Duo of national surveys focus on Fire and Rescue Services

Led by Nottingham Trent University and supported by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), this latest research forms part of a three-year study investigating how well-being, organisational culture and career experiences interact and change over time across this vital element of the Emergency Services.

The two surveys look at different, but absolutely connected parts of working life. The Annual Well-Being Survey focuses on the person behind the role, while the Cultural Climate Survey is designed to explore how members of staff in the Fire and Rescue Service experience leadership and, indeed, the wider workplace environment. Together, they provide a fuller picture of experiences across the sector.

The surveys are open to all current Fire and Rescue Service personnel in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, across all roles, duty systems and career stages (including wholetime and on-call firefighters, Control Room staff, corporate and support employees, specialist teams and senior leaders).

Challenging environments

Abbi Exon, PhD researcher at Nottingham Trent University, explained: “Fire and Rescue Service personnel work in demanding and often challenging environments, but important gaps remain in the evidence. Much of what we know provides a snapshot at a single point in time, which cannot tell us how well-being and workplace experiences change as people move through their careers or as the Fire and Rescue Service itself changes. This research is designed to add that longer-term picture.”

Exon continued: “Ultimately, the research aims to build a stronger evidence base that can help the sector to better understand the experiences of its workforce. Whatever someone’s experience of working in the Fire and Rescue Service, whether positive, difficult or somewhere between the two, it’s important that this is reflected in the evidence.”

Further, Exon noted: “The more people who take part, the clearer the picture we can build of working life across the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services.”

Mapping work

The new research builds on the previous national well-being mapping work led by Nottingham Trent University and which identified important well-being pressures within the sector, highlighting gaps in understanding around career progression, organisational culture and long-term well-being.

The new surveys are open until 15 November

*Click to complete the Annual Well-Being Survey 
*Click to complete the Cultural Climate Survey

Responses are anonymous and individual data will not be shared with employers, the NFCC or any external organisations.

*Further information concerning the research is available to view on Nottingham Trent University’s project website