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.
Our Two-Part Assessment Solution
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
- Average of % pass the VQ, of these % pass the CBS
- % males/ females passing each stage (of women, 77% VQ etc)
- Candidates disclosing disability: 79% passed
- Neurodivergent candidates: 74% passed
- Ethnic minorities: % VQ pass rate, 64% CBS pass rate
- 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.
