Queer firefighter and mum urges more women to join Scotland’s fire and rescue service

A queer firefighter from Lanarkshire said she feels proud to bring her whole self to work, as she urges more women and LGBTQ+ people to consider a career in the fire and rescue service.

Frances McQuade is Crew Commander with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), based at Motherwell Community Fire Station.

Frances is speaking out as the SFRS prepares to recruit the next generation of wholetime operational firefighters, with a focus to attract a more diverse workforce.

Statistics show that just 220 of Scotland’s 3,430 wholetime operational firefighters are women – around six per cent.

Frances hopes to encourage other women and underrepresented groups to follow in her footsteps.

She said: “I want to help make the fire and rescue service a place where everyone can be their whole self without fear.

“A diverse workforce benefits the organisation and the communities we serve.

“Being queer is an integral part of who I am. It shapes my values.

“Feeling able to be authentic at work means I can focus all my energy on doing the job well.”

She added: “When I started, my Watch were incredible and mentored me as a trainee, accepting and valuing me for who I was.

“I have been lucky to learn from various other great mentors since, who have believed in me.”

Last month, more than 100 women from across Scotland and beyond attended a sold-out event at the SFRS Headquarters in Cambuslang, South Lanarkshire, designed to support women and underrepresented groups to learn more about the role, recruitment process and training involved.

Frances added: “My advice to anyone who is considering applying, please do. Try to push away the self-doubt. It’s such a rewarding job.

“Now is a great time to join and help drive the changes we still want to see.

Frances, she joined the SFRS after university in 2019, getting in on her second attempt. While studying, she worked at a multinational grocery and completed its management scheme while figuring out her next steps.

Frances, 35, said: “I wanted a job where I’d be making a difference.

“I’ve loved this role since joining. Moving into crew commander role felt like the right challenge.”

She admits she didn’t fully understand what the job involved at first.

She said: “It’s not all putting out fires. I didn’t even know we carried out water rescue until I started training, and I ended up posted to a water rescue station.”

While she acknowledges there are cultural issues within some UK fire services, Fran says her experience has been mostly positive.

She said: “It would be naïve to say any organisation is completely free from wider societal issues.

“But I truly believe change is happening. There are so many good people and allies.

“They far outnumber a few who aren’t open minded.”

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated role, Frances is also keen to challenge misconceptions. She said: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that women got it just because they’re women, or that we’re not physically capable.

“Everyone goes through the same recruitment process.

“Physical fitness matters, but so do integrity, resilience, teamwork, and respect.”

Frances is active in internal LGBTQ+ and union networks, motivated by those who campaigned before her.

She said: “When I became an active union representative a few years ago, I found validation and shared experience within the LGBT+ and women’s sections, which really renewed my passion for the job.

Now a mum to a young son, Frances values the work-life balance that the SFRS shift pattern allows.

She said: “It means I get real time with my wee boy. I feel like can properly switch off when I’m off duty.”

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries said: “We are looking for people from all backgrounds who are committed, resilient, and motivated to serve the communities of Scotland.

“Whether you are interested in frontline operational response, prevention work, or developing into specialist roles, the Service provides pathways, professional training and ongoing support to help you build a long-term career.

“Our firefighters attend some of the most challenging incidents, but they also play a vital role in educating communities, reducing risk and keeping people safe.

“I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to find out more about what the role involves and take that first step.”

Recruitment for wholetime firefighter in the SFRS opens Tuesday, 24 March at 12.30pm until Friday, 27 March at 12.30pm. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit firescotland.gov.uk.