The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue team works every day to make Staffordshire a safer place to live and work.

To enhance and complement the role of our Fire Officers we are launching an exciting new Volunteer Fire and Rescue Support Officer Programme in partnership with North Staffs Volunteer Centre.

Initially we will be running this as a six month pilot in the Newcastle-Under-Lyme area. However if it is successful we'll be looking to roll it out in other areas of the County.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Are aged 18 and over.
• Have good communication skills and interpersonal skills and are able to communicate with a wide range of people.
• May have previous experience of working or volunteering with people in the community.
• May have Health and Safety awareness – although we will give you full training in all Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service policies and procedures needed for your role.
• Can give us at least 4 hours commitment every month. Specific days and times are flexible and you will discuss and agree these with your Volunteer Co-ordinator.

A driving license is desirable but not essential.

Applications are invited from all candidates irrespective of race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion and belief.

What will you get involved in?

Your volunteer work will mainly take place in the borough of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, linking with the work of Newcastle Fire Station. As a Volunteer Fire and Rescue Support Officer, and with the full support and supervision of the Volunteer Co-ordinator you will:

• Make people aware of our Home Fire Risk Check service and generate appointments for the service.
• Support Fire Officers in visiting households in the community giving safety advice, undertaking Home Fire Risk Checks and fitting smoke alarms.
• Support community events and initiatives to promote safety awareness.
• Distribute safety advice leaflets following dwelling fires.
• Collect information and trends of deliberate fire setting.
• Provide administrative and IT skills to support Newcastle Fire Station.

What will you get out of it?

Your contribution will help us protect people from the risk of fire in their own homes. You will become involved in delivering a valuable service to the community; meet new people; enjoy working as part of a friendly team; gain new knowledge and skills and increase your confidence; and develop your computer literacy skills and administration experience.

What training and support will you receive?

We will provide you with full training. You will attend a 1 day induction course and attend additional relevant training sessions as and when required, in order to ensure you have up-to-date knowledge.

How do you apply and find out more?

Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the Open Day at Newcastle Fire Station on Friday 4th June. You can find us at Knutton Lane, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, ST5 2SL.

You can also contact :

North Staffordshire Volunteer Centre
Tel: 01538 398 240
E-mail: northstaffsvolunteering@smcvs.co.uk

Or to apply.

What will happen once I have applied?

• We will treat your application confidentially and your personal information will be seen only by our employees involved in the recruitment process.
• We will make checks during the recruitment and selection process, including an advanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and an Independent Safeguarding Authority check.
• We will advise you as soon as possible if you are selected for an informal interview, and aim to give you at least one week’s notice prior to interview.
• If your application is successful, we will ask you to sign a Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service written agreement that sets out your role and responsibilities.

There is also a pdf leaflet version of this page.