NFCC publishes national review of on-call firefighter system

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published a National On-Call Research Study, a wide-ranging review carried out by Exact Consultant Ltd of the long-term sustainability of the on-call duty system across the UK and Crown Dependencies.

On-call firefighters, sometimes referred to as retained firefighters, are typically employed in other jobs and respond to incidents when alerted. They commit to remaining within a few minutes of their local station for a set number of hours each week, so that they can respond to emergencies when called upon. The on-call duty system covers around 90 per cent of the UK landmass and provides the backbone of fire cover in rural and lower-risk areas.

Drawing on data collected from fire and rescue services all over the UK, responses from over 1,600 on-call firefighters, case studies from each of the four nations, and comparison with international and other UK sectors, the study explored whether the on-call duty system still is fit for purpose, and found that while attention and action are needed to address increasing pressures, on-call firefighters are absolutely vital for keeping communities safe. Falling numbers, persistent recruitment and retention difficulties, and training requirements predominantly designed around full-time standards are all undermining its long-term resilience.

The report sets out a spectrum of options for change, ranging from incremental local improvement through to fundamental sector-wide reform.

NFCC, who commissioned the review with the support of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), have welcomed its findings and have already embarked on work to take forward the recommendations, particularly those that fall directly within its remit. It will also work closely with fire and rescue services to better understand what is viable for them to deliver locally, recognising that lasting change must balance national co-ordination with local context, governance and resourcing.

Phil Garrigan, NFCC Chair, said:

 “The on‑call duty system has served communities across the UK for generations, made possible by the commitment, skill and professionalism of on‑call firefighters who balance public service with their lives beyond the fire and rescue station. It remains a cost‑effective, community‑rooted model of fire cover. The findings of this study are clear about the pressures the system now faces, and about the need for co‑ordinated action. Our focus must be on working alongside fire and rescue services, government, representative bodies and on‑call firefighters themselves, recognising their unique contribution, so the system continues to protect the public it serves.”

Steve Healey, NFCC National On-Call Lead and Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“I want to thank every firefighter, leader and stakeholder who contributed to this research. Their honesty has shaped a study that reflects the reality of on-call work today, particularly in rural areas. There is no single fix, and meaningful progress will take time, but the evidence base for change is now stronger than it has ever been.”

ENDS

Notes:

The full National On-Call Research Study is available to read on the NFCC website: https://nfcc.org.uk/on-call-research-study/