Testing Aerobic Fitness, Muscular Strength and Stamina. You will be required to:

You will have to perform the full test within a specified time.

Stage 4

Interview

The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidates experience in relation to five of the Firefighter’s personal qualities and attributes (PQA’s).

Stage 5

References and Medical Check

You are asked to supply the names of at least one but preferably two people who can be contacted for a character reference. Preferably these people should have known you well for at least three years.

It is important that referees are willing to supply us with details regarding your character. You should therefore contact them to verify this prior to submitting their names. Note: Serving Police Officers cannot give you a reference.

Medical Check

A full medical examination will be carried out by the Service Occupational Health Team.

You will be invited to attend the Occupational Health Section at Beverley for a medical and fitness assessment.

You will be asked questions about your health and any disabilities/medical needs you may have. You will then be seen by an occupational health consultant (Dr) who will review the test results and may need to examine you.

In line with the data protection act, we do not divulge any medical information to anyone outside of occupational health without your written consent.

As the Humberside Fire & Rescue Service carry out an annual Operational Fitness Assessment on all personnel who may be required to attend operational incidents, each applicant will be required to take part in a fitness assessment which will be carried out by a Fitness Adviser as part of your medical. The assessment is a Covox Test which is a proven cardio pulmonary assessment for measuring aerobic capacity.

On successful completion of Stage 5 you will receive a letter confirming your success. When vacancies have been determined and a Training Course allocated you will be issued a contact of employment and a start date for your initial training.

Self Assessment...

Is the role of Firefighter suitable for me?

Are you prepared to spend time studying and sitting exams over a three year period, working towards an NVQ level 3 in Firefighter Operations in the Community?

Are you willing to work at nights, weekends and public holidays including Christmas and New Year?

Are you ready to work outdoors in cold, arduous conditions for long periods through both the day and night?

Are you able to carry out menial, time consuming tasks that may appear unnecessary or worthwhile at times?

Are you aware that less than 10% of a Firefighter’s time is taken up actually responding to emergencies?

Are you mentally strong enough to deal with highly stressful situations in a positive and professional manner?

Still Interested?

Please contact the Learning and Development Section and ask to speak to the Recruitment Manager on 01482 628100. Alternatively contact the Recruitment Manager at:

Recruitment Manager
Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
Unit 2 - Waterside Business Park
Livingstone Road
Kingston upon Hull
HU13 0EG

The Recruitment Manager will provide you with information regarding your nearest Retained Duty System fire station.

Please note, there is a particular requirement for people who are available to respond to emergencies during weekday working hours (9am – 5pm).

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