Is there an age limit to apply for the On Call firefighter recruitment process?
There is no upper age limit, however you must be at least 17 years and 6 months at the time of application to ensure you turn 18 by the time you commence training.
Are there any minimum or maximum height restrictions for a firefighter?
No, there is no minimum or maximum height requirement to becoming a firefighter.
I am unable to attend the specified dates for the selection process – can I reschedule?
Candidates must be available to attend all elements of the selection process as part of the recruitment process. If you cannot make a date offered to you, we will be in touch to arrange an alternative date.
I currently hold a provisional driving licence, can I still apply?
Yes, but you must be able to get to the station within the required response time.
My passport is currently out of date but I do have a valid driving licence, will this be OK?
In order to satisfy the photo identification requirement, as long as your driving licence is a current full UK photo-card driving licence and not the old paper version, this will be an acceptable form of photo identification.
As long as you still resemble the photo in your expired (UK/EU) passport, this will be acceptable ID to prove you have the right to work in the UK, however we will need three valid forms of ID to be able to apply for your Standard DBS check if you are successful. Please contact [email protected] if you are not sure whether you have adequate ID documents.
I have a criminal conviction, can I still apply?
You will not be able to commence the role until a satisfactory Disclosure Certificate has been received. All our appointments are subject to a standard DBS check which
includes more than a Basic DBS check. It will include all unspent cautions and convictions, but also some spent ones. Some spent cautions and convictions are not included (these are known as protected or filtered offences).
For further guidance please refer to the website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-check-eligible-positions-guidance.
If the Disclosure Certificate highlights any convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions), the application will be referred to the HR Resourcing and Workforce Planning Manager to review and assess whether the candidate is suitable for the role.
I already hold Maths and English qualifications at Level 2, do I still have to do the online tests?
No, but the Behavioural Style Questionnaire and Situations Judgement Test is required for all applicants, See Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service | Online tests (dwfire.org.uk) for more information.
Would a payslip be sufficient evidence of my National Insurance number?
You will need to bring along an official document which shows your National Insurance number to the fitness test. Examples of these are: P45, P60, National Insurance Card, National Insurance Letter.
I have tattoos / piercings, can I still apply?
Provided your tattoos are not deemed offensive or contradictory to the Service’s values or public image, it is acceptable to have tattoos which are visible. However, facial tattoos are not generally permitted as it is felt they may detract from the positive public image of the Service. An assessment would be made on an individual basis to take into account religious and cultural beliefs. You will be asked to remove piercings as a matter of health & safety to participate in the recruitment process or during working hours if you are successfully appointed, however this will not prevent you from applying.
I have a beard, can I still apply?
Firefighters must be cleanly shaven in order for breathing apparatus to make a seal for safety reasons. If your facial hair has a religious significance, we require that facial hair must be removed from areas where a BA mask seals on the face in order to achieve a satisfactory seal.
Are there any geographical restrictions to this recruitment process?
Yes, you must live or work within responding distance of the station.
What is the pass mark for the online assessments?
Applicants will receive an email informing them whether they have been successful at each stage of the online tests.