Become a volunteer

To help us improve fire safety awareness across our communities, we have a diverse team of volunteers that work alongside and support our members of staff.

Volunteering with us is an opportunity to:

  • meet new people
  • take on new challenges and experiences
  • make a real contribution to the safety of communities in Tyne and Wear

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and experience to the organisation.

We welcome volunteers who are aged 18-108! All our volunteers are valued because they give their time and skills to help people.

Volunteers with a fire engine
Hear from our volunteers

Tamsin


 

John

 

Alessia

Types of volunteer

Within the Service, there’s a variety of different volunteering roles including:

  • Community Volunteer
  • Fire Cadet Volunteer Instructor
  • Prince’s Trust Volunteer
  • Blue Light Choir Volunteer
  • Supporting Prevention and Education initiatives
  • Boxing Coach Volunteer
Become a volunteer
  1. Complete an application via our online portal.
  2. Chat over the phone with our Community Engagement Coordinator to discuss your application.
  3. Visit service headquarters for an interview.
  4. Complete a half day induction.
  5. Complete a SafetyWorks! induction.
Induction and training

Every volunteer completes a half day induction session which outlines:

  • the volunteer role
  • what is expected from volunteers
  • what volunteers can expect from us
  • information on health and safety and equality and diversity

Volunteers also receive a half day fire safety training session at SafetyWorks!, our interactive safety centre in Newcastle.

All volunteers are issued with a Service uniform, which includes:

  • ID badge
  • navy shirt
  • red volunteer epaulettes
  • navy trousers
  • black safety shoes
  • black belt

Support

Our Community Engagement Co-ordinator will be your main point of contact.

They will inform you of any available events and provide feedback on your chosen activities. They will also be available to discuss any problems or issues you may have.

Expenses

You will be entitled to claim out of pocket expenses for travel incurred while carrying out your volunteer duties.

Insurance

All volunteers are covered by our insurance policy while on any Fire Service property or engaged in any task on our behalf.

To ensure that you have adequate insurance cover, it’s important that you follow the guidelines of your role. The insurance policy will only cover volunteers if they adhere to their role and responsibilities.

Health and safety

Our health and safety policy covers volunteers as well as employees.

Equality and diversity

We value equality and diversity and have a policy which applies to paid staff and volunteers. Volunteers are expected to understand and commit to this policy.

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Interested in becoming a volunteer?

You can apply for a volunteer position via this online portal.

You will be asked later in the application process to provide contact details for 2 references, for example, previous employers or tutors.

We cannot accept references from friends or family members. Please do not complete an application via the portal if you will not be able to provide suitable references.