Have you got what it takes to be a Firefighter?

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1 Have you got what it takes to be a Firefighter? 1 Could you cope with working regular night shifts and working weekends/public holidays? YES/NO 2 Could you communicate important information to groups of children and adults? 3 Can you get on with people from different backgrounds and cultures? 4 Can you work as part of a close-knit team? 5 Can you work under pressure? 6 Can you think on your feet and solve problems? 7 Do you have the sensitivity to deal with members of the public when they are distressed, confused or being obstructive? 8 Can you take responsibility for representing the Fire and Rescue Service in Wales, even when you re not working? 9 Are you committed to always maintaining and developing your skills? 10 Will you be able to take instructions from other people? 11 Are you committed to maintaining high levels of physical fitness? 12 Are you prepared to serve at any location covered by your Fire and Rescue Service? 13 Do you enjoy making things or finding out how things work? 14 Are you someone who can always be relied on to be somewhere on time? 15 Are you prepared to commit a minimum of 12 weeks of your life to your initial training? 16 Are you prepared to work outside in all types of weather conditions even when you do not know when a job might finish? If you have ticked most or all of these questions then a career as a Fire Fighter could be for you.

2 WHOLETIME DUTY SYSTEM (WDS) - FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT 2012 South Wales Fire & Rescue Service (SWFRS) is offering the opportunity for a satisfying, varied and exciting career as a WDS Firefighter. The role of the Firefighter has evolved over time and now involves much more than fighting fires. As a Firefighter you could deal with road, rail and air collisions, floods and chemical spills. You could also be involved in developing links with schools, youth groups, local organisations and vulnerable groups within the community. This side of the role is seen as vital in promoting fire safety advice and raising awareness of fire and accident risks. At all times, Firefighters are part of a highly trained team that is proud to provide an exemplary public service that is greatly appreciated by the communities of South Wales. Entry Requirements You need to be aged 17 and 6 months at the time of application, have a high level of fitness, good unaided vision and colour vision. You will be required to be successful at each stage of the recruitment process to allow progression to the next: Shortlisting of Application Form General Aptitude Tests at GCSE/ Key or Essential Skills Stage 2 Level (Working with Information Tests) Physical and Practical Assessment Interview and Role Play Exercises Medical Assessment Satisfactory References Successful Candidates Successful candidates will be held on file for up to 2 years and offered a position in line with organisational needs. On starting with SWFRS, you will undertake 12 weeks basic training before being posted to your allocated Fire Station. Following this, you will undertake training as part of your day-to-day role, including the completion of the NVQ Operations in the Community, Level 3. This will ensure that your potential is maximised and that you are kept up to date with the latest firefighting and specialist techniques. Career Development As your career develops, you will find that there are opportunities for promotion. This could mean that you take on additional responsibilities and possibly become involved in specialist roles, such as Fire Safety, Fire Investigation, Research and Development.

3 Our Values As an organisation, we place great importance on our four Core Values that are reflected in everything that we do. Our Core Values are: Service to the Community People Diversity Improvement Applications The Application Form is available for download from the following website: Please also ensure that you download the Firefighter Information Pack as this provides information that will help when completing the Application Form and further details of the stages of the recruitment process. The Application Form will be available for download from Friday 7th September until midday on Tuesday 11th September 2012 only. The closing date for the receipt of completed Application Forms is midday Monday 17th September The completed Application Form should be returned to: SWFRS Recruitment PO Box No. 135 Pontyclun CF72 ODP Please note: Only Application Forms received by this date via the PO Box No as detailed in the Firefighter Application Pack will be accepted. Please ensure that the correct postage is applied as SWFRS will not pay any excess postage and as such these Application Forms will not be included in the Recruitment Campaign. Application Forms will not be accepted by Fire Stations, Fire Service Headquarters or any Fire Service premises. Application Forms that are received at these locations will not be included in the Recruitment Campaign. SWFRS believes in the real value of having a diverse workforce and we proactively want to encourage applicants from all sectors of our communities to apply. This document is also available in Welsh.

4 Frequently Asked Questions Wholetime Duty System Recruitment What Qualifications do I need? Formal qualifications are not required for the role of Firefighter. However, it is desirable to have attained Literacy and Numeracy skills to Essential Skills Level 2 (Key Skills Level 2) or GCSE to Grade C or above. It s important to note that your numeracy and literacy levels will be tested within the Working with Information Tests used as part of the Selection Proces. 2 What if I have Criminal Convictions? All unspent convictions must be declared on your Application Form please note that convictions and cautions will not necessarily stop you from being considered. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, you do not have to declare spent convictions. If you are not sure if your convictions are spent, please refer to the Nacro Disclosure Service website where you can find a full list of the main sentences and orders and their rehabilitation periods. 3 Do I have to be a British Citizen? You can be of any Nationality to apply, provided that you have the permanent right to remain without restriction in the UK. European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens are automatically eligible to apply. 4 What are the wages? The wage for a Firefighter ranges from 21,157 to 28,199 per annum. 5 Is there an age limit? Candidates must be a minimum of 17 years and 6 months of age on the date of application and a minimum of 18 years of age on the first day of the Firefighter Training Course to be eligible to apply. There is no upper age limit.

5 7 Are there any height restrictions? There are no height restrictions. Within the Physical and Practical Assessments undertaken as part of the Selection Process, candidates will be assessed on their ability to carry out key physical requirements of the role. 8 Is it ok to have a tattoo or body piercing? In the interests of Health and Safety, all piercings must be removed before starting operational duty. Tattoos are acceptable providing that they could not be deemed as offensive. Tattoos are automatically unacceptable if they are rude, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent or intimidating. 9 How many jobs are there? The number of vacancies available depends on a number of factors such as retirement rates and organisational needs. We are therefore unable to provide specific numbers. 10 If I am successful, when will I start? Successful candidates will be placed on a list for up to 2 years. When vacancies arise, the highest performing candidates will be offered places on a 12 week training course. The first group of candidates will start their training course at the end of January If I am successful, will I be posted to a Station of my choice? All Firefighters will be placed according to where a vacancy exists. 12 How will I be assessed? The Selection Process consists of 5 stages and candidates will have to be successful at each individual stage to be invited to move onto the next. The stages are:- Application Stage Candidates are required to complete an Application Form demonstrating a positive approach to work and life. This is a highly competitive stage; Working with Information Tests Candidates will sit 4 tests designed to assess their Numeracy, Literacy, Problem Solving, Awareness of Risks and Personal Approach to Work and Life; Physical and Practical Assessments Candidates will undertake a series of tests designed to assess that they are able to fulfill the physical requirements of the Firefighting role; Interview and Role Play Exercises These exercises are designed to assess that the candidate has a positive approach to life and work; Medical Assessment This assessment is designed to test that candidates are medically fit to be able to undertake the duties of a Firefighter without putting themselves or others at risk. If you would like more information about any of these stages, please refer to the Information Pack.

6 13 If I m unsuccessful at any stage, can I re-sit? You have to be successful at each stage of the recruitment process to progress to the next. We do not have the facility to allow candidates to re-sit the process. 14 What if I can t make an assessment date? The dates of the assessments are made known at the beginning of the Recruitment Process. If you make us aware that you are unable to attend on a specific date in advance, we will endeavour to accommodate you. It cannot be guaranteed that we will be able to find a suitable alternative. 15 What if I have a medical issue? Decisions relating to whether or not your medical issue will prevent you from becoming a Firefighter can only be made following a detailed and individual assessment with our Occupational Health Team. If you currently have, or have had a medical condition which might present problems, the following general guidance should help you consider your medical suitability before applying. Any medical condition that would significantly increase risk of the following would be unacceptable: Sudden collapse or sudden incapacitation; Impaired judgement; Altered awareness; Substantial physical or psychological injury/ill health; Any other effect which would pose a substantial health and safety risk to yourself and others. 16 What if I have dyslexia? If you have dyslexia, or suspect you may have dyslexia, we are able to put appropriate measures in place to support you through the selection process. You will need to identify this on the Application Form and should you be shortlisted to the next stage, Working With Information Tests, you will be asked to submit an Assessment Report from an appropriately qualified health or education professional. This Assessment Report will help us identify how best we can support you, not only at selection stage but potentially throughout your Fire Service career. 17 I wear glasses, can I still apply? You must reach a minimum uncorrected (unaided) vision standard of 6/9 in each eye in order to be considered. 18 I think I m colour blind is this an issue? Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal colour vision are suitable for appointment to the Fire & Rescue Service. You will be tested to ensure that you meet these requirements using the Ishihara Test (2 errors maximum permissible).

7 19 I have had laser eye treatment, can I still apply? You are unable to apply to be a Firefighter until two years after the date of your treatment. At this stage, your eyesight will be tested in the usual manner to ensure that your eyesight meets the standard requirement of 6/9 in each eye. 20 What if I have Asthma? Asthma does not necessarily prevent you from becoming a Firefighter. Your condition will be assessed at the medical stage by our Occupational Health medical team, after which a decision will be made as to your suitability for the role of Firefighter. 21 Do I have to be fit to apply? You will need to be fit and to maintain your levels of fitness throughout your career as a Firefighter. This includes maintaining a healthy weight. 22 Where can I find out more about preparing for the fitness tests? Details of the Physical & Practical Tests are available in the Information Booklet which is available to download from the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service website gov.uk. A Preparatory Fitness Programme is also available for you to download to help with your preparation for the tests and your career as a Firefighter. 23 What is the Bleep Test standard? You will be required to undertake a Job Related Aerobic Fitness Test (Bleep) to a minimum level of 8.0. More details on the Physical & Practical Assessments can be found in the Information Pack on our website. 24 Where can I get an Application Form? Applications are available to download from our Website between Friday the 7th of September and 11th of September midday The closing date for the receipt of completed Application Forms is Monday the 17th of September, midday. 25 Where do I need to return the Application Form? The completed Application Form should be returned to: SWFRS Recruitment PO Box No. 135 Pontyclun CF72 ODP We will not accept Application Forms that are submitted to our Headquarters or any other Fire & Rescue Service Address. If you would like to acknowledge receipt of your Application Form, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. 26 What is the closing date for the receipt of completed Application Forms? Completed Application Forms need to be returned by Monday the 17th of September at midday. We will not accept Applications that are received late or with insufficient postage.

8 27 I m concerned that my Application Form will not get in by the deadline, can I hand it in at the Fire Service Headquarters or my local Fire Station? The completed Application Form should be returned to: SWFRS Recruitment PO Box No. 135 Pontyclun CF72 ODP We will not accept Application Forms that are submitted to our Headquarters or any other Fire & Rescue Service Address. 28 What if I ve already applied for another Fire & Rescue Service? You are unable to apply if you have applied to another Service within the last 3 months. 29 I already work for South Wales Fire & Rescue Service as a Retained Firefighter, but I want to work on the Wholetime Duty System. What do I need to do? If you are still in Development, you will need to complete the whole recruitment process. If you are a Competent Firefighter, or a substantive Crew or Watch Manager, you will follow the recruitment process as detailed below:- Application Form; Interview and Role Play Exercises; Medical Assessment; Review of Personnel File to ensure suitability based on current performance levels etc. 30 I ve recently passed the National Firefighter Selection process with a different Fire & Rescue Service. Do I still need to apply? Yes, you will need to apply. Our processes differ from those used within other Fire & Rescue Services and in the interests of fairness, it is vital that all candidates have been assessed in the same way. 31 What if I m already a Firefighter in another Fire & Rescue Service? We periodically run processes which allow candidates to transfer into South Wales Fire & Rescue Service. You will need to register your details with our Recruitment & Assessment Team. It is important to note that there is no intention in the immediate future to offer Transfer opportunities to Firefighters working outside of the Welsh Fire & Rescue Services. As such, if you are interested in joining us, we would recommend that you apply to the full Wholetime recruitment process.

9 South Wales Fire & Rescue Service WDS Recruitment Campaign Autumn 2012 Application available to download from Website Friday 7th to midday Tuesday 11th September 2012 Closing date for submission of Applications Midday Monday 17th September 2012 Working With Information Tests Week commencing Monday 15th October 2012 Physical and Practical Assessment Week commencing Monday 5th November 2012 Interviews and Roleplay Exercises Monday 19th to Friday 30th November 2012 Medical Assessment (for those candidates selected for the Week commencing Monday 10th December 2012 Training Course in January 2013) Please do not call us! During large scale recruitment campaigns, we often receive an increased number of calls to Headquarters, Fire Stations and Fire Control. Recruitment related queries cannot be addressed by the people operating these switchboards. All of the information that you require is available within the Information Pack and Frequently Asked Questions Sections. Please use these documents to answer any initial queries that you have. If you have an urgent enquiry that is not answered within these documents, please us at We will address your query as soon as we are able. Thank you!