How will you contact me when I am on duty?

On successful completion of your recruit-training course you will be issued a pager, which will actuate when you are required to attend Station in response to an emergency call.  You must be able to attend your Station within five minutes.

Can I pick which Station I work at?

Usually firefighters under the Retained Duty System are members of the community served by individual stations.  Due to the response times required (five minutes) RDS personnel live in close proximity to these stations.  You must be able to provide a home base to respond from.

What training will I receive?

You will receive pre-course learning (five drill periods, at your designated station) prior to attending recruit training school for a basic training course over two weeks.  On successful completion of this course you will be required to attend a Breathing Apparatus training course this will usually be within the first twelve months of service, you will of course receive continuation training during your weekly drill period on station.  Additional training is available including First Aid, Light Goods Vehicle and Emergency Fire Appliance Driving Courses.

Will I have to pay for my own uniform?

No.  Uniform and Personal Protective Equipment is provided by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Apart from a salary, what benefits will I get out of it?

Apart from your salary you will benefit from working as a team, and gain additional skills that are easily transferable within the workplace and community, such as First Aid and Community Safety as examples.  You will learn to interact with your community and give advice with confidence and knowledge.  If asked to attend specific training (in excess of your contractual requirements) you will be paid additional allowances at the appropriate rate for these periods.

Will I get paid for performing Community Safety duties, such as Home Fire Safety Checks?

No – but payment will be made at the appropriate hourly rate for any training related to Community Safety.

How many hours a week will I need to set aside for Community Safety duties?

Retained Duty Service Personnel have one hour per week per person to utilise for Community Safety duties.  This hour attracts no additional payment.  The Officer in Charge, who will manage the Community Safety workload, can accumulate the total station hours on a monthly basis.

Does being a retained Firefighter make it easier for me to become a wholetime Firefighter?

No.  At present the selection process for each is conducted in a separate format.  If you wish to apply for a wholetime position you will need to undergo the wholetime firefighters selection process.