Basic selection criteria - Firefighter

We recruit a diverse range of people to become firefighters. Whatever your background gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation you’ll be treated with equal respect. We do however, have some basic but essential standards that that all our recruits must meet.

• To be considered for selection as a firefighter you must be at least 18 years old at commencement of your training course
• You will need to be either a UK/EU citizen or permanent resident of the UK
• You will be required to pass written and certain physical and job related tests
• You will be required to undergo stringent medical and eye examination
• You will be required to obtain a standard criminal records bureau check

As an employer the Fire Authority is subject to the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It could be guilty of committing a criminal offence if it employed someone who does not have permission to be in or to work in the United Kingdom. The Fire Authority reserves the right therefore to request relevant documentation from all those offered employment to satisfy its obligations in this respect.

Successful applicants must undertake a medical examination by our qualified Occupational Health Physician/Service Medical Advisor to ensure they are fit to undertake firefighting duties.

Successful applicants will also be asked to arrange an eyesight examination prior to attending their medical. You must have an appropriate level of colour perception, if you are found to be colour blind, we will send you for more tests to determine if you can work safely in a safety critical environment. You must have a minimum visual acuity of 6/9 in both eyes.

The role of a firefighter will often include coming into contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults, successful applicants will be required to obtained a criminal records bureau check.

If you have a previous criminal record, this will not necessarily disqualify you from employment. All applications are considered strictly on their merit and in particular whether the offence has a bearing on your suitability for employment having regard to the duties of a firefighter. However, you are required to declare any offence for which the conviction is not yet spent within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must declare any charges that are pending; a subsequent conviction could lead to you being discharged from the Service. Generally speaking, there are fixed rehabilitation periods for specific offences.

Further guidance on the Act can be found in Home Office booklet "A Guide to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974" issued by HM Stationery Officer. If you are in any doubt about your declaration you should seek independent legal advice.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to equality and diversity at work. We positively welcome applications from disabled people and under represented groups. For the health and safety of our employees, we operate a no smoking policy.