Fire service recruitment DVD unveiled

A RECRUITMENT DVD aimed at encouraging more women and black and minority ethnic groups to join the fire service is to be launched in the Lothians today.

The film – commissioned by the eight Scottish Fire and Rescue Services –is the first national resource to highlight the modern role of the firefighter.

It explores the recruitment process which candidates are likely to face.

Currently just over 1 per cent of the service in Scotland is made up of black or ethnic minority groups, while women account for just under 5 per cent of staff.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Outreach Team has been at the forefront of producing the DVD, which is being launched in Musselburgh today.

Watch Manager Lynne Gow, an Outreach Officer from LBFRS, said: "One of our key aims was to focus on equality and diversity in the modern fire and rescue service and challenge perceptions of the stereotypical image of a firefighter."

The DVD will be distributed across the country and will be available to schools, colleges and libraries.