North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is hosting two Positive Action days to encourage applications from under-represented groups for a career as a Retained Duty System (RDS) firefighter.

The aim is to achieve a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community, and which in turn helps to deliver the best possible fire and rescue service to the people of North Wales.

Under-represented groups within the current workforce are females, black and ethnic minorities and individuals from the LGBT community.

The fire and rescue service is looking to recruit RDS firefighters at a number of locations to help protect communities across the region and is keen to hear from enthusiastic individuals interested in working as on-call firefighters at their local fire station.

Llinos Gutierrez Jones, Human Resources Manager, explains: “Presently the number of our employees who are women, people from black and ethnic minorities and LGBT groups is significantly lower than we would like for a modern fire and rescue service.

“With this in mind we will be hosting two Positive Action days aimed specifically at raising awareness amongst these identified under-represented groups within our workforce.

“The day is intended to provide those attending with an opportunity to gain an insight into the career of a firefighter and our selection process.

“Positive action does not guarantee that anyone of a specific sex or race will gain employment – all members of staff are employed on merit and are expected to achieve the same standards.

“If you embody one of these under-represented groups and are interested in a career as an RDS firefighter we would be keen to hear from you.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is keen to hear from interested individuals from across the whole of the North Wales region.

The current second phase of our retained recruitment campaign will focus on the following fire stations: Aberdyfi, Abersoch, Barmouth, Beaumaris, Conwy, Corwen, Flint, Holyhead, Johnstown, Menai Bridge, Mold, Nefyn, Rhosneigr, St Asaph, Tywyn and Wrexham, and all applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Positive Action days will take place as follows (0930-15.00hrs);

15 July 2016 - Rhyl Training Centre

19 July 2016 - Dolgellau Training Centre

Spaces are limited so advance booking is required – please contact Chelsey Hughes on 01745 535278 or  chelsey.hughes@nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

For more details on opportunities for a career as a RDS firefighter please visit our website www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk .

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They must possess a good standard of physical fitness and have the ability to pass aptitude tests. In addition to their monthly retaining fees, payments are made for turnouts, attendance and drill nights.

Many employers are aware of the essential role that retained fire and rescue service personnel carry out within their local communities and many release staff to carry out firefighting and other emergency duties.