Residential course blocking recruitment and promotion for primary care givers

Women have been working as operational firefighters since the 1980s. Recruitment and retention of women firefighters has slowly improved since then. However, women still make up a small minority of operational positions.

This is even more noticeable as progression through the ranks is considered.

This is due in part to individuals being forced to attend residential courses as part of the training required for promotion. Some recruit courses for trainee firefighters are also held on a residential basis. This process is a barrier to many who have caring responsibilities, disproportionately affecting women and as such has a negative effect on women applying or being successful.

Conference instructs the Executive Council to conduct a national survey on current residential courses, promotional and otherwise attended by Fire and Rescue Service staff. This will establish whether these are able to be offered at more accessible locations on a daily attendance basis ensuring better support for all our Members who are the primary care givers.

The results of this survey are to be reported back through the Fire Brigades Union structures within 12 months of Conference 2022.