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Retained Duty System
Firefighters working on the Retained Duty System (RDS) are part-time
firefighters. They are paid members of the community who respond to emergencies
just like wholetime firefighters. However, they do not staff the fire station 24 hours a day like wholetime firefighters. They are notified of an emergency call via an alerter, which they carry with them. Therefore, they could be at home or at work when the call comes in. Firefighters (RDS) will book themselves available for fire calls and, if a call comes in during this period, they will make their way to the fire station within five minutes and attend the incident.
Many are in full-time employment with agreement from their employers to leave to attend an emergency call. Others are on call at specified hours after work and at weekends. One criteria is that they must be able to reach the fire station within five minutes of being called on a personal pager.
The crew is equipped with a fire appliance,
equipment and protective fire kit and will be called upon to attend the same
range of incidents as wholetime firefighters at any time of the day or night. In return they are paid a retaining fee along with additional payment for every incident and training session attended.Firefighters on the retained duty system play a full and valuable role in the Fire and Rescue Service. They receive the same respect from the community as wholetime firefighters and experience the same satisfaction of helping the community and working as part of a skilled team.
The Locations
Alfreton, Ashbourne, Bakewell, Belper, Bolsover,
Bradwell, Buxton, Chapel en le Frith, Clay Cross, Clowne, Crich, Dronfield,
Duffield, Glossop, Hathersage, Heanor, Ilkeston, Long Eaton,
Matlock, Melbourne, New Mills, Ripley, Shirebrook, Staveley, Swadlincote, Whaley Bridge, Wirksworth
For information and contact details for our
retained stations please visit Stations page.
Salary and Working Routines
RDS firefighters can apply to be contracted to
either 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, or 120 hours per week. Exact times of cover are
agreed with each station on an individual basis, subject to service needs. RDS firefighters receive a “retaining fee” of up to 10% of the wholetime annual salary. Payment is made in 12 equal payments by bank credit transfer, on or before 25th of each month. In return they must be available for emergency calls.
They are also paid an hourly rate for call outs,
an attendance fee, a disturbance fee, and a monthly drill fee.
Initial Training
Trainees begin their service with a posting to a
fire station for a period of induction training. This is followed by a
development programme during which time the trainee will combine periods of
practical and technical training, which are carried out at the Training Centre, with consolidation training, which is carried out on their fire
station.
Instruction will be given on appliances and
equipment, and how to use them safely and correctly. Training is also
given in rescue procedures, road traffic collision procedures, breathing
apparatus wearing and pump operations.
Throughout this period regular tests are
given. Written, verbal and practical tests are undertaken and must be
passed to a satisfactory standard before a trainee can be deemed to have
successfully completed their development programme. Firefighters may then
progress and build upon their development through driving courses and other
specialist courses that the Fire and Rescue Service has to offer.
Pension
The New Firefighters’ pension scheme took effect
from 6 April 2006. This is a final salary, contributory occupational pension
scheme which has many benefits. Any previous pensionable service, whether it is an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme, may be transferable into the New Firefighters’ pension scheme.
Recruitment
The recruitment process for firefighters (RDS) is
on a rolling programme. For information regarding the programmes, please
telephone the Human Resources Administration Section on 01332 777018.
Alternatively write to us at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, The Old Hall, Burton Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 6EH. Upon application you must reside or work within 5 minutes of the station.
Annual Leave
Leave entitlement is four weeks rising to five
weeks after five years continuous service. Leave entitlements will
be as agreed with representative bodies. The principles of leave laid out
by the National Joint Committee will be adopted by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue
Service.
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