Support staff roles
You don’t have to be a firefighter to help save lives and keep our community safe. We have over 200 support staff working behind the scenes to help us achieve our vision and keep our organisation running smoothly.
Staff stories
Application process
Step one
You’ll need to fill in the application form for the role advertised. Describe your employment history, and take the time to detail how your knowledge and skills relate to those needed for the role. Two references will need to be given.
Step two
If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview and to complete some tests (depending on the role). These include:
- psychometric testing– a timed test to assess your skills and abilities in literacy, numeracy, mechanical understanding etc
- occupational personality questionnaire – this looks at the ways you behave and understands your personality traits
- practical job-related tasks – to assess your skills and knowledge through presentations or task observations etc.
In the interview, a panel made up of three Service employees (normally a line manager and representative from Human Resources) will ask you specific questions.
Step three
Appointment of the role is then subject to proof of nationality, eligibility to work in the UK, receipt of satisfactory references and a medical questionnaire.
Benefits
Pension scheme
All new starters can join the local government pension scheme.
Holiday
You’ll get a generous annual leave allowance. The minimum leave allowance is 23 days, plus bank holidays. This will rise depending on grade and length of service.
Family leave
We’re committed to making sure that our staff have the ability to balance their career with their role as a parent or carer too. You can read more about family leave.
Someone to talk to
Life has its challenges, but with us you’ll never have to face them alone. Everyone in the organisation has free access to counselling, and support is also available for family members too. We also have trained staff supporters and mental health first aiders who are there whenever you need someone to talk to. As members of the Service, you and your family can access physical, emotional and social support through The Fire Fighters Charity whether you’re currently serving or retired. Find out more on the Fire Fighters Charity website.
Physiotherapy
Every member of staff can have sessions with a physiotherapist for free, helping you maintain your physical health.
Free gym access
With a free on-site gym at Service Headquarters, it’s even easier for you to stay fit and healthy; no matter what role you’re in.
Fitness coaching
From dietary plans to exercise advice, we’ll support you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with support from our fitness team.
Eye care
We recognise that some roles mean you spend a lot of time looking at a screen. That’s why you’ll get a voucher towards an eye test every two years, and for those who qualify under current DSE regulations, a contribution towards the cost of your glasses.
Free parking
There is free parking for staff at Service Headquarters.
Discounts
In addition to the Blue Light Card scheme which gives members of emergency services discounts both online and on the high street, there is also a wide range of shopping discounts and offers available to all staff on our Employee Benefits Platform.
Affordable healthcare
We’ve teamed up with award-winning healthcare provider, Benenden Health, a mutual not-for-profit society, to give our staff access to a wide range of healthcare services (such as round-the-clock reassurance from a GP). All members pay the same low monthly fee regardless of age and any pre-existing medical conditions.
Sports and social
From martial arts to mountaineering, there are lots of staff-run activity groups you can sign up to, offering a space to socialise and boost your fitness in a fun way!
Progression
We'll help you reach your goals. Whatever your career ambitions, there are lots of opportunities to progress in the Service, and we have a dedicated training academy too.
Flexible working
Picking up your little ones from school, taking your pooch to doggy daycare or simply needing time for life admin. Work and home can be a balancing act, which is why we offer a flexible approach to working.
You can work flexibly between our core hours of 8am to 6pm, as long as your working hours are met.
Cycle to work
Once you have successfully completed your probation, our Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme is a Government backed initiative that enables you to obtain a bike and/or cycling accessories to use for riding to work, whilst making tax and National Insurance savings from your gross pay.
Electric vehicles
Once you have successfully completed your probation, eligible staff can apply for our Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, which enables you to obtain a fully insured and maintained brand-new electric car whilst making tax and National Insurance savings from your gross pay (terms and conditions apply, may not be suitable to all circumstances).
Values
We are proud to help
We show this by doing what we say we will do and seeing things through to the end, demonstrating high standards, working hard and doing our best to get the right outcomes, being motivated, keen and willing to give things a go
We are honest
We show this by being open, clear and realistic, admitting and learning from mistakes, showing trust and being trustworthy, being responsible and accountable.
We are respectful
We show this by being consistent and giving credit where it's due, always being polite, considerate and treating people fairly, genuinely listening, involving and engaging others, being inclusive to all.
We are working together
We show this by understanding others needs and appreciating their demands, positively challenging, sharing ideas and giving feedback, supporting others and giving practical help and advice, being willing to adapt and change to get the best results.