We are Women in the Fire Service UK

Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) was set up in the 1990s as a self-help and not for profit organisation. Our members of all genders, come from all roles across the Fire and Rescue Service – from ﬁreﬁghters and control staff, administrative and support staff and senior officers, to members of airport, defence and works ﬁre services.

Since its formation, the membership have sought to influence the equality agenda, taking active roles in research, for example into women’s ﬁt ﬁre kit, supporting positive action initiatives, working with the government in nationwide campaigns for recruitment and playing a part in national groups with other stakeholders. We are recognised nationally, currently holding a seat on the Fire Sector Federation, amongst other inputs to the local and national agenda.

Our purpose statement

“Enabling and inspiring confident and successful women to build a more progressive Fire and Rescue Service.”

Our values

Working together • Future focused • Sharing strengths

Our aims

To enable women to reach their full potential
To be a recognised resource in every UK Fire and Rescue Service
To support gender equality in the UK and overseas
To nurture and encourage role models – ‘if she can see it, she can be it’
To improve recruitment, retention and progression of women in the fire service

Future Firefighter Podcast

Women in the Fire Service Podcast

Welcome to the Future Firefighter Podcast Series. Our first-ever podcast series for those who champion equality and diversity in fire.

Starting October 2021, we bring you one episode a month of our Future Firefighter Podcast Series. Six podcast episodes providing tips and advice for those who dream of being a firefighter. Topics include the role of the firefighter, what the Fire and Rescue Service does, application and interview techniques, different careers/roles, fitness and strength, and HR (maternity, work life balance, inclusion policies).

The Future Firefighter Podcast Series is introduced by WFS Committee Member, Sara Hall. Each episode is hosted by a selection of guest volunteers—firefighters and other fire professionals. We share their stories and what inspires them to do what they do.

Be Inspired! Be a Future Firefighter.

Subscribe to future WFS podcasts on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and RadioPublic.

Play the episodes below!

This podcast was born from our programme of online Future Firefighter events, realised by Alex Johnson, WFS Director, and Chief Fire Officer at South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue.

The first Future Firefighter event programme ran between 15 June-20 July 2021. A programme aimed at people from underrepresented groups aspiring to be future firefighters: women, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQI+ people, neurodiverse people and persons with disabilities.

Government statistics on workforce diversity at that time revealed only 7.0 per cent of all firefighters in England were women, 4.4 per cent were from an ethnic minority and 3.3 per cent identified as lesbian, gay or bi-sexual.

We hope you enjoy our podcast!

With special thanks to: Alex Johnson, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue; Amy Beams, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service; Amy Croxton-Evans, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service; Angie Thorp, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue; Bex Sims, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service; Caz Whiteman, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue; Emily May Williams, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service; Hannah Goodchild, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service; Helen Chadwick, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service; Helena Rooke, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue; Janette Morris, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service; Lauren Jones, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service; Liana Selecka-Jones, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service; Nicola Bottomly, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service; Sara Hall, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service; Tor Strowger, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Membership

We are Women in the Fire Service

We’ve come a long way over three decades of campaigning for a more equal and progressive fire service. But there is still more to be done.

Without the support of our members we wouldn’t be able to continue to do as much as we do—helping women progress in their careers, addressing the gender imbalance in the sector, and nurturing inspirational role models for future generations.

Join us

Support us with membership and be an equality champion for all women considering a career, or already working in the fire and rescue service.

Corporate Membership

Become a member to enjoy exclusive access to our jobs board, members only rates, and help with recruitment.

Learn more >

Individual Membership

Join us and enjoy bespoke events, one-to-one support and access to mentors—all from just £15 per year and a Super Supporter option.