1. Where Are We Recruiting?
The first question we have to ask is, "Where do you live and/or work?" The reason for this is that Retained Duty System (RDS) Firefighters
carry alerters when on duty and need to be at the Fire Station and ready to turn out within 5 minutes, at normal road speeds, typically from
home or their place of work. Because of this requirement, the majority of people living in East Sussex unfortunately do not meet this
essential criteria.
Not all Fire Stations in East Sussex have RDS crews. Below is a list that do, with those currently recruiting listed first. If you live in
one of the areas where we are not currently recruiting, you can still apply to us and we will contact you when vacancies arise.
Currently recruiting
- Barcombe
- Battle
- Bexhill
- Broad Oak
- Burwash
- Crowborough
- Forest Row
- Heathfield
- Herstmonceux
- Lewes
- Mayfield
- Newhaven
- Pevensey
- Rye
- Seaford
- The Ridge
- Uckfield
- Wadhurst
Not currently recruiting
Please note, there are no RDS vacancies available in Brighton or Eastbourne.
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2. The Role of RDS Firefighters.
Contrary to some misconceptions, there is no 'Retained Fire Service'. The Retained Duty System is just that: one of three Duty Systems (alongside Shift and Day Crewed) that combine to provide operational fire cover across the County of East Sussex. All Firefighters in East Sussex are trained to respond to the same incidents, be they fires, Road Traffic Collisions, animal rescues etc, regardless of the Duty System they work within. RDS Firefighters are not a secondary or backup service, they are an integral part of the County's fire cover.
The Retained Duty System enables us to crew more Fire Appliances in some of the more rural and remote areas of the County, in the most cost effective way to the taxpayers of East Sussex.
Being a RDS Firefighter requires a high level of commitment, but brings rewards that are almost impossible to achieve in other jobs.
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3. Not Volunteers!
Over 90% of RDS Firefighters in East Sussex do their Firefighting work alongside their "normal" day job. We have office workers, people
running their own business and those at home during school hours to name a few.
RDS Firefighters are paid an annual Retaining Fee of up to £2,719, plus an hourly rate of up to £12.41 for any work undertaken for the
Service, including responding to incidents and training. Your annual earnings will depend largely on how much cover you can offer and how
often you get called out, but the average earned by RDS Firefighters in East Sussex last year was between £5,000 and £7,000*.
*gross average, 2006.
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4. The Entrance Process
Application Form
Applicants for RDS roles are asked to complete a short, straightforward Application Form, which gives us information on
your contact details, the cover you are able to offer and the distance you are from your local Fire Station.
At this stage, candidates are considered for the next stage of the process on the cover and distance elements
alone, we do not ask for any formal qualifications. We also ask for equality monitoring information at this stage,
although this is kept separate from your application details and is at no point used for selection purposes. It is
a legal requirement for us to ask for these details to ensure a fair and accessible process for all.
Written Tests
Elements of both the Written Tests and the Interview are designed to assess your attitudes and motivations against set
Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQAs, also known as Competencies). You are strongly advised to make yourself familiar
with these, as this will give you an idea of what we are assessing against. These can be found at the IPDS website
This stage requires candidates to complete a series of written, multiple choice tests. Candidates will be required to pass all of the following tests:
- National Firefighter Questionnaire
- Working with Numbers
- Understanding Information
- Situational Awareness and Problem Solving
Candidates with conditions such as dyslexia will be given the opportunity to make themselves known before the tests to the
assessment team. You will be asked what reasonable adjustments, if any, you require to undertake the tests and we will
endeavour to implement these wherever possible.
Physical Tests
These tests are designed to test fitness and the ability to understand and apply information. They are related to the
actual tasks a firefighter will have to do once appointed. Candidates are no longer asked to undertake a "bleep test".
The tests are timed and consist of the following:
-
A ladder climb - This test involves climbing a 13.5 metre ladder and carrying out a selected task within a time limit. This test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line.
-
Casualty evacuation - This will involve a simulated rescue of a casualty from an open space. This test involves upper and lower body strength and stamina.
-
Ladder lift - This test involves lifting the weight of a ladder within a time limit to simulate housing a ladder back on an appliance. This will test upper and lower body strength.
-
Enclosed space - This involves negotiating through a measured crawlway wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask within a set time. Half the route will be with clear vision, the other half with obscured vision. You will also be required to perform tasks during the test.
-
Equipment assembly - This aims to test the ability of a candidate to comprehend and follow instructions. The candidate will be asked to assemble and de-assemble a piece of equipment following a series of diagrams within a given time frame.
-
Equipment carry - A variety of equipment will need to be carried to a fire scene within a specific time limit. This tests aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina.
Interview
You will be required to attend an interview. This will last for approximately 45 minutes and will consist of questions designed to demonstrate ways in which you meet the relevant Fire Service Personal Qualities and Attributes.
Medical
You will be required to undergo a full medical examination by the Service Occupational Health Department. The purpose of
the medical is to assess your general level of health and to ensure you are fit to take on the role of a firefighter.
A medical report from your GP will be applied for, for which your consent will be required. Any conditions you may have
are assessed on an individual basis - there are no "blanket bans" on conditions such as Asthma and Diabetes and we do not
ask for 20:20 vision. All conditions are assessed in line with the requirements of the job.
The Decision
Following the medical process, candidates will be advised whether they are likely to be offered a position within the
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service. References will also be taken and you will be required to undergo a Criminal Records
Bureau check.
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5. A Shortcut to Wholetime?
We are often asked if joining as a RDS Firefighter will help individuals get a job as a Wholetime Firefighter.
The answer is that as things stand, different Services across the Country have differing practices in this area. Within
East Sussex, it is currently not possible to transfer from being a Retained Duty System Firefighter to a Wholetime
Firefighter. However, it is possible to gain promotion from the RDS to Wholetime supervisory and middle management
roles through standard selection processes.
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6. How to apply
If you are interested in finding out more please ring the advert helpline on 01323 462349 and leave your name and address
so we can send you an information pack or email personnel@esfrs.org
We now run a rolling recruitment process, enabling you to apply at any time. However, this will mean that timescales
between your application and the next stage of the process may vary.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue is an Equal Opportunities employer. It aims to ensure that no job applicant receives less
favourable treatment on any grounds.
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7. Links
ESFRS can not be held responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Networking Women in the Fire Service Formed in 1993, NWFS was established as a
self-help group for women in the Fire and Rescue Service. There is a wide variety of people involved, including
firefighters, control staff, administrative and support staff and members of airport and works fire services.
Since its formation, NWFS has sought to influence the equality agenda. The network is recognised nationally, holding a seat
on the National Fire Services Practitioners' Forum, amongst other inputs to the local and national agenda. NWFS also
nurtures strong international links with other women's networks, such as Germany, the USA and Australia, including
attendance at each other's seminars and events.
FBU LGBT Group The group was set up by gay and lesbian firefighters who are "out"
in the workplace and felt they were in a position to help others within the UK fire service. Within the group's ten year
existence, we have achieved official recognition with the FBU, as well as representing the FBU in forums which were once
untouched. We also have an extensive network to support and advise (LGBT) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual members
(firefighters, officers and control staff) who may feel isolated or harassed.
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