SFJ Awards, the UK fire and rescue services’ qualifications partner of choice, has announced it is certificating the 2022 Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) Training and Development Event free of charge in a gesture of support for the not for profit’s commitment to raising skills and increasing gender equality.

The event, which took place over the course of three days at the Fire Service College in Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, saw women representing fire and rescue services from across the country attend a series of expert-led workshops.

Covering a range of contemporary issues in fire and rescue services, delegates deepened their understanding of everything from mental health and racial equality to hazmat incidents and fire safety in commercial buildings.

Facilitated by Lancashire Fire & Rescue’s Jenny Nangle and more, SFJ Awards’ involvement provides free, independent recognition for delegates attending a range of workshops, each designed to enhance learning and benefit delegates in their future careers.

Candace Miller, Executive Director of SFJ Awards, commented: “SFJ Awards is a long-time admirer and supporter of WFS and their work in enabling women to enter and thrive in the many fantastic careers available in fire and rescue services.

“To achieve gender equality in fire and rescues services, it is vital to create learning and development opportunities such as this, and we are delighted to support this annual event returning after a two-year hiatus following Covid.

“The programme is unique insofar as it provides a safe space for learners to share their experiences and exchange ideas, whilst acquiring solid evidence of quality learning for ongoing career developments.”

Caroline Anderson, Fire and Rescue Service Crew Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue and WFS Vice-Chair, said: “Working with SFJ Awards has been such a positive experience. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Candace and her team to champion our women in Fire and Rescue.

“As a leading provider of fire sector qualifications, we are delighted SFJ Awards are kindly supporting us again this year through provision of Certificates of Attendance for a number of our workshops at our 20th national training and development event through recognised certification.

“We have similar aims and ambitions, to increase confidence, raise the standards in skills, and support the many types of people and roles in the sector.”

Members of WFS are of all gender and, come from all roles across the Fire and Rescue Service – from firefighters and control staff, administrative and support staff and senior officers, to members of airport, defence and works fire services.