Benefits

Depending on your role, all new starters can join the firefighters or local government pension scheme.

In addition to public holidays, you’ll get a generous annual leave allowance.

We’re committed to making sure that our staff have the ability to balance their career with their role as a parent or carer too. R (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/careers/benefits/family-leave)ead more about family leave (https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/careers/benefits/family-leave).

Every member of staff can have sessions with a physiotherapist for free, helping you maintain your physical health.

We'll help you reach your goals. Whatever your career ambitions, there are lots of opportunities to progress in the Service, and we have a dedicated training academy too.

With free on-site gyms at Service Headquarters, wholetime stations and fitness equipment at most on-call stations, it’s even easier for you to stay fit and healthy; no matter what role you’re in.

From dietary plans to exercise advice, we’ll support you to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with support from our fitness team.

We recognise that some roles mean you spend a lot of time looking at a screen. That’s why every two years you’ll get a voucher for eye tests and towards a new pair of glasses.

There is free parking for staff at our Service Headquarters and at our fire stations.

There is a discount shopping facility available to all staff on the employee benefits platform ‘MyLifestyle’. You are also eligible to access the Blue Light Card scheme (https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/), which gives members of emergency services discounts online and on the high street. We’ve also partnered with lots of local organisations who will give you access to discounts and freebies too.

We’ve teamed up with award-winning healthcare provider, Benenden Health (https://www.benenden.co.uk/), a mutual not-for-profit society, to give our staff access to a wide range of healthcare services (such as round-the-clock reassurance from a GP). All members pay the same low monthly fee regardless of age and any pre-existing medical conditions.

From martial arts to mountaineering, there are lots of staff-run activity groups you can sign up to, offering a space to socialise and boost your fitness in a fun way!

Life has its challenges, but with us, you’ll never have to face them alone.  Everyone in the organisation has free access to counselling, and support is also available for family members too. We also have trained staff supporters and mental health first aiders who are there whenever you need someone to talk to. As members of the Service, you and your family can access physical, emotional and social support through The Fire Fighters Charity whether you’re currently serving or retired. Find out more on The Fire Fighters Charity website (https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/).

We pride ourselves on developing people in their careers and giving them the training they need to stay on top of their game. We will make sure you have the training needed for your role and support you where we can to progress in the Service.

Once you have successfully completed your probation period with us, you can apply for a brand new bike and cycling accessories through our salary sacrifice scheme, which means that not only can you spread the cost over 12 months, but you can also make savings on your tax and NI deductions too!