More than 100 women attend firefighter recruitment event near Glasgow
The session gave attendees the opportunity to hear from women working across the Service
More than 100 women from across Scotland turned out to learn more about the role of a wholetime firefighter, as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) prepares to recruit the next generation of frontline operational staff.
The event, held at SFRS Headquarters in Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire, formed part of wider efforts to support women and underrepresented groups who may be considering a career in firefighting as SFRS seeks a more diverse workforce.
Statistics show that just 220 of Scotland’s 3,430 wholetime operational firefighters are women – around six per cent. This compares to 14.6% of the total workforce (7,556), which also includes on call, operations control and support staff.
Increasing the number of women firefighters is not just about recruitment. A more diverse workforce helps ensures the Service better reflects the communities of Scotland.
The near sell-out event provided information about the role, the recruitment process, and training involved, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from women currently serving within SFRS about their careers.
This included Group Commander Lorna Yuill, an experienced firefighter and officer based in Glasgow, who said: “Events like this are an important part of our work to ensure people have clear, accurate information about what a career in firefighting involves.
“Increasing the number of women firefighters is not just about recruitment. A more diverse workforce helps build stronger teams, improves decision-making, and ensures the Service better reflects the communities of Scotland.
Lorna continues: “Creating space for experienced firefighters to share their journey is an important step in breaking down barriers and challenging outdated perceptions of the role.”
Anyone interested is encouraged to keep an eye on the SFRS’ social media channels and visit the website for the latest information, eligibility criteria, and application guidance.