Is there an age limit to apply for the Wholetime 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?
Unfortunately, candidates must be available to attend all elements of the selection process as part of the recruitment campaign, we are usually unable to offer any rescheduled dates.
I currently hold a provisional driving licence, can I still apply?
No, you must hold a full driving licence at the point of application, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who hold provisional licences, including candidates who have driving tests booked in the near future.
My passport is currently out of date but I do have a valid driving licence, will this be OK?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 two valid forms of ID to be able to apply for your 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. If the Disclosure Certificate highlights any convictions which are unspent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, 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?
Yes, usually our recruitment process requires all applicants to complete the same process, this includes the online Ability Tests measuring Verbal, Numerical, and Mechanical reasoning.
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?
In order to ensure a secure seal for breathing apparatus, firefighters must not have any facial hair within this area for health and 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.
What if I wear a religious headdress?
Some faiths require an individual to wear a particular head covering or the hair in a certain way. The Service allows this wherever it does not interfere with the wearing of PPE. For example, a firefighter could wear a turban in any circumstances where other headwear is not required but must be prepared to remove it to put on a helmet.
I fast for religious reasons, will that prevent me from becoming a firefighter?
If you are fasting during Ramadan, as an example, we will work with you during operational duties to accommodate your needs. This is to support and protect you, your colleagues and your community for health and safety reasons.
Are there any geographical restrictions to this recruitment process?
No, this is a national recruitment campaign.
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.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive we are not able to provide applicants with individual results or feedback from the assessments.