Can I become a volunteer firefighter?
Our volunteers support the overall work of the Fire and Rescue Service. There are a few volunteer fire services in the UK but these are usually in very rural areas of England or Wales or in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. As a general rule, all firefighters in the UK are paid. You can find out more about applying to be an on-call firefighter at www.dwfire.org.uk/be-one-of-us
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
If you wish to volunteer for one of our roles, please email [email protected] to express an interest. Please let us know what role you wish to volunteer for and what area you live in.
How long does the process take?
Each volunteer will need to complete an Expression of Interest, this will be considered by the relevant team. If you have the skills we are looking for, we will invite you in for an informal chat. You will need to complete a full DBS before you can start volunteering for us, therefore the process could take a couple of months to complete.
How much time do I need to devote to volunteering?
Each role is different and potential time commitment is listed in the role description for that role. These are not set in stone and some of the roles are seasonal.
Am I restricted to one station/area?
As a rule, volunteers tend to stay in their local area; however, this is not a restriction and they are free to move throughout the Service area.
Do I get a uniform?
All volunteers are issued with a role-specific uniform, which they are expected to wear whilst on duty. This is the property of the Service and must be returned when you stop volunteering. All volunteers are also issued with an ID card and station access.
Can I apply for more than one role?
You can apply for as many roles as you like, however we would suggest you start with one role and then add additional roles once you are settled in, you may be surprised what you want to do.
How long does it take to get my DBS application?
All volunteers have a DBS check. Unfortunately, these can take up to three months to come through, this is not a reflection on the outcome of the check, some police services take longer to process them. The time it takes is totally out of our hands.
Can I claim expenses?
All volunteers are eligible to claim for out of pocket expenses, this includes all journeys taken to and from volunteering activities. These claims are made through expense forms and are paid directly into your bank account, they take approximately two weeks to process.
My family member or friend is in the Service, can I still apply?
Anyone can apply for any of the roles that are currently available, all applications are treated equally no matter what relationship they are to current volunteers or staff.
Will I have computer access?
Our volunteers have access to all the information they need via their own volunteer portal, which is available on their own devices. There is no need for volunteers to have access to the Service network.
Do I need transport?
Some roles require travel, although many are more locally based. If you don’t have transport, it is at times possible to arrange lifts with other volunteers attending events.
If I am a volunteer, will I be able to become a firefighter?
There is no natural progression from volunteering to becoming a firefighter; however, if this is your aim, we will do all we can to help you. All recruits go through the same process and must achieve the same standard, no matter if they are a member of the public, member of staff or volunteer.