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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Service Training OR Recruitment => Topic started by: RLFACTOR on October 15, 2005, 02:15:00 PM
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I am a wholetime firefighter employed by the defence fire service I would like to become wholetime for a county brigade however the only way of doing so i am told is to leave my current brigade go through the selection process and do another wholetime course. Why is it that i cannot transfer from one to the other? I have been investigating IPDS and there seems to be nothing to stop me but whenever i phone and ask i am told that i would not be eligable! even though we do the same job just on different station grounds! Our training is virtually the same except DFS undergo an aircraft crash phase all the DFS training meets home office standards and goes through the manual A-Z where LAFS seem to miss certain bits out?
Please can anybody shed any light on this and advise me on what to do!
Thank you
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RLFACTOR,
Thanks for joining and using the forum.
It get's complicated if we have identical messages in more than one area, so I've taken out the other one. Hope you don't mind too much.
Chris
Site Admin
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I think it depends which brigade you apply to. DFS training is to a very high standard and like you say it is done by the book, they even still do the live ladder carry down. I would try another brigade as I know of quite a few DFS lads that have joined LAFS.
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Thank you for your reply i will have another scout about! I live in hampshire and am also retained at my local station I hear this is another route in using the intergrated personnel development system so will kepp my ear to the ground.
Any more info is very welcome!
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I know this doesnt really answer the thrust of your question but have you thought about joining your local retained section (with your background they would probably bite your hand off) and then try to transfer into WT perhaps via the adc route. I know you could do the adc thing anyway but at least with your local retained section you would be able to make some good contacts. I know this is a cumbersome and unsatisfactory way to do things but it might help.
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rlfactor . Sorry, had a bit of a condor moment there and missed one of your posts please disregard the last and I will try to read things properly in future.
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RL, I know as a fact that certain brigades allow direct transfers from the DF&RS(A). Two of my colleagues have recently transfered from DF&RS(A) to local authority, both were retained with the brigades they transfered into..
If you want more info, then feel free to email me.
Cheers
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Youve been e-mailed!
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Its absolutely ridiculous that DFS can not be allowed to transfer into Local Authority Brigades.
I'd have a word with the personnel department of the local Fire Authority you want to transfer to. Ask them to put in writing why they won't except a transfer - this should ruffle a few feathers -if you get no response write directly to the Cheif Officer and the Chair of the Authority.
The DFS is a Fire Service formed under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1947 (now the Fire and Rescue Services Act).
As you correctly stated DFS Personnel are trained in exactly the same way as local authority firefighters because that Act sets out the minimum training standards required for MoD / Home Office Fire Services.In simple terms the DFS is just like another County or Metropolitan Fire Service
Surely if they allow transfer of personnel between Local Authority Brigades (ie brigades which fall under the Fire and Rescue Services Act ) then they must allow you to transfer across.
Im not militant person but if were you Id play the discrimination card and ask the Fire Authority in question explains why you cant transfer.
No one likes to rock the boat with a potential employer, but by the same token they have to play the game too!.They can't discriminate, and in my humble opinion thats exactly what they are doing!
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Just to add another twist to the story, I know of many WT Ffs that have gone from LAFS to DFS, without the need to re-train. So there shouldn't be any sort of issue with going DFS to LAFS.
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Yo pete-p which brigades did the people you know transfer into?
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Im sure they were, leicestershire, Northants, Oxfordshire & London or possibly Essex.
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RLFactor,
I now know that a lot of F&RS's are not only looking into this option, they are also making moves to allow DFRS to apply in the normal fashion that a LA person can.
After all, under IPDS a firefighter is a firefighter.... The DF&RS is in the process of implementing IPDS (As are many local authority brigades).
As the DF&RS mirrors the standards set by the ODPM, LAs are recognising this.. Any more info on this, feel free to email me.
Cheers.
For your info, I'm currently serving with the DF&RS and I am in the process of transfering across to LA..
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Cheers for your help big norman...
where are you currently stationed with the DF+RS and what brigade are you trying to transfer too, could you advise me on what i should start to do in the way of getting the ball rolling< do you know of any brigades where DF+RS fire fighters have already successfully transfered across,
Cheers mate any help is much appreciated.
RLFACTOR
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Have emailed you with some info..
I do know that Warwickshire and Leicestershire recruit from DF&RS, two of my colleagues have transfered across this year...
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RLFACTOR This is my first visit to Fire Net I am also a whole time Fire fighter working for a contractor under the unbrella of the D.F.&R.S. I have not got as far as whole time L.A.F.B. im having enough difficulties just trying to get my qualifications recognised to be considered for retained Fire-fighter
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Historically, transfers were never accepted from MOD/Military Brigades.
In my experience, there are some very real differences between the 2 jobs.
The only reason some services now consider the prospect is £££££££. Fact
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Isn't it one thing all brigades try to do lee! Reducing the amount of money they spend on maintaining their quota of staff members in order to make more funds avaliable to promate community fire safety, therefore reducing the number of fire deaths in the uk.
If this can be done by employing persons who have proved themselves competant in the required areas assesed at basic training, and who can also prove that they have been developing their knowledge and maintaining their competence to the required standard. Is this not a good thing, regardless of where the employee previously worked!
The FACT is lee that you can work for a different brigade or establishment within the fire service and a variety of things will be different. However all brigades whether local authority or MOD have to meet the home office standards which is consistant between all the brigades within the uk. Thus meaning we all have to posses the core skills in order to progress in our careers.
I do not think that the job is completly different. MOD fire fighters have the knowledge and understanding to deal with any emergency as do their local authority equivelants, this is achieved through necessary training and development in order to meet these standards. However I do understand that by working as a MOD firefighter many of our operational experiances will be different and varied from a county firefighter. But again this will occur between every brigade and every member if its workforce.
Just because you dont experience a certain situation as frequently as somebody else it doesn't mean that you are in anyway less prepared for it does it lee?
The transfer between private contractor fire services the MOD and local authoirity can be done and has been done, just aslong as you meet the required standard!
Just a few things to consider ....
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rlfactor, you make your points very well, I do not seek to offend you in any way.
I do have a fairly (extremelly!!!!!!) good understanding of what goes on in the MOD FRS.
The fact i used to make my point was simple, before CFO's were forced to make financial cuts in all area's to please Mr Prescott, then they would never of considered allowing anybody to join a Watch until they had completed the recruitment process in full. Regardless of where they came from.( Im sure there were exeptions which sombody is about to point out!) LAFB to LAFB were only considered on merit and regually turned down.
I understand exacly how you feel, believe me.
I also hope that you manage to gain employment with a LAFB.
IPDS should be used as a tool to develop and recruit the most excellent of people into positions within an excellent FRS.
The fear of some is that, some Brigades will use it to take in any tom dick or harry who has had some fire service experience at some level somewhere, to get bums on seats! I do not in anyway include you in this group. But you know what i mean.
Good luck mate
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Transfers between DFRS and LA (and LA to DFRS)are now becoming very common with many FRS's accepting transferees who meet the required standards...
Myself and two colleagues have transfered from DFRS to LA within the last 12 months, I also know of others who are in the process....
Its not all about bums on seats etc.... It part of modernising...
PS... Willing to try to help if considering transfering to LA...Email..
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bignorman
It is ALL about bums on seats at a cut price.
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bignorman
It is ALL about bums on seats at a cut price.
Whilst everybody has their own opinions and views on different matters I must point out obvious points to bare in mind about DFRS transferees to LA FRS...
From the time of applying to the LA to the date of transfer took 12 months, and that was after a lot of letters, meetings and FBU backing.
I was one of over 25 potential candidates who filed an application to transfer and I was one of 8 Ffs invited along for an interview. I met all the criteria required for transfer and was one of only 4 Ffs to be accepted after the interview. Over 20 LA candidates applying for the positions available did not meet the criteria and were deemed unsuitable....
So as for "cut price bums on seats", not really true.
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It is true, im afraid you are not in a position to view this topic with any objectivity.
I have experience of the DFS, as i said earlier, so know exactly what kind of level they operate at. Im glad you got your "transfer" congratulations.
By the way, what made you apply for DFS rather that LAFB in the first place?
Or did you apply to the Brigade and not make it through?
Did almost every person on your watch apply and not make it?
If i were you, i would of prefered to make it through the same way as everybody else, not nipping in the back door. Although i dont think anyone would blame you for taking advantage of the current downturn in standards of recriutment due to one thing only............finance
Sorry if the truth hurts.
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Ouch!!!! Sour grapes I think....
( just the sort of response you'd expect from a spotty teenager or from a person who hasn't the slightest clue what they're on about!!!)
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Again,
Sorry if the truth hurts. I dont really have any inclination to join you on a stroll down the name calling comedy cul-de-sac, as i understand why you are so defensive with regards to this matter.
After all I am only voicing opinions which you clearly know are out there, no doubt on the Watch you have been posted onto.
My original point was generic, and really should stay that way. FRS's are only considering transfers from persons outside of the Fire Service (LA) for reasons connected to saving money. Historically everybody who joined would have to be trained to same level of competence before seeing a Watch.
As a Serving member of such a Watch, I am concerned (along with everbody on our Watch) that standards are being eroded right from point of entry. This has an effect on service delivery and morale.
IPDS in priciple is (in my opinion) a very good thing. It has transformed our development and training systems and gives Brigades the oportunity to recruit excellent people into the position they need to be in, fast. There are many good examples of this.
So IPDS should improve our Service, not erode standards.
I have no problem with Firefighters from Airport/industrial/MOD type backgrounds coming over, dont blame em, alot of us have done the same, but to suggest that it should be done in the way it has been done in some cases does nothing to improve matters.
Let me use MOD CTE at Manston for example.
Good training faclity, both domestic and aircraft. Im sure the courses follow the FSTM to some extent, but............
This is no substitute for attending the Brigade training centre.
Who instructs at MOD CTE? What real experience do they have? Who are they? This is the key.
You will struggle to find a member of any MOD station that has not attempted to join a (or several) LAFB. The very fact that for one reason or another they are still working for the MOD tells you why direct transfer is not a good idea.
The cream would always rise to the top, and the best guys always got their move...eventually. Managers at MOD establishments have always been frustrated by young guys and gals joining their station, doing a year then getting a job in the Brigade. That has always been the case. I have never met an MOD FF who wants to be an MOD FF. They are only there whilst they move through the recruitment stages of the LAFB. The ones who are left have given up.
So the only reason anybody would ever consider allowing such a transfer is.................................CASH.
The very idea that this saved cash could then be spent on CFS..........????????
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I am a Ff that transfered from LAFB to DFS and I can't belive how misinformed you are about the DFS. I still work retained and enjoy it (like most of the lads on my station) so im pretty up to date with most things and have had more experience than I care to talk about on this forum.
Firstly I think it was the best move that I have ever made & wish I had transfered before. The pay is in fact better when you account for all of the double & treble time you get on PHs ect... The pension is good and you don't have to suffer the university 'career' idiots that joined LAFB to become a managers or the ones that do it to look good but have zero interest in actualy doing the job and have about as much get up and go as a sandbag! Thank god that there are still some good lads & Lasses getting in though.
As for never meeting an MOD Ff that wanted the job? You can't have talked to many! Not one lad on my station (over 30 of them) wants to join LAFB, in fact SIX of us have transfered from there. We know where we are better off. The DFS is more diffcult to get into with very few posts becoming vacant every year. Some of my former workmates are waiting for vacancies so they can apply!
As for the instructors: I found them to be just as good as LAFB training schools and in some cases even better. The facilities and LIVE fire training carried out there are in my opinion the best I have experienced. The majority of the LAFB Instructors I have delt with have never impressed me and I wouldn't want to work with most.
Lee999 you seem to have been either misinformed or have too high an opinion of yourself, sorry. I would recommend to any wholetime or retained Ff to try the DFS and get away from the greedy, low morale, union infested risk assesment culture that is 'Local authority'.
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Hi Pete, I did reply earlier, this is an amended version as I fell into the trap and DID take a stroll down the aformentioned cul-de-sac.(as you have)
I hear your points, dont really understand your point of view but you have clearly made some desisions which suit you personally. However my experience does not match yours.
Im not misinformed, i speak from experience, as for the comment about my self opinion, well......???????
I am a professional fire officer, i wish to see the FRS that I love improve, when i see and hear things i am not in favour of, i speak out and give specific reasoning.
What i have to say isnt always what you want to hear, and occasionally my diplomatic skills do let me down.
I seems clear that you do not share my love of the FRS, i respect that, so please respect my opinion of the DFS. You have no reason to defend the DFS, just as i wont bother to defend the Fire Service, we both seem happy in our chosen occupations so should agree to differ.
Norman?
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I would like to add my opinion to the argument, sorry discussion with regards to DFS and LAFRS.
Initially after not getting into a LAFS (even though I was a Retained FF) I applied and successfully started with the DFS. During this time with the DFS I remained in the Retained, so my skill base was always kept current and valid.
Eventually after 4 years in the DFS I left to join a LAFRS. I left because I wanted to expoler other avenues of the Fire Service. I did not leave because I didn't enjoy working as a DFS FF. I loved every minute of it and learnt many a valuable skill that has assisted me (and my crews) in a LAFRS.
I had to do a full Trainee course when I moved to the LAFRS. The course had exactly the same syllabus (apart from thre Crash Rescue bits) as the DFS Trainee course at Manston. I am not big head enough to say I didn't learn anything second time round, as it was a massive, very expensive refresher!!!
What is wrong with someone from the DFS, MOD, Airport transferring across to a LAFRS? or vice versa
I have experienced personnel transferring across. The individual has completed a Training Needs Analysis against the role of a FF. (Remember the FF Role is the same across the board). The outcome of the TNA has produced a training plan for that individual. It could mean they need to attend either part, all or none of a Trainee course to have the knowledge and skills to become a competent memebr of a watch in a LAFRS.
It is not about bums on seats, it is about value for money. Why pay ££££'s to train a FF when it can be done for pennies?
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I must point out here Lee999 that I did once, like you, Love the LAFS but having seen the state it is in now im glad im only retained. I left as I was sick of the bickering and management issues, sick of IRMP/IPDS/rank to role, ADCs........... The list goes on. I joined from the retained as I wanted to do the job but sadly thats becoming a side issue with most brigades and its endless risk assesment and the rest. Morale is at rock bottom.
As for stating that you know what level the DFS operate on, Im not too sure where you are going with that as I have only found good things so far. As I said before the level of training and competency is equal to any LAFS because they do the same basic training, they then go on to airfield crash firefighting which is something that LAFS don't do.
Its like any job, if its badly managed and you do nothing interesting all day and sit on your backside then you won't keep your staff. There are quite a few DFS stations that get very few fire calls and their training is limited and as a result they have become dis-interested and unmotivated. (small flying stations or storage for example) This is a mangement issue clearly but it doesn't mean that the whole of the DFS is like this. I know of several LAFS WT stations that do very few calls and their Ffs are the same! If you go to the bigger DFS stations you would be very supprised by the equipment and level of skill, particularly at the DFS American run stations.
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Lee999,
As I have said before, everyone to their own opinions, thats fair enough.. But surely before you start throwing insulting comments you should bother to find out facts first??
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"QUOTE"(lee999) By the way, what made you apply for DFS rather that LAFB in the first place?
Or did you apply to the Brigade and not make it through?
Did almost every person on your watch apply and not make it?
If i were you, i would of prefered to make it through the same way as everybody else, not nipping in the back door. Although i dont think anyone would blame you for taking advantage of the current downturn in standards of recriutment due to one thing only............finance (lee999)
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I spent 13 years with the DFRS serving at various stations around the world, and must say I loved every minute of it.. One of the main reasons for leaving the DFRS is I used to spend 10 hours a week travelling to and from work and to be honest I had to either move nearer or change employers... I now have a 2 minute cycle ride to work.
I have taken a pay cut in the region of 15k and am employed at a station which is the quietest I have ever be stationed on. (I'm not knocking it, its the best move I have made, 16 minutes travel a week!!)
So the move was for personal reasons... Now for your questions you asked..
"QUOTE"(By the way, what made you apply for DFS rather that LAFB in the first place?)
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The opportunity to travel the world and get paid vast amounts of money swung that one..(no contest at all)
"QUOTE"(Or did you apply to the Brigade and not make it through?)
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I did look into my initial options, DFRS won..(reason above)
"QUOTE"(Did almost every person on your watch apply and not make it?)
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Well, thats a strange question, cant see where youre coming from with that one?? (or even why you ask??)
"QUOTE"(If i were you, i would of prefered to make it through the same way as everybody else, not nipping in the back door. Although i dont think anyone would blame you for taking advantage of the current downturn in standards of recriutment due to one thing only............finance)
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I did make it through the same as the other LA Ffs who applied to transfer (same application form, suitability interview and medical!!)
"Nipping in the back door"??. If I "nipped" in the back door it wouldn't of taken 12 months to transfer...
From what I have seen regarding the downturn in standards, you'll find a fair few long serving LA personnel are finding it hard to accept modernisation, surely getting "keen young blood" on stations can only be benificial??
As I have said, each and everyone of us is entitled to an opinion so please respect my reasons for "lowering my standards" by leaving the DFRS...
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Also I must reply to another one of your quotes..
"QUOTE"(I have never met an MOD FF who wants to be an MOD FF. They are only there whilst they move through the recruitment stages of the LAFB. The ones who are left have given up.)
Hmmmmm, Please tell me if Im wrong, I can only imagine you haven't met many members of the DFRS.... Not many Ffs who earn nearly double that of a LA Ff want to leave! A few of my ex colleagues last year earned 3 times that of a LA Ff, they couldn't believe that I wanted to give it all up, until I explained about my reasons for wanting out...
You may actually be right about the ones who are left have given up. ( But I very much doubt they'd see it the same way £££££££££££)
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IPDS. The Fire Service College will play a leading role in introducing this new system. It includes all aspects of a fire fighter's activities from initial recruitment, selection, training, in-service development and progression through to retirement. The principles of IPDS apply to all members of the fire and rescue service, including control room staff, non-uniformed staff, retained and part-time personnel. IPDS will provide common standards across the service and will enable staff to demonstrate their competence in their role through workplace assessment. IPDS is the cornerstone of the Government's reform of the human resource management of the fire and rescue service. Together with the introduction of IPDS, we intend to:
replace the 12 ranks of the fire and rescue service with seven 'roles', which reflect the work that fire fighters actually do;
introduce multi-level entry, so that people can enter the fire and rescue service at a level appropriate to their qualifications and experience, including the most senior levels;
odpm...
The principles of IPDS apply to all members of the fire and rescue service, including control room staff, non-uniformed staff, retained and part-time personnel.
AS THIS STATEMENT SAYS; APPLIES TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE.
IPDS is the cornerstone of the Government's reform of the human resource management of the fire and rescue service.
ALL FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES ARE HEADED BY THE HOME OFFICE AND THEREFORE THE GOVERMENT.
multi-level entry, so that people can enter the fire and rescue service at a level appropriate to their qualifications and experience
IF YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS THROUGH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE YOU ARE ABLE TO BE EMPLOYED.
My point in laymans terms is; that all fire and rescue services conform to the FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES ACT 2004 and therefore conform to what is stated by the odpm. So this segregation that you keep mentioning Lee999 In my opinion makes no sense.
Also you mentioned that brigades are lowering the standards. Well if that was true that would mean that all new recruits to your brigade would have entered to service at a lower standard! "But do you have the same hostility to new recruits as you do MOD Fire Fighters. "
Last point, as stated by the odpm;People enter the fire service at a level appropriate to their qualifications etc... Does this not mean that if you make the grade and can prove your initial training and ongoing training, and therfore meet the required standard YOU ARE ELIGABLE!
I dont think this is a case of lowered standards Lee999! I think that you may feel bitter because you had to go through alot of hassle to get in to your brigade, and in todays MODERN fire service where Qualifications are recognised, people who are COMPETANT are transfering into your Brigade, and maybe you dont think its fair!!!
Isnt it time to enter the 21st century lee999 and leave all that discrimination behind!!!
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RLFACTOR, I do not support any form of discrimination in any workplace.
I wont start to repeat what I have already said, my stall is set out and you are free to agree or disagree. I respect your opinions.
I have not met on W/T ops FF in the Brigade who agree's with what you have said, but hey..........
Norman, I also respect your views,and have no reason to want to offend. I didn't join the job for financial gain, and I am not really interested in MOD men earning 3 times my wage. Im in the job cos I Love everything about it, and I am Happy and proud to be doing what im doing. You can keep your money.
I disagree with almost everything you have said about the MOD fire service, and as an ex-member of MOD FRS and RAF FRS i think that i am entittled to that opinion. It is an informed one, sorry if you dont like it.
As someone great once said
"if you dont want to hear other peoples opinions, dont join a forum"
Shall we leave it at that?
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Well my last post on this matter is, good luck to anyone joining any FRS MOD/Industrial/Airport/Contractor or LAFB. Having good friends in all of these services & being retained as well as DFS I have not met one that has an opinion like yours Lee999 but like you say its a forum!
The best thing I ever did was get out of LAFS. I have given myself another month working retained and that will be it I reckon. Im fed up with all of the politics & jibberish that comes from 'up top'and stops you doing the job you are there for and for me the removal of beds and the portrayal of Ffs as Lazy was the last straw. Change
is good and can be very effective but I have yet to see any changes in LAFS that have been worth it! IPDS has been a total let down with the same double standards between WT & Retained. Most stations are still run by the FBU and their out of date policys and methods although I don't condem the FBU itself just a minority.
The way this government is going you'll be lucky to have any WT Ffs soon!
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Could anyone please tell me what LAFS are taking on DF&RS in the east of the Country From a MOD & Retained ff. As I can't get hold of this information.
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Could anyone please tell me what LAFS are taking on DF&RS in the east of the Country From a MOD & Retained ff. As I can't get hold of this information.
I dont know of any FRS in the east of the country that are accepting transfers from DFRS, but if you want information on how to start the ball rolling feel free to email me..
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Having just read these posts, I have to admit there are some very interesting points to note. Lee999, it has to be said, you have obviously met some unsavioury DFS chaps in the past, however I do believe your background in both DFS and RAF qualifies you this opinion. Having served 18 years in the RAF myself, I have to make objection to a couple of points regarding CTE Manston and the training that they provide. Whilst I agree, Moreton is a great facility, the school at Manston is also very good and the instructors are well trained. In fact they attend training courses run by the LAFS regularly on a number of subjects. So I believe your statement to be slightly flawed.
I to have a number of friends that have joined the LAFS across the country, some have transferred and some have had to go through the selection process. Do I believe the DFS should be able transfer? In a word, no! Likewise, I don't believe the LAFS should be able to transfer directly to the DFS! Why not? Because although both jobs are similar, they are by no means the same. That said I do not believe that transfers either way should incur the need to have to complete the full training course. It has been known for ex RAF/DFS to complete 2 week "refresher" courses to get into the LAFS! Surely any quality instructor would have a very good idea of competance after this time? Lee999, your views are welcomed.
Whilst we are comparing the 3 services, LAFS/DFS/RAF. All 3 will have, dare I say it, "problems". Of the friends that I have who have joined the Local Brigades, all ex RAF, all have stated that apart from the busier shifts (albeit, that is not always the case), overall the professionalism is not a patch on the RAF and the lack of training has been quite shocking!
Furthermore, whilst I appreciate that there are alot of the DFS that are happy to take their double and treble pay for public holidays and good amounts of overtime for very little return there are a lot of very good profesional fire fighters amonst them.
To conclude, we all have a choice in life and choose the jobs that we take on. We are not all LAFS whannabees, far from it. I for the record have no desire to transfer even if it were made easier.
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cb
I will comment, bit im concerned we might begin to go round in circles with this topic.
Again, Ive said what I said in earlier posts and stand by my (informed) views, Looking back I might of been more diplomatic and humble.
The RAF FRS and the MOD FRS in my experience are 2 quite different animals, or they were when i passed through. And the LAFB is another different animal again....
With regards to MOD CTE, very good training venue for Firefighters. However, when I was required to attend, the quality of the instructional staff fell well short of what I see as the required standard. This is for a variety of reasons. Mainly due to the lack of any real experience.
Your freinds experience of training and development whilst in the RAF compared to LAFB is not the same as mine, in fact quite the opposite. Although i suppose Brigades and Watches differ.
Your 2 week refresher idea is one ive heard before. Yes, following a TNA the Service would be able to evaluate competancies and identify training needs. But my point is really what goes on before that. Is this potential trainee being considered on their own merit (along with all other potential recruits), or are they being considered because they have had some formal Fire Service training elsewhere, and therefore will be cheaper to take on! That is my concern.
Im committed to excellence in the FRS, not shortcuts to save money.
As for transfers the other way, then the same should probabaly be true although, not being a member of that Service I shouldn't really comment. I would say that this would be a fairly rare event. Most people join to go out on Fire calls, dont they?
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Hi there everyone was browsing the net when i came across this website and i read with interest some of the comments regarding transfers from the df&rs to the laf&rs. I am a serving member of the df&rs in Northern Ireland, and we are the only station in the province so you can imagine trying to get acknowledgement for your qualifications over here is virtually impossible. I am also a retained ff with the Northern Ireland f&rs, and being the only brigade over here they recognize only la qualifications, and if the truth be told i and many others in my station find that highly annoying. I didn't come on to this forum to trade insults but i do feel that a certain individual has a real chip on his shoulder about the df&rs and to be fair that is something that not only goes on between df&rs and laf&rs but it also goes on between the retained and the wholetime in (Northern Ireland anyway). Should there be cross transfers both ways? In my opinion yes. All services train their ff to a high standard and having been trained at manston (df&rs) and boucher (nif&rs) i can say that the instructors at both schools were excellent although to be fair the facilities at manston where of a higher standard. How anyone can say that the standards are being dropped by allowing transfers is beyond me, surely a serving ff in which ever service has more to offer than a recruit just of the street and through a basic course? I enjoy my position with both services and wouldn't change a thing. I think it is high time we excepted that we're all ff which ever service we are in beit wholetime or retained and we're there to serve and protect our communities beit mod or local. To finish things of and this goes to my df&rs colleague's don't keep going on about the money that gets every one's back up, although it does keep the bank manager happy.
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I know, it seems rubbish. I had to go through all of this also. I thought IPDS was supposedto rectify the problem but apparently not. Al I can say is that at least now there is aframework to follow. Gather your evidence and get it signed off in accordance with NOS's and keep trying. Good luck!