Overview
On-Call to Wholetime Firefighter Transfer (Internal Only) –
Salary: Salary – Development *GBP*30,384 pa
Competent *GBP*38,881 pa
Basis: Full time
Package:
Contractual Hours: 42
Region:
Job Category: Response
Job Description:
INTERNAL ONLY
Please note: Applicants are encouraged to apply for both processes if they meet the eligibility criteria. Please be aware that the recruitment and selection processes vary, and you will be required to complete the specific stages for each individual process.
Applications are invited from Development or Competent On-Call Firefighters who are currently serving at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and have completed initial recruits’ course. You must be willing to serve at any community fire station within the Service. The shift patterns for an Wholetime Firefighter are:
- 42 hour week shift duty system (24-hour on-duty shift followed by 72 hours off)
- 42 hour week day-crewing duty system.
You must be able to provide evidence of your Firefighter status and ensure your training records are up to date.
You must also be able to demonstrate on the application form that you meet the essential criteria contained within the person specification. These include:
- Full Car Driving Licence (manual or automatic) with no pending issues.
- ICT literacy/qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in a team environment.
- Continually recognise and promote the value of EDI, both within FRS and the wider community in which we serve. Making a positive difference every time, with respect and professionalism.
- Ability to work rostered shifts including weekends and public holidays.
It is desirable for applicants to hold at least two GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English. If you meet this requirement, please include details in your application form and attach evidence to your application.
Successful candidates will be required to serve at any community fire station within the Service.
Guidance to support you in completing the application form is attached.
We recommend seeking support or guidance from your Station Manager throughout the process, including before completing an application form or attending an interview.
How to apply
If this role is of interest, please visit our website: www.bedsfire.gov.uk/careers/search for further information and to make a formal application. We ask that you include your full career history and reference your skills and experience in line with the job description and person specification within your application and supporting statement.
Key dates
Closing date: 9am on 23 February 2026
Please ensure you submit your application before the closing date. Once submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive one, please log into the system to verify that your application has been successfully submitted and received. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the recruitment team at recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk
After this date the shortlisting process will take place and those selected will be invited to undertake a formal interview and online psychometric assessments.
Interview and literacy, numeracy and problem-solving assessments are anticipated to take place on 4 and 5 March 2026.
You will only need to attend in person on one of these dates; however, we kindly ask that you keep all dates available until your specific date is confirmed.
The literacy, numeracy and problem‑solving assessments are short, written tests designed to assess core English, maths, spatial awareness and logical reasoning skills. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Successful completion of the selection process does not guarantee an offer of employment. Candidates who are successful may be placed on a holding list and offers will be made in line with the operational needs of the Service. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and clearances.
Pre‑employment checks will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and determined by the Service. These include:
- Chester treadmill test
- Hose running exercise
- Medical paperwork and examination
- Swimming assessment
- Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service check (DBS)
- Driving licence and other required pre-employment checks.
Please note that the hose running assessment is mandatory for all applicants.
Applicants with any live warnings will not be considered for this opportunity.
Successful applicants will be required to undertake a probationary period, which will be reviewed to determine whether it is six or twelve months, depending on your length of service. In addition, you will be required to satisfactorily complete the Firefighter Acknowledgement of Skills Programme.
This is a public-facing role, and it is essential to have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we encourage applications from those who have served, are serving, or are part of a military family. Your skills and experience are valued here.
Frequently asked questions for On-Call to Wholetime Firefighter Transfer can be found here: FAQ—On-Call-to-Wholetime-Firefighter-Transfers
IMPORTANT: Before applying for this role, please make sure you have the right to work in the country where the role is based. Unless it clearly stipulates within in the job advert above that the hiring company is looking to or able to sponsor applicants it is deemed that the hiring employer will only consider applications from those able to comply with and work in the country where the role is based.
