New qualification supports UK fire services in working with young people
Iain Hoey
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Specialist training launched for fire and rescue services
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has introduced a new qualification to enhance fire and rescue services’ (FRS) engagement with children and young people.
The ‘Level 2 Award in Fire & Rescue Service – Introduction to Working with Children and Young People’ was developed as part of the NFCC Prevention Hub, which focuses on a person-centred approach to fire safety in the community.
According to the NFCC, the qualification covers topics including child development, trauma-informed practice, and communication. It is being piloted and rolled out in February, with the first session taking place in Merseyside.
Collaboration between NFCC and SFJ Awards
The qualification was created with input from FRS employers and SFJ Awards, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation.
David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said: “Interacting with children and young people is a central part of FRS work in terms of prevention as well as in the daily course of business for certain roles.
“This qualification sets a path to enable FRS staff and volunteers to carry out these activities to a standardised level of knowledge and skill.”
Standardised training for fire and rescue personnel
NFCC Chief Executive Officer Susannah Hancock said: “This is a really positive development that will help fire and rescue services engage with and support young people in their communities.”
She added that the qualification aims to provide consistency in training: “It will give those working towards the qualification the confidence that they’re receiving training to a consistent national standard, which has been developed in consultation with their peers.”
Qualification details and rollout
The qualification is open to FRS staff and volunteers who work with children and young people. The course requires 20 hours of total qualification time, including 14 hours of guided learning.
Training will be delivered through a three-day ‘train the trainer’ programme across four UK regions in spring and summer 2025. Booking details have been shared with relevant fire and rescue services.
New qualification supports UK fire services in working with young people: Summary
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has introduced a new qualification to support UK fire and rescue services in working with children and young people. Developed in collaboration with SFJ Awards, the Level 2 Award in Fire & Rescue Service – Introduction to Working with Children and Young People aims to provide standardised training on child development, trauma-informed practice, and communication.
The qualification is available to staff and volunteers within UK fire and rescue services, with the first pilot session taking place in Merseyside in February. Training will be delivered via a three-day ‘train the trainer’ programme across four regions in spring and summer 2025. Booking information has been provided to relevant services.