Wholetime Firefighter Transferee – Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service
We are welcoming applications from competent Wholetime firefighters to transfer to Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
We also welcome applications from Crew Managers and above. However, be aware that you will be transferring in at Firefighter level only.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s (OFRS) vision is to deliver outstanding services that are community focussed, forward thinking, trusted, inclusive and sustainable. This will be delivered through leadership at all levels, that empowers everyone to contribute to this vision, through a culture that is vibrant and inclusive.
OFRS received three ‘good’ ratings for effectiveness, efficiency and people from its last HMICFRS inspection in July 2022, but we are ambitious and striving to go further.
We are an inclusive organisation, which serves diverse communities with a diverse range of demands and challenges. We want a diverse workforce that can help us to better understand our communities and bring a diversity of thought, views, experience, and ideas. We therefore particularly encourage applications from female, black and minority ethnic and LGBTQ+ staff who are underrepresented in our operational workforce.
Eligibility:
·        A serving Wholetime operational competent, substantive firefighter within a UK local authority fire and rescue service.
·        Not be in possession of any formal disciplinary sanctions at the point of application and for the duration of the process.
·        Not be subject to any formal development plans within your current role at the point of application and for the duration of the process.
·        In date for all Operational training in line with your current Service training policy and able to prove competency within the last 12 months against our Maintenance of Competence Training Programme.
·        A competent Breathing Apparatus Wearer.
·        Have a basic swimming ability and water confidence that will enable you to work safely in water rescue situations (assessed by being able to swim 25 meters unaided in a dry suit and PFD)
·        Prepared to accept a contract to work on any Oxfordshire wholetime duty system Station.
·        Be medically fit to undertake the role of operational Firefighter including evidence of passing a V02 max fitness test within the last twelve months.
·        Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
This process is not applicable to those working in the:
·        Ministry of Defence Fire and Rescue Services
·        Airport Fire and Rescue Services
·        Fire and Rescue Services outside of the UK
·        On-call firefighters currently undertaking a temporary, casual or zero-hour Wholetime contract (or contract to that effect).
Benefits:
·        Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support.
·        Staff Networks – Oxfordshire County Council to have a selection of thriving colleague inclusion networks.
·        Enhanced family friendly policies.
·        Access to InstuctorLive – providing over 60 programmes, including over 1200 different workout videos, for you and your family.
·        Local and national discounts for shopping and travel.
·        Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.
Recruitment Process:
Stage 1 – Application form
The closing date for completed applications is 09:00hrs on 23rd October 2023. Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants will be informed of the results of Stage 1 no later than 3rd November 2023.
·        To apply please complete the online Microsoft forms application form attaching your personal statement document which you will be required to explain the following:
·        In no more than 300 words. Why you want to join Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service and what skills, qualities and experience can you bring to the role?
·        In no more than 1000 words. Evidence of how you demonstrate the Oxfordshire County Council values.
·        Please note: Applicants are advised to write their personal statements in Word, then copy and paste them into the application form once complete.
Please note any correspondence received from us will be via the e-mail address you provide on your application form. Please check your emails regularly, including Spam/Junk, after the closing date.
APPLY HERE – www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wholetimetransfer
Please note: Your current employer will not be contacted without your express permission.
Stage 2 – Job-related tests and interview
If you are successful at Stage 1, we will email you an invite and supporting information to attend our Training Centre in Didcot, to undertake Stage 2. It’s anticipated this stage will be undertaken on the 14th, 16th, and 17th November 2023 (you will only need to attend one of these days).
You will also be provided with a list of documents to bring with you that will be used during the pre-employment and DBS checks should you be successful at this stage.
Stage 2 will consist of the following:
·        VO2 fitness test – Chester treadmill test (Pass mark VO2 max 42)
·        National Firefighters selection test equipment carry.
·        National Firefighter selection test ladder lift simulator
·        Hand grip strength test (pass mark 35 in both hands)
·        Casualty drag
·        Structured interview (Pass mark 70% or above)
Stage 3 – Medical, References, Pre-employment, and DBS checks
Successful candidates at Stage 2 will be informed via email only of the next steps, which include:
·        Application form (this document captures the required detail for our external HR provider and is not part of the selection process).
·        Medical. These will take place at Rewley Road Fire Station in Oxford with our Occupational Health Provider. (currently scheduled 8th,15th or 20th December)
·        Enhanced DBS check (using the documents you provided at stage 2.
·        References listed in the above application form will be requested.
·        Fire kit (depending on your current services provider) and work wear sizing. This will face to face at our headquarters in Kidlington.
The anticipated contract start date is the 1st March 2024. All successful applicants will be expected to undertake the following:
·        Full induction.
·        Transition/upskilling course to include but not limited to:
Ø Tethered Wade upskill
Ø BA assessment
Ø Working @ Height
Ø Tactical Ventilation.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff.
Our commitment to safeguarding
Our Organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
If you have any questions or require any more information, you can email errt@oxfordshire.gov.uk. All emails or requests for support will be treated with the strictest confidence and only be available to the recruitment team. Please note this inbox is only monitored during weekdays. This should be considered in your planning as asking questions will not extend the closing date of your application.