The start of the recruitment process involves completing an Application/Supporting Statement. This requires you to complete an online application form that will include:

• Your personal details such as full address, contact detail and National Insurance number.
• Your education and employment history
• Equality monitoring data

Within your initial application you will also be required to submit a supporting statement. Within your supporting statement you will be required to evidence how your knowledge, skills and behaviours meet the criteria in the job profile. 

See the Supporting Guidance for 2023 Wholetime Recruitment.

To submit an application form you need to be 17 years and six months or older at the point of application and 18 years or older when you commence in role. 

Before being offered employment, you will be required to provide evidence of your entitlement to work in the UK, in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. 

To apply for a wholetime position you must live within a 30-mile radius of the centre of Reading.

Whilst a full driving licence is not required to apply as a firefighter, without one, an individual would not be able to progress to competent status pay. 

You will need to demonstrate you have level 1 functional skills (English, Maths and IT) during the recruitment process and must attain level 2 by the end of your development period. For reference level 2 is equivalent of grade C / 5 GCSE).

You will also need to be new to the firefighting role to join an apprenticeship. 

If you have a criminal record this will not necessarily disqualify you from employment. All applications are considered on their own merits and in particular, whether the offence has a bearing on your suitability for employment as a firefighter. However, firefighters do need to have a high level of self-discipline and be people in whom the public can have complete confidence.

You will, therefore, be required to declare any conviction which is not yet ‘spent’ within the meaning of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and any charges that are pending. You will also need to satisfy the requirements of a DBS check, this may be a standard DBS due to a change in legislation expected in July 2023.

Further guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act can be obtained via the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders. Visit their website at www.nacro.org.uk for more information.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to equality of opportunity. If you would like information on the adjustments that can be made at this stage of the application process, please contact recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk.