West Midlands Fire Service
READ MORE
West Midlands Fire Service serve a diverse population across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. They’re the second largest fire and rescue service in England, covering an area of 902 square kilometres which include areas with the highest risk in England outside of London.
West Midlands Fire Service operate 38 whole-fire stations across the West Midlands with over 1200 firefighters working to make the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier.
Ranked No.1 – 2023/2024
For the second year running, West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) featured first place on the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List, ranking above all other employers and keeping their top spot. West Midlands Fire Service is the second largest Fire and Rescue Service in the UK protecting one of the most diverse populations in the country.
EMPLOYEE PERSPECTIVE
Watch Commander Jenny Dent
I have worked for West Midlands Fire Service for 13 years in three different roles. As a firefighter I was immensely proud of being a female firefighter and role model for those who thought that this career wasn’t for them because of the stereotype that is associated with this job. I can honestly say that turning out to incidents, attending education and prevention events, and having people look and point in surprise made me feel so proud that I was out there changing minds and attitudes.
READ MORE
As my family life progressed and expanded, I felt that if I was ever going to inspire my daughter to be the best that she could be I needed to be the best that I could be. West Midlands Fire Service allowed me to develop my self-confidence and my management skills to gain a promotion to a Crew Commander. Juggling family life and a full-time job certainly served me well for skills that I could bring to the role such as multi-tasking, forward planning, organising, and dealing with the unexpected.
In my current role as Watch Commander Positive Action, I have a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the diversity of the West Midlands Fire Service supporting and nurturing our underrepresented candidates towards a role as a firefighter. This role is an inspiration, education, and a challenge. The West Midlands Fire Service is an organisation that is willing to educate and innovate and take steps to break down barriers and stereotypes to make our workforce truly represent the communities that we serve.
Assistant Business Partner Shamreen Ali
I have been with the West Midlands Fire service in the role of an administrator for 6 and a half years. I have worked in different departments and gained the knowledge and confidence to become the woman I am today. I am a proud Muslim woman who maintains her belief in a supporting organisation, who allow me to be both professional and religious. I have the privilege to promote awareness within the service of different faiths, to develop the organisations’ knowledge further.
READ MORE
My personal inspiration comes from the female role models in Managerial positions. Moving up into a developmental role recently, has encouraged me to develop others in my Department within their role, as well as develop myself by taking on different roles and responsibilities. I have had the privilege of working on a team who nurture diverse candidates into trainee firefighters and beyond.
Within my team I am able to be myself and have never felt the need to change to fit in. The West Midlands Fire Service is such an inclusive and diverse workforce and I feel honoured to be a part of the team.
