Firefighter Recruitment — Putting Values First

The modern, fair and evidence-based way to recruit firefighters.

Firefighter recruitment is evolving, and Fire & Rescue Services need a fairer, more robust and efficient way to identify the right people. Our Firefighter Recruitment service is built specifically for FRS needs, putting values, behaviours and cultural alignment at the centre of every decision.

Using realistic, research-based assessments and expert human evaluation, we deliver a recruitment process that is credible, scalable and cost-effective — saving your team significant admin time and giving candidates a fairer, more transparent experience.

Assessment Solution
Why Services choose VCA
The Recruitment Journey

Our Two-Part Assessment Solution

Our Firefighter Recruitment Solution

Firefighter Values Questionnaire (VQ)

A 60-question online assessment built exclusively for firefighter recruitment.

  • Measures alignment with FRS values and the Core Code of Ethics
  • Based on job-relevant scenarios developed with UK firefighters
  • Timed, accessible, and designed to minimise bias
  • Anonymous scoring with ranked results for objective shortlisting

The VQ ensures only candidates who genuinely match your values progress.

Community-Based Simulation Exercise (CBS)

A realistic online role-play that evaluates how candidates respond to community-focused situations.

  • Six scenario-based questions delivered in an automated online format
  • Assesses NFCC leadership behaviours
  • Video responses scored by VCA psychologists — not AI
  • Quality-assured results and development feedback for all candidates

The CBS gives Services a clear view of how candidates are likely to perform in real, people-focused situations.

The Recruitment Journey

Our approach supports the full recruitment cycle or integrates seamlessly into your existing process.

Why Services Choose VCA

FRS-specific content

Designed around firefighter roles, values and ethics.

Human evaluation

Our psychologists assess candidate videos — ensuring fairness and accuracy.

End-to-end management

Track candidate progress, project milestones, performance data and feedback in one portal.

Reliable & defensible

Transparent scoring, anonymous IDs and detailed reporting.

Cost-effective

Reduces administrative burden and customer support demands.

Flexible & scalable

Supports hundreds of candidates and adapts to your recruitment timeline.

Focused on fairness

Built-in EDI reporting supports monitoring and informed decision-making.

Bespoke options

Services can collaborate with our psychologists to create tailored scenarios.

What Candidates Say

“Relevant questions for the role.”

“The system is smooth and easy to use.”

“I was nervous, but it worked really well.”

“Great experience for an online assessment.”

What Services Say

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (2025 Wholetime Recruitment)

“The assessments focused on softer skills — values, behaviours and beliefs — which aligned strongly with our Service values and the national Core Code of Ethics.

Both the VQ and CBS worked extremely well, and VCA supported us throughout the process.”

— Carl Smythe, Resourcing Manager

Demonstrating Fairness: EDI Insights

67%

of candidates will pass the VQ, of these, 21% of these candidates will go on to pass the CBS.

76%

of female candidates pass the VQ, with 21% of candidates going on to pass the CBS.

65%

of male candidates pass the VQ, and 20% of male candidates going on to pass the CBS.

76%

of candidates who disclose a disability pass the VQ, and 16% of these candidates go on to pass the CBS.

71%

of candidates who disclose a neurodiverse condition pass the VQ, and 21% go on to passing the CBS.

48%

of candidates from ethnic minorities pass the VQ, and 32% of these candidates go on to passing the CBS.

Consistent results across ages 18–44

Our assessments deliver fair and robust results, with underrepresented groups performing on par with — or above — overall averages.

STAGE 1

Advert

Your vacancy goes live.

STAGE 2

Application & Shortlisting

Candidate applications are reviewed in-house or supported by VCA with optional AI-assisted sifting.

STAGE 3

Values Questionnaire (VQ)

Candidates complete the online assessment. Ranked results and feedback are provided.

STAGE 4

Community-Based Simulation (CBS)

Candidates complete the online role-play. Responses are assessed by our psychologists.

STAGE 5

Aptitude & Practical Testing

FRS-led physical and practical assessments.

STAGE 6

Interview

Structured interviews focusing on behaviours and motivations, delivered in-house or with VCA support.

If you’d like to learn more about how VCA can help your organisation assess, develop, and retain talent, get in touch:

+44 (0)1202 798272