The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published the findings of a new research study reviewing the long-term sustainability of the on-call firefighter system
Commissioned by NFCC with support from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), data was collected from fire and rescue services across the UK by Exact Consultant Ltd, with responses received from more than 1,600 on-call firefighters. The National On-Call Research Study also considered case studies and comparisons with other UK and international sectors to explore whether the on-call duty system was “still fit for purpose”.
Also known as retained firefighters, on-call firefighters are typically employed in other jobs and respond to incidents when alerted. As explained in the report, the on-call duty system covers nearly 90% of the UK landmass and “provides the backbone of fire cover in rural and lower-risk areas”.
Whilst the study acknowledged the importance of the on-call system as a “cornerstone of fire and rescue provision” across the UK, key issues were identified, including challenges around recruitment and retention, inflexibility of training and competence requirements, persistence of cultural barriers, fragmentation and inefficiencies within the system, variations in local governance, and inconsistent data quality.
“On-call firefighters are absolutely vital for keeping communities safe,” the report stated.
“Falling numbers, persistent recruitment and retention difficulties, and training requirements predominantly designed around full-time standards are all undermining its long-term resilience.”
The report concluded that attention and action were needed to address “increasing pressures”, and the study identified potential solutions, including refining policies and practices, introducing fundamental reforms to the existing on-call approach, and a complete re-thinking of the current on-call firefighter role.
Commenting on the research, NFCC Chair Phil Garrigan said: “The on-call duty system has served communities across the UK for generations, made possible by the commitment, skill, and professionalism of on-call firefighters who balance public service with their lives beyond the fire and rescue station.”
He said that the system remained a “cost-effective, community-rooted model of fire cover”, but that “coordinated action” was needed to address the issues being faced by firefighters.
Garrigan added: “Our focus must be on working alongside fire and rescue services, government, representative bodies, and on-call firefighters themselves, recognising their unique contribution, so the system continues to protect the public it serves.”
Steve Healey, NFCC National On-Call Lead and Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, thanked all the firefighters and stakeholders who had contributed to the research, noting that their “honesty has shaped a study that reflects the reality of on-call work today, particularly in rural areas”.
“There is no single fix, and meaningful progress will take time, but the evidence base for change is now stronger than it has ever been,” Healey said.
You can view the full research study here.