Safety

While we encourage our staff to explore the different elements of their career as a firefighter, there is no requirement for a firefighter train, or work, in specialist teams, such as our technical rescue (which covers water rescue, rope rescue, confined space and height rescue) or other areas such as our Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) or International Search and Rescue (ISAR) teams.

Once a prospective candidate has been competent in the role of a firefighter for the necessary time, they’ll have the opportunity to apply for roles in specialist areas, as and when they become available, if they wish.

We want to be clear that the contingent decision process is separate from that of Remedy. This only relates to individuals who opted out or would have bought additional service but for the discrimination.
On 1 October 2023, anyone in the pension for the remedy period (2015-2022) was automatically ‘rolled back’ to your legacy scheme, either the 1992 or 2006 scheme. Following this rollback, information will be made available to you about your benefit options for the remedy period through a Remediable Service Statement (RSS) during 2025. For members retiring from 1 October 2023 but before RSS is provided, benefit options will be provided upon retirement.

The RSS will show any contribution adjustment and interest due. The contributions will also be subject to a tax relief adjustment. For some members, there may be an option whereby the scheme owes money to the member. In these circumstances, there will be a compensation payment which is subject to tax and interest adjustments. In all cases, pension contribution adjustments will be made before the pension and lump sum payment.

Therefore, it is unlikely that you will make your remedy decision (regarding your pension and your contributions for April 2015 to March 2022) this year. Until you receive your RSS statement you do not need to do anything. However, the separate contingent decision should be given consideration now because the deadline for submitting claim forms is 30 September 2024.

Most community rooms have a kitchenette with cold water, kettle and cups available, we will let you know about this when you book.

The on-duty firefighters may be able to provide tea, coffee, milk, sugar and squash. There would be a charge for this.

Please let us know your requirements when you book, and we will check availability. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients, and we ask that all items are taken with you at the end of your booking.

We do not provide hot or cold food; however, you are welcome to bring your own food or order a buffet to be delivered. We ask that all food is cleared away and unused items taken with you at the end of your booking.

Alcohol cannot be bought onto or consumed on any fire service premises. Smoking is not permitted in any fire service buildings; however, outside smoking shelters are provided.

We have a policy which prohibits the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking in all our premises.

‘With Cause’ drug and alcohol testing is carried out when it is suspected that an employee is under the influence of a substance.

Unfortunately no. Firefighters cannot have a beard due to the need to be able to get a face seal when wearing breathing apparatus, with our current equipment.

Ideally yes, although having one is not essential at the point of application.

You should be aware, however, that part of a firefighter’s role is to drive. So there is an expectation that you will obtain a driving licence and eventually become an emergency response driver.

You will be given full support and training to enable this.

Fire safety officers cannot be ‘booked’ to visit your property for general inspections. Things like fire risk assessments are the responsibility of the business owner or responsible person for the premises.

If you require general advice or would like to report an issue with your business or other premises, please visit our Fire Safety section for more details. You’ll find the referral form on the bottom of the page to report an issue or general question.

For any urgent fire safety matters that are a genuine immediate risk to life, please dial 999 and ask for the fire service – an immediate risk to life would be a situation whereby a lack of fire safety would result in serious injury or death imminently if no action is taken.

If we have the capacity the fire service may attend events such as fete’s, carnivals, fun days, to promote our community safety message.

Please contact your local Operations Administration Team to check for station availability, the numbers, depending on where the event is located, are below:

Birmingham

0121 380 7510
BhamOps.admin@wmfs.net

Coventry and Solihull

0121 380 7520
covsolops.admin@wmfs.net

Black Country

0121 380 7530
BlackCountryOps.Admin@wmfs.net

Attendance is always subject to emergency calls, which must take priority.

Our education priority is to deliver our safety presentation, SPARKS to every Key Stage 2, Year 4 class in the West Midlands.

SPARKS are our priority, however, if we have the capacity we can deliver a package called “People Who Help Us”. This package is age appropriate and delivered by on-duty firefighters.

Please contact your local Operations Administration Team to check availability.

Birmingham

0121 380 7510
BhamOps.admin@wmfs.net

Coventry and Solihull

0121 380 7520
covsolops.admin@wmfs.net

Black Country

0121 380 7530
BlackCountryOps.Admin@wmfs.net

Attendance is always subject to emergency calls, which must take priority.

We have a policy on secondary employment. Employees cannot have a second job without first obtaining written approval from us.

Approval would be subject to there being no conflict of interest with your role.

It would be mandatory for there to be sufficient rest periods and that the working time directive is not broken.