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NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

Regional Control Centre

FIREFIGHTER (CONTROL)

Candidate Information Pack

Firefighter (Control) – Candidate Information Pack

Issue Date: 14/04/15 of 21

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

CONTENTS

Page

Section 1

Foreword 3

Section 2

Background and Role of a Firefighter (Control) 3

Section 3

Job Description 5

Section 4

Person Specification 8

Section 5

Salary, Hours of Duty and other Terms & Conditions 10

Section 6

Is this the role for you? 12

Section 7

Selection Process 13

Section 8

Important Guidance Notes for Applicants 18



Section 1

Foreword Thank you for your interest in the role of Firefighter (Control). This information pack is designed to provide you with an insight into the position and an indication of the selection process. We would encourage you to read each section before submitting an application and to determine if the role is suitable for you. Please note communication with candidates during certain stages of the selection process will be via email. Therefore, please ensure you provide the correct email address and check your junk mail folder for communication.

Section 2

Background

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service We protect and serve the entire population of Northern Ireland, an area of over 5,500 square miles and with a population of 1.81 million, providing them with a range of fire and rescue services.

Under the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Fire and Rescue Services (Emergencies) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011 we respond to fires, road traffic collisions and specialist rescue incidents including flooding, chemical incidents, collapsed buildings and other types of rescue incidents. Our dedicated Regional Control Centre answers Fire 999 emergency calls for Northern Ireland and mobilises Fire Crews to respond. The Fire and Rescue Service received 34,808 calls in 2014. What we stand for & believe in We are a Fire and Rescue Service that has a shared vision of Protecting our Community and a very clear mission to help us achieve that:

Deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Collectively we also have core values that underpin everything we do. We value: - People - Diversity - Leadership - Communication - Teamwork - Partnership - Integrity - Pursuit of Excellence

In carrying out the role of Firefighter (Control), employees are required to observe and promote these core values. Further details in relation to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are available on the NIFRS website: www.nifrs.org



What is a Firefighter (Control)? Our Regional Control Centre acts as the primary communications hub for the Fire Service, receiving information and taking appropriate action in order to facilitate a successful conclusion to events.

When a member of the public dials 999 a telephone exchange operator will connect them to the Regional Control Centre at Headquarters in Lisburn. A Firefighter (Control) answers the emergency call and mobilises fire service resources. They ask a number of questions to determine the location and nature of the emergency, entering this information into a bespoke computer system in order to establish the location of the nearest fire appliances.

The Firefighter (Control) is trained in the use of specialised emergency call handling techniques in order to support and protect callers in potentially life threatening situations. They will identify risks to a caller’s safety and advise on immediate action whilst awaiting the arrival of fire crews.

The Regional Control Centre is crewed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and as such, each member of the team must be prepared to work days and nights, weekends, and on public holidays. What to expect from the role On reporting for duty, a roll call is taken, uniforms inspected and duties allocated to personnel for that shift. Following this, there is a short handover period with those going off duty where all relevant information is passed on, such as a brief of any incidents in progress. During the shift a variety of duties are performed, including:

• Answering and mobilising emergency calls. • Transmitting and receiving messages via the radio. • Ensuring the correct availability of officers and appliances is shown. • Informing other emergency services and utility companies where required. • Monitoring incidents from start to finish. • Maintaining accurate incident logs. • Completing computerised statistics after each incident to draw reports from. • Carrying out other administrative duties.

Training is carried out to develop skills and keep up-to-date with policies and procedures. Although some of the work is routine, no two days are the same. The role is varied, challenging and rewarding. What qualities & skills are required for the job? A Firefighter (Control) must have excellent listening skills, especially for taking emergency calls. Developed oral and written communication skills are essential. Team working is critical, and the ability to make quick decisions, whilst working under pressure is also essential.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification within this Pack for full details. The Personal Qualities and Attributes for the role are enclosed as a separate document. Please note that the role of Firefighter (Control) does not carry out Firefighting duties and does not provide a career path into the role of Wholetime or Retained Firefighter. The position is based in the Regional Control Centre at Headquarters in Lisburn.



Section 3

Job Description

Ref No: C009/04/2015 Date: 31 March 2015

Dept:

Technical

Section:


Job Title: Firefighter (Control)*

Grade: Firefighter (Control)

Reports to: Crew Commander (Control)

_________________________________________________________________________

MAIN PURPOSE

The primary role of the Firefighter (Control) is to carry out emergency call-handling, despatch and incident control procedures and to assist the Crew Commander (Control) in supporting all elements of service delivery within the Regional Control Centre and throughout the NIFRS operational environment. To contribute as an integral member of the Regional Control Centre team to support the vision and mission of NIFRS as outlined below: Vision

Protecting Our Community. Mission

To deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

*The Job Description for this post defines it as “Firefighter (Control) in keeping with a National Joint Council (NJC) role map” adopted throughout the UK Fire Service.

This Job Description reflects the major tasks, responsibilities and accountabilities associated with the post. To meet the changing needs and circumstances of the Organisation, Job Descriptions will be reviewed from

time to time, for example, as each new vacancy is advertised. Such reviews will be carried out with the

appropriate Representative Body.



Summary of Responsibilities:

1. Answer and process emergency calls, providing support to callers by telephone. Identify risks to their safety and advise on immediate action whilst waiting for response team to arrive.

2. Gather information from a range of sources to assist with the appropriate response in relation to requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance.

3. Mobilise the right resources in response to the needs of an event, including informing other agencies of the need for support services.

4. Transmit, receive and record messages via the radio system.

5. Be proficient in the operation of all Control equipment.

6. Monitor the availability of operational resources and ensure the correct availability of officers and appliances is shown at all times.

7. Update records relating to the availability of operational resources using information from both internal and external sources, including both written and computerised records.

8. Monitor communications and act on information received to facilitate a successful conclusion to events, and inform others of your actions.

9. Maintain accurate incident logs and enter information, using keyboard skills, into computer applications.

10. Monitor and test communications and mobilising equipment to ensure its readiness for operational use, including checking for faults and carrying out routine scheduled tests. Be proficient in all fall back and secondary control procedures.

11. Answer and process administrative calls, providing assistance as appropriate.

12. Record and report all defects as necessary e.g. transport, equipment and communications defects.

13. Carry out demonstrations or talks with visitors attending the Regional Control Centre.

14. Carry out other administrative duties as required.

15. Communicate your own skills and knowledge to colleagues to improve their understanding and performance. Proactively provide support to your colleagues, assisting with the development of their skills and competence through demonstration and instruction.

16. Work at NIFRS standby Control Room as required e.g. for scheduled tests and emergencies.



General responsibilities

17. Carry out the duties commensurate with your role in a competent and effective manner to the highest standards of care and quality.

18. Ensure continued and effective working relationships with key stakeholders e.g. all emergency services as required.

19. Ensure own knowledge is current and undertake training as required to maintain, develop and enhance own skills, e.g. through attendance at in-house and external training courses. The level of competence for the skills base will be measured in accordance with the relevant National Occupational Standards.

20. Participate in assessments of workplace performance undertaken by Crew/Watch Commanders including undergoing assessments in the workplace and during training events.

21. Be available to attend for duty in line with Service requirements.

22. Serve in any other post at the same role within the Service.

23. Help ensure that the statutory obligations and objectives of the Fire and Rescue Service are met (in particular, the Health and Safety at Work NI Order 1978, the Fire and Rescue Services NI Order 2006, and the Fire and Rescue Services (Emergencies) Order (Northern Ireland) 2011.

24. Carry out the duties of the post in accordance with NIFRS policies, plans and procedures including, for example, those relating to legal requirements such as equality, health and safety, data protection and freedom of information, and other appropriate policies.

25. Ensure confidentiality as appropriate and the security of sensitive information in

line with the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts.

26. Undertake any other duties which may be assigned to meet organisational needs and which are reasonably regarded as within the nature of the duties, responsibilities and grade of the post as defined.



Section 4

Person specification

Ref No: C009/04/2015 Date: 31 March 2015

Dept:

Technical

Section:


Job Title:

Firefighter (Control)

Grade: Firefighter (Control) ______________________________________________________________________

Experience and Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following criteria by the closing date for application and provide evidence in the relevant section on their application form of how they meet the criteria:

Essential Criteria Method of Identification/ Assessment

1. Possess 5 GCSEs at ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ grade; subjects must include Maths and English language. If using GCSE equivalencies, these must be as depicted in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and you must provide evidence of this.

Application Form Verification at Interview

2. Accurate keyboard skills at a minimum of 30 words per minute which will be assessed during the selection process.

Assessment Centre

3. Experience in the use of Windows based applications, which must include Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook in a work based environment.

Application Form Interview

4. Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal and written) and good interpersonal skills. The requirement to provide clear instruction is essential and clear diction and topographical skills will be assessed during the selection process.

Application Form Assessment Centre Role Play & Interview

5. Able to understand, recall, apply and adapt relevant information in an organised, safe, systematic way.

Assessment Centre Role Play & Interview

6. Able to process and interpret information quickly and accurately from a range of sources in order to take appropriate action.

Assessment Centre Role Play

7. Excellent prioritising skills and attention to detail, with a focus on safety, quality and meeting deadlines.

Assessment Centre Interview

8. Able to work as part of a team and autonomously when required.

Application Form Interview

9. Able to work quickly, calmly and confidently under pressure.

Assessment Centre Role Play & Interview

10. Must be 18 years of age upon commencement of training on 1st November 2015.

Monitoring Form Verification at Interview

11. Must be able to work the shift pattern for the role, i.e. an average of 42 hours per week: 2 days of 9 hours and 2 nights of 15 hours, followed by 4 rest days over an 8 day cycle.

Application Form



Desirable Criteria Method of Identification/ Assessment

1. Possess a full, current Category B driving licence.

Application Form Verification at Interview

2. Possess a minimum of 12 months’ experience of telephone work with the public in a customer facing role.

Application Form Role Play

3. Experience of dealing with people in difficult situations who are distressed.

Application Form Role Play & Interview

4. Experience of processing and interpreting information quickly and accurately from a range of sources in order to take appropriate action.

Application Form Assessment Centre Role Play

5. Ability to demonstrate an understanding and respect for individuals’ differences and commitment to adopting a fair approach to others.

Application Form Role Play & Interview



Section 5

Conditions of Appointment

This is an indication of the conditions of appointment and is not intended to be exhaustive. Full conditions of service are contained within the National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services, Scheme of Conditions of Service.

Training On entry into the Service a trainee undergoes an initial training programme which currently lasts a minimum of 8 weeks on full pay, after which he/she is posted to a Watch within the Regional Control Centre. Continuation training is carried out on the Watch, with specialist courses held at the Fire & Rescue Training Centre. Selected personnel are also required to attend residential courses both locally and at various fire training establishments in the United Kingdom. When required, employees must be available to attend training courses outside of their normal working pattern.

Location This role is based at NIFRS Headquarters, 1 Seymour Street, Lisburn, BT27 4SX.

Salary - based on a shift system of 42 hours per week You will be paid monthly by BACS transfer into a Bank or Building Society Account.

Starting Salary: Pay on Commencement: £20,709

During Development: £21,571 When Competent: £27,601

It should be noted that the above rates are subject to change.

Hours of Duty The hours of duty at present are as follows: An average of 42 hours per week: 2 days of 9 hours and 2 nights of 15 hours, followed by 4 rest days over an 8 day cycle. The above shift pattern is subject to change based on business needs. During training, a Firefighter (Control) will typically work Monday to Friday, 0900 to 1700 hours.

Annual Leave There is a generous leave scheme in operation. In addition, where a Firefighter (Control) is on duty or on rotary or annual leave on specified public holidays, he/she is granted a day's leave in lieu.

Sick Leave On completion of training and on appointment to Control duties, Firefighters (Control) are covered by a Sick Leave scheme which provides for pay during sickness absence. There are strict guidelines covering absence from duty.

Pension Currently a Firefighter (Control) is contractually enrolled into the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers' Superannuation Scheme (NILGOSC) upon commencing employment. They can opt out of this scheme if they so wish. The current employee contribution rate payable to the scheme depends on your earnings and can be between



5.8% and 6.5% of the pensionable pay you receive. It should be noted that these rates are subject to change.

Probation All trainees are on probation for a period of two years. Should a trainee fail to meet the required standards of conduct, performance and attendance, this may result in their service with Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service being terminated in accordance with statutory requirements.

Fire & Rescue Service Orders Regional Control Centre employees are required to comply with such Fire & Rescue Service Orders as may be in force and applicable to them.

Pre-Employment Health Assessment Candidates will be required to undertake a pre-employment health assessment with NIFRS’ Senior Medical Advisor.

Criminal Records Check A satisfactory standard disclosure through Access NI will be required prior to appointment. Further details can be found on the AccessNI website at www.accessni.gov.uk

References Offers of appointment are conditional upon receipt of satisfactory references. References will only be sought as part of a pre-employment check prior to appointment. References will be taken up from both referees named on the application form, one of which must be a current employer or, if not currently employed, the most recent employer who would have knowledge of the successful candidate in a working environment. Candidates must be specific when providing address/contact details for referees.

Documentation Checks For The Prevention of Illegal Working Following the introduction of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 in respect of the prevention of illegal working, NIFRS are obliged to conduct proof of identity and right to work in the UK checks. It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate they are entitled to work in the UK. If the individual is unable to produce the relevant documents, or the documents are not satisfactory, the offer of employment may be withdrawn. Candidates are also required to produce original documents to verify their identity, one of which must be photographic identification.

Access To Transport Postholders must have access to a form of transport which enables the post holder to fulfil the requirements of the post in full, including working at the standby Control room for scheduled tests and emergencies as required.

Uniform All items of uniform are provided free and employees are required to keep any item of uniform or equipment in good order.

Canvassing Canvassing of Fire & Rescue Service Officers or Members of the NIFRS Board in any form, oral or written, directly or indirectly in connection with this appointment shall disqualify a candidate.



Section 6 Is this the role for you? Working as a Firefighter (Control) is both rewarding and challenging. The questions below will help you to decide whether you are likely to enjoy working as a Firefighter (Control). Please read through each question carefully and tick Yes or No in the box provided.

Yes No Are you prepared to commit to the time involved in participating in the selection process?

Do you enjoy working as part of a team in a close knit environment? Are you prepared to work long hours on a rotating dayshift and nightshift basis? i.e. 42 hours per week x2 days of 9 hours and x2 nights of 15 hours, followed

by 4 rest days over an 8 day cycle.

Are you prepared to work weekends and public holidays? Can you deal sensitively with members of the public in difficult situations when they are distressed?

Can you work under pressure? Are you able to communicate important information clearly both verbally and in writing?

Can you quickly build a rapport with people on the telephone and maintain a conversation whilst earning their trust in a pressurised situation?

Are you prepared to work to strict uniform guidelines? Can you get on with people from different backgrounds and cultures? Do other people see you as dependable? Can you be relied upon to be somewhere on time? Can you stay focused in a busy environment? Do you have good listening skills? Can you solve problems and make informed decisions quickly in challenging situations?

Are you prepared to work within a disciplined uniform service and take orders from a higher ranking officer?

Are you committed, enthusiastic and prepared to see situations through to their conclusion?

Can you retain information in a pressurised situation? Are you prepared to maintain and develop your skills and study outside your normal working day?

If you have answered No to any of the above questions, we would encourage you to think seriously about whether this is the role for you. If you have ticked Yes to all of the above, please complete our application form. Please note, the above checklist does not need to be returned with your application form.

What does the role offer you? You will receive comprehensive training before commencing in the role. You will also be required to continually develop your own skills to improve your performance.

The role of Firefighter (Control) offers you the opportunity for job satisfaction which is not afforded by other roles. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is both challenging and rewarding.



Section 7

Selection Process

The selection and assessment process is outlined below and on pages 14 to 17.

*Please note the dates outlined are approximate and subject to change based on candidate numbers.

Stage 1 – Application Form & Shortlisting The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3.00pm on Thursday 30 April 2015. Please note NIFRS do not accept applications via email or after the closing date.

Stage 2 – Online Tests Candidates will be invited to undertake a series of online tests in June/July 2015*. There is a minimum standard to be attained. Only the highest performing candidates will be invited to the next stage.

Stage 3 - Assessment Centre It is anticipated that the assessment centre will be held in Belfast in July / August 2015*. The following will be tested: Audiotyping, Written Recall and Topography. There is a minimum standard to be attained. Only the highest performing candidates will be invited to the next stage.

Stage 4 - Role Play It is anticipated that role plays will be held in Belfast in August / September 2015* where candidates will be expected to deal with situations relevant to the role. There is a minimum standard to be attained. Only the highest performing candidates will be invited to the next stage. Performance in the role play will form part of the final selection score along with performance at interview. Verification checks of online tests will also be carried out at this stage.

Stage 5 - Interview It is anticipated that interviews will be held in September / October 2015* and will assess key competencies, personal qualities, and attributes for the role. The final selection score is based on performance at role play and interview. Second interviews will be held in the event of candidates having the same final selection score.

Stage 6 - Pre-Employment Health Assessment The medical assessment will include the following elements: medical questionnaire, colour blindness test, eyesight test, hearing test, blood pressure and urinalysis.

Stages 7 & 8 - Pre-Employment Checks Criminal Records Check - a satisfactory standard disclosure through Access NI will be required prior to appointment. References – Offers of appointment are conditional upon receipt of satisfactory references.

Stage 9 - Appointment Those who have successfully completed all stages of the recruitment process will be made an offer in rank order, subject to the number of posts available. The highest performing candidates will be offered immediate vacancies. A reserve list of successful candidates will be held for 18 months. Should further vacancies arise during the reserve list period; candidates will be made an offer in rank order, which could include fixed term roles.



Stage 1 – Application Form & Shortlisting Candidates are advised to read the Candidate Information Pack to fully consider and ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the commitment needed to participate in the selection process. Applicants should also follow the guidance notes in section 8 prior to completion and submission of an application form. The information provided in your application form plays a vital role in the shortlisting process. Only those who have sufficiently demonstrated on their application form that they meet the criteria by the closing date will be invited to the next stage. It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and desirable as well as essential criteria will be used to aid short-listing.

Stage 2 - Online Tests

The second stage of the selection process involves the completion of online tests which will assess the following elements:

• Reading Comprehension - this will evaluate your ability to read and comprehend written material.

• Checking - this will assess how quickly and accurately you can compare items of information.

• Dependability and Safety Instrument – this will assess personal behavioural preferences, i.e. how you like to work, your approach to problems, and how you see yourself in the way you relate to others.

Candidates who have been shortlisted will receive an email inviting them to undertake the online assessment tests in June/July 2015. Please check your email and junk folders during this time to ensure you receive the email. It is your responsibility to ensure you have online access in order to complete the tests.

Please note candidates are required to have an email address in order to participate in the assessment process. We will use this to contact you in relation to stages 2, 3 and 4 of the selection process. Please refer to the Guidance Notes in section 8 for further details. There will, however, still be a necessity to issue some correspondence by hard copy, particularly from stage 5 onwards. Candidates must be available to undertake each stage of the selection process at the allocated date and time. There will be no alternative arrangements and no stage of the process will be reorganised due to unavailability of applicants.



An email link will enable you to try some practice questions and give you an indication of the type of questions asked. If you believe that you may have difficulty taking the assessment due to a disability or special needs, a link will be provided within the assessment to provide you with assistance. It is important to make us aware of this as early as possible in the application process by giving details in the relevant section of the monitoring form on your application form. Verification checks relating to the online tests will be carried out at a later stage in the process.

There is a minimum standard to be attained when completing the tests. Only the highest performing candidates will proceed to the next stage. The numbers progressing will also be based on organisational need and the anticipated number of posts available.

Stage 3 - Assessment Centre

This stage of the selection process is an Assessment Centre which is anticipated to be held in Belfast in July / August 2015* and will last approximately 1.5 hours, i.e. 30 minutes per test. Please note that reschedule requests cannot be accommodated outside of the allocated period of the Assessment Centre.

The assessment will comprise of a number of exercises to determine your suitability and fit for the role, including: 1. Audiotyping Test which will assess the accuracy and speed of keyboard skills and listening skills.

2. Written Recall Test which will assess retention skills. 3. Topography Test which will assess geographical knowledge of Northern Ireland. The Assessment Centre will also assess:

• The ability to understand, recall, apply and adapt relevant information in an organised, safe, systematic way.

• The ability to process and interpret information from a range of sources in order to take appropriate action.

• Attention to detail. • The ability to work quickly, calmly and confidently under pressure.

In order to gain admittance to the invigilated assessment centre, candidates must bring appropriate identification documents.

Candidates must bring the following original documents to the assessment centre: • Photographic ID (e.g. valid Driving Licence or Passport) • Copy of invitation email to assessment centre

There is a minimum standard to be attained when completing the tests. Only the highest performing candidates will be invited to the next stage. The numbers progressing will also be based on organisational need and the anticipated number of posts available. *Please note the dates outlined are approximate and subject to change based on candidate numbers.



Stage 4 - Role Play

This stage of the process will consist of a role play exercise and is anticipated to be held in Belfast in August / September 2015.* Please note that reschedule requests cannot be accommodated outside of the allocated dates of the role play exercises. Candidates will participate in a role play that will simulate a call environment and deal with situations relevant to the role of Firefighter (Control). The stage will assess:

• Communication and interpersonal skills • The ability to understand, recall, apply and adapt relevant information in an

organised, safe, systematic way. • The ability to process and interpret information from a range of sources in order to

take appropriate action. • The ability to work quickly, calmly and confidently under pressure.

Verification checks relating to the online tests will also be carried out during this stage.

Performance in the role play will form part of the final selection score along with performance at interview. There is a minimum standard to be attained when completing the tests. Only the highest performing candidates will be invited to the next stage. The numbers progressing will also be based on organisational need and the anticipated number of posts available. *Please note the date outlined is approximate and subject to change based on candidate numbers

Stage 5 - Interview It is anticipated that interviews will be held in NIFRSHQ Lisburn, in September / October 2015*. Please note that reschedule requests cannot be accommodated outside of the allocated period of interviews.

During the interview you will be asked a series of questions which will assess key competencies, personal qualities, and attributes for the role. The questions require you to provide specific examples which are structured as follows:

Situation – outline and explain the situation Behaviour – how you dealt with the situation Outcome – what was the outcome and what you learned from the situation

Candidates must bring the following original documents to the interview: • Qualification Certificates & Full Driving Licence • Photographic ID (e.g. valid Driving Licence or Passport) • Documentation checks for the prevention of illegal working (e.g. Passport, or Birth

Certificate accompanied with proof of National Insurance number – payslip or NI card).

• Documentation checks to confirm age and date of birth (e.g. Passport or Birth Certificate).



Successful candidates will be listed in order of merit according to their final selection score (which will be based on performance at role play and interview), with the highest scoring candidate ranked first. NIFRS reserve the right to conduct a second interview in the event of candidates having the same final selection score.

*Please note the date outlined is approximate and subject to change based on candidate numbers

Stage 6 - Pre-Employment Health Assessment During this stage, candidates will be required to undertake a pre-employment health assessment with NIFRS’ Senior Medical Advisor. The medical assessment will include the following elements: medical questionnaire, colour blindness test, eyesight test, hearing test, blood pressure and urinalysis.

Stages 7 & 8 - Pre-Employment Checks

References - offers of appointment are conditional upon receipt of satisfactory references. References will only be sought as part of a pre-employment check prior to appointment. References will be taken up from both referees named on the application form, one of which must be a current employer or, if not currently employed, the most recent employer who would have knowledge of the successful candidate in a working environment.

Criminal Records Check - a satisfactory standard disclosure through Access NI will be required prior to appointment. Further details can be found on the AccessNI website at www.accessni.gov.uk

Stage 9 – Appointment

Those who have successfully completed all stages of the recruitment process will be made an offer in rank order, subject to the number of posts available. The highest performing candidates will be offered immediate vacancies. A reserve list of successful candidates will be held for 18 months. Should further vacancies arise during the reserve list period; candidates will be made an offer in rank order, which could include fixed term roles.



Section 8

Important Guidance Notes for Applicants

1. Please read the candidate information pack before completing an application form.

2. We will not accept CVs, letters, additional pages or any other supplementary material in place of or in addition to completed application forms.

3. We do not accept applications via email.

4. All sections of the application form must be completed by the candidate before the

application can be considered. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

5. Candidates must sign the application form prior to submission. Application forms without a signature will not be accepted and will result in disqualification.

6. All applications must be received by the closing date. Late applications will not be

accepted.

7. Ensure that the correct postage is applied as NIFRS will not pay excess postage and as such any application forms with insufficient postage will not be accepted.

8. The space available on the application form is the same for all applicants and must

not be altered.

9. Applicants must complete the application form in either typescript font size 12, or legible, block capitals using black ink.

10. Candidates must not reformat application forms. The form has been locked to restrict editing.

11. Information in support of your application will not be accepted after the closing date for receipt of applications.

12. Do not use abbreviations or complex technical detail. Write for the reader who may not be familiar with your job or employer.

The closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 3.00pm on THURSDAY 30 APRIL 2015.

All applications must be printed on single sided pages* and should be returned to:

Equality Officer Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service 1 Seymour Street Lisburn BT27 4SX

*Please note NIFRS do not accept applications via email.



13. Applicants must provide evidence in the relevant section of the application form that they meet the criteria by the closing date for applications.

14. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information for the application to be assessed bearing in mind the criteria for the post. Care should be taken to ensure that details are full, accurate and relevant to the post requirements. Candidates must ensure that the information provided clearly demonstrates how they meet the criteria as failure to do so will result in not being shortlisted.

15. Candidates must demonstrate how they meet the criteria in the relevant section provided. Only the evidence outlined within each section will be considered for those particular criteria. Each criteria is assessed individually and must therefore be completed in full i.e. candidates should not rely on information included in a previous section for another criteria.

16. Only the employment history and selection criteria sections of the application form will be made available to the panel for shortlisting purposes.

17. Applicants relying on qualifications regarded as equivalent are responsible for providing evidence as to how their qualifications meet the required standard. If equivalence is not immediately clear, no enquiries will be made by NIFRS and the candidate’s application may not proceed as a result. If using GCSE equivalencies, you must provide evidence of this. Proof of qualifications must be provided at interview.

18. NIFRS reserve the right to use both the essential and desirable criteria for shortlisting purposes.

19. The following criteria will be checked first: qualifications, and age upon commencement of training on 1st November 2015. If these are not met, the remainder of the form will not be considered.

20. Communication with candidates during certain stages of the selection process will be via email. Therefore, it is crucial to your application that you: - Have an email address in order to participate in the assessment process.

- Enter an email address on your application form in the relevant section. - Check the email address provided is clear and correct. - Ensure that letters and numbers within the email address are clearly

differentiated. For example, if a form is handwritten, ‘zero’ should be indicated as follows: Ø. Also ensure that hyphens, underscores and dots can be clearly seen. Please see example as follows: Just_an.example-1Ø@nifrs.org

- Check your email account to make sure that you do not miss any important communications in relation to your application. This includes checking your junk mail folder.

21. Please print completed application form on single sided pages prior to submission.

22. Please note, due to the anticipated high volume of applications, it will not be possible to confirm the receipt of an application in writing.

23. Candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application in writing as soon as possible following each stage of the selection process. Due to anticipated high volumes of applications, candidates may experience delays in receipt of the outcome.



Additional Information Disability Requirements NIFRS is committed to ensuring that applicants with a disability have equality of opportunity and are considered solely on their merits. Therefore, if you require any assistance/reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please give details in the relevant section of the monitoring form on your application form. Details of any disability are only used for this purpose and do not form any part of the selection process. If you would like to speak to someone about reasonable adjustments, please contact the HR Manager Equality, Inclusion and Legal on Tel: 028 9266 4221.

Equality Monitoring Form NIFRS is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and job applicants, regardless of gender, marital status, disability, age, religious affiliation, political opinion, ethnic origin, dependants or sexual orientation. NIFRS selects those suitable for employment and advancement solely on the basis of merit. In order to comply with legislative requirements, you must complete the Equality Monitoring Form. This also allows us to monitor the effectiveness of our policy of equal opportunities in employment and effectiveness of our recruitment advertising. Please note, this form is regarded as part of your application and failure to complete and return it will result in your application being rejected. Assessment & Interview Documentation All candidates invited to attend for assessment must bring along the required documentation to satisfy the eligibility criteria and documentation checks for the prevention of illegal working. Further details regarding acceptable documentation will be issued with invitations. Changes in Personal Circumstances Please ensure that you inform us immediately of any changes in personal circumstances. If you decide at any point during the recruitment process to withdraw your application, please inform us as soon as possible. Feedback Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, it will not be possible to provide feedback following any stage of the selection process. Appeals Please note that candidates cannot appeal any stage of the selection process.



APPLICATION FORM CHECKLIST

Please use the checklist below to help ensure that you have completed your form in full and are ready to submit your application.

Have you ……

Read the ‘Important Guidance Notes for Applicants’ on pages 18 - 20 of this information pack?

Read the ‘Selection Process’ in section 7 of this information pack?

Read and completed the ‘Is this the role for you?’ checklist in section 6 of this

information pack?

Clearly demonstrated how you meet all criteria requirements?

Provided full up-to-date details of 2 relevant referees?

Provided full details on relevant qualifications, i.e. subjects, grades.

Listed current/previous employment details since leaving education, including details of posts held, exact dates (dd/mm/yy), and a brief summary of main duties?

Explained any gaps in employment and listed reasons for leaving previous

employment?

Read and signed/agreed to the Personal Declaration? Remember, failure to provide

complete and accurate information may lead to a withdrawal of employment/offer of employment if this is subsequently discovered.

Completed your Equality Monitoring Form? By gathering this information from all

applicants it will help us continue to implement positive action programmes, to remove barriers to equality and promote concepts of diversity and equality of opportunity.

If you have ticked all of the above you are ready to submit your application form. Please remember to take a note of the closing date and time, reference number of the post and print off a copy of the job description/person specification. The job description and person specification will help you prepare for the selection process. If you have any queries or would like further information, please refer to the Careers Section of the NIFRS website at www.nifrs.org or contact the HR Manager, Resourcing and Employee Services on 028 9266 4221. (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm only).

We look forward to receiving your application.

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