in the news
from May 2007

In the last six years, The West Yorkshire Fire Service has increased the number of women from six to 42, and came 47th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. Paul Hunt spoke to Aldene Woodward, their openly-gay Equalities and Recruitment Department Temporary Crew Manager.

How many LGBT staff are there in the West Yorkshire Service?

I know personally of ten fire fighters who identify as lgbt, obviously the service is made up of a number of fire and rescue staff, so the numbers are likely to be greater. The service is striving towards creating a gay friendly work place, where those who have not come out will have the confidence to do so.

What support is there for lgbt staff?

The LGBT Network will be launched shortly, its aims will be to discuss relevant matters and feedback to the Equalities Steering Group, create links with other networks within the local emergency services, take the lead with the fire services inclusion in the local Pride events, mentoring, offer support and socialise. Part of my current role is to develop this group, and also to assist with providing a strategy specifically aimed at recruiting a diverse workforce.

The figure of the increase in women into the Service are quite dramatic, how did you achieve this?

Very much through positive action in awareness days in an attempt to break down barriers and change the perception that fire fighters are all big burly blokes! Part of my role is to be a ‘role model’. I go to various events to provide a positive image of women in the fire service. On a practical level, the kit is much lighter, new technologies have been developed which have helped all fire fighters, no matter what gender they are!

Women’s facilities on stations have been greatly improved, some stations have privacy screens in the dormitory. We, as an organisation, are embracing diversity, and therefore developing a strong culture of change.

Given the stereotypical image of the fire fighter how difficult is it for people from the lgbt community to become ‘accepted’?

We are a team of professionals. When the ‘bells go down’ there is no issue of a person’s gender or sexuality, we are dependant on each other for both safety of the public and ourselves. Teamwork is an amazing leveller. The workforce of the fire service is a cross section of society. As such, there are likely to be pockets of people less open to a diverse Fire and Rescue Service. The service has developed a training programme where every employee attends an equality and diversity training day. Sexual orientation is a major topic for discussion.

The service is working closely with Stonewall to improve our equality index for next year. The action plan should improve policies and procedures, which will benefit all employees.

Tell us a little about the recruitment. What are some of the requirements?

The recruitment process is based on the ‘new national fire fighter selection’. Unfortunately the process is quite long. The last time West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service recruited was in August 2005. We are currently planning a new campaign for 2007.

The process starts with an application form, which is based on oersonal qualities and attributes. This is where applicants draw upon recent experiences to answer the questions. Applicant must pass the equality and diversity section. The psychometric testing is next, followed by the role-related tests, where vertigo, claustrophobia, hand-eye coordination and fitness are tested. The applicant would be interviewed and then the final stage of medical, references and CRB check is conducted.

The training must be quite hard?

The initial training course is 13 weeks and is very intensive. The trainees receive input on road traffic collisions, breathing apparatus, rope and water rescue, basic hose, pump and ladder drills, diversity awareness training and community fire safety. At the end of the 13 weeks, they leave for their station and work towards the NVQ qualification to prove their competence and therefore are deemed ‘qualified’.

On a lighter note, is it true that you should never call the brigade if you come across a cat stuck in a tree? Someone once said that they always find a way down!

Well, how many skeletons of cats have you seen sitting in a tree?

Good point! What are the most difficult areas of your job?

Fighting fires can in fact be just a small part of every day work. Fire fighters are called upon to advise on fire safety, but when they are called to a ‘shout’ they could be dealing with any type of major or minor disaster; road, rail or air crashes, floods, chemical spills or rescuing people trapped in lifts or other confined spaces.

What is the best part of working for the fire services?

For me it’s a cracking job. I look forward to going to work and I am sad to leave at the end of the shift. I have pride in providing a professional service - effecting rescues and educating the community on fire safety keeps me driven!

If anyone wants more information regarding a career in the fire service what should they do?

I would always advise people to make an appointment at their local station, to have a look around and to ask questions about the role of a fire fighter. Check our website www.westyorksfire.gov.uk every week for updated information on the recruitment. There are two helpful documents which you can download from the publications section of our home page. These are ‘whole time and retained recruitment information’ and ‘suggested fitness plan’.