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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.

View our current vacancies
Our staff at Service Headquarters

Staff stories

Maisy

Maisy's story

We are keen to support young people through our apprenticeship schemes. Find out how working in the Fire Service has helped Maisy gain so many skills in marketing!

Maisy's story
Maria working at her laptop

Maria's story

Find out why joining the Fire Service was one of the best decisions Maria ever made.

Maria's story

Application process

Step one

Completing your application

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.

Seven top tips for your application

Step two

Assessment and interview

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

Medical and references

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

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Pension scheme

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All new starters can join the local government pension scheme.

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Holiday

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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.

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Family leave

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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.

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Someone to talk to

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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.

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Physiotherapy

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Every member of staff can have sessions with a physiotherapist for free, helping you maintain your physical health.

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Free gym access

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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.

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Fitness coaching

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From dietary plans to exercise advice, we’ll support you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with support from our fitness team.

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Eye care

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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.

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Free parking

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There is free parking for staff at Service Headquarters.

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Discounts

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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.

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Affordable healthcare

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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.

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Sports and social

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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!

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Progression

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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.

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Flexible working

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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

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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.

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Electric vehicles

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

FAQs

Can I apply if I have a disability?

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Absolutely. We consider everyone on an individual basis and we'll support you during your application process and throughout your time in the Service. We have a support group for people with disabilities.

 

I have dyslexia, what support is in place for me?

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We have a support group for people with neurodiversity, (including dyslexia) and will support you during your application process and throughout your time in the Service.

Got any questions?

Get in touch. We'd be happy to help.

Email us

Pay rates

Find out more

Embracing equal opportunities

Find out more

Looking after our people

Find out more

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      • Community Risk Management Plan
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      • Request information
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        • Request a careers talk
    • Education and young people
        • Early years, reception and year one
        • Primary schools
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        • Fire starting behaviour in children
        • Young drivers
        • Join the fire cadets
        • Work experience
        • Fire station visits by youth groups

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