Equality and Diversity

Response to positive action taster days

Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service 

We acknowledge there has been some criticism of the way the Service has organised its upcoming taster days.

The criticism has largely focussed on our decision to hold separate taster days for specific groups, namely women, LGBT+ and Black and minority ethnic groups. 

As a Service we are trying very hard to address issues that may be persuading some people from these groups that a career in the fire service is not suitable for them.  

By holding taster days tailored to address issues such as this, we believe we have a much better opportunity to dispel misunderstandings and provide people with good, accurate information.

We also want to reassure people that the modern fire and rescue service can offer them a fulfilling and rewarding career. 

Taster days are not recruitment days. They are an opportunity for under-represented groups in the fire service to find out more about working as a firefighter and to encourage them to apply for future vacancies.   

Taster days are positive action, they are not recruitment sessions.   

There are no quotas.   

When we have vacancies we employ the best that apply and only those that meet the standards. 

Positive action is frequently confused with positive discrimination. 

Taster days are an example of positive action, raising awareness amongst those groups, under-represented in our workforce. 
Positive discrimination is illegal and we would not act unlawfully.

A modern day firefighter is a public service role. As well as fighting fires and responding to emergenices, they work in schools and with young people, giving talks to community groups, supporting the vulnerable and most importantly working in people’s homes to prevent incidents.   

We want to be an inclusive service that reflects the communitiy we serve. To do that we want the best people to apply regardless of their age, gender, race or lifestyle for this diverse role. 

We have provided some responses to frequently asked questions that will be helpful in understanding why we carry out positive action. 

Submitted by Maria Bagnall on Tue, 28/07/2020 - 12:51

Wholetime firefighter taster day - BAME/Women/LGBT+

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to those who identify as Black, Asian and minority ethnics, women or LGBT+ and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Tue, 14/07/2020 - 14:55

Wholetime firefighter taster day - Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to those who identify as Black, Asian and minority ethnics and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Tue, 14/07/2020 - 14:50

Wholetime firefighter taster day - Women

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to women and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Tue, 14/07/2020 - 14:46

Wholetime firefighter taster day - LGBT+

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to those who identify as LGBT+ and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Tue, 14/07/2020 - 14:41

Wholetime firefighter taster day - Women

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to women and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Tue, 14/07/2020 - 14:37

Wholetime firefighter taster day - Black, Asian and Minority ethnic groups

Be part of our future

Ever wondered what it takes to become a wholetime firefighter?

In preparation for recruitment later this year, come along to one of our taster days for:

  • Recruitment information
  • Career information
  • A chance to use firefighting equipment
  • A try-out of the physical tests
  • The opportunity to talk to some of our firefighters

This session is only open to those who identify as Black, Asian and minority ethnic people and takes place at:

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Mon, 13/07/2020 - 10:37

Ready Willing and Able to go extra mile to support their communities

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is taking part in the National Fire Chiefs Council’s  (NFCC) "Ready Willing and Able" campaign which launches today (April 15 l) which will show how fire and rescue services in the UK are going the extra mile to protect and support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firefighters and support staff across Shropshire will be sharing stories on social media about how they’re using their wide range of skills to provide community reassurance and help, in response to the national crisis.

Submitted by Maria Bagnall on Wed, 15/04/2020 - 14:12

National award for dyslexia support

More than 100 finalists, sponsors and guests gathered at Twickenham Rugby Stadium for the annual British Dyslexia Association Awards this weekend where Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service scooped a top award. (Friday 29, November)

The ‘Organisation Award’ recognises support provided by the Service to employees living with dyslexia, including specialised equipment, one-to-one support, dyslexia awareness training for managers and personalised tuition.

Submitted by Laura Newsome on Mon, 02/12/2019 - 15:11

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