Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are running a firefighter 'Have a Go' day in Coalville this month - ahead of their next round of firefighter recruitment.

'Have a Go' events give you an insight into life as a firefighter, the opportunity to speak to current firefighters to find out more, and the chance to have a go at the seven job-related tests involved in the application process.

The Coalville Fire and Rescue Station event will be on Saturday, September 18.

To encourage people from groups that are currently underrepresented in the workforce, there will be a number of Positive Action 'Have a Go' days aimed at women, black and minority ethnic and LGBT+ communities.

Positive Action is a range of measures allowed under the Equality Act 2010, which can be lawfully taken to encourage and train people from underrepresented groups to help them overcome disadvantages in competing with other applicants.

Callum Faint, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, said: "Safer People, Safer Places is at the heart of everything we do at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

"We want to be more reflective of the communities we serve and believe that a diverse workforce will enable us to deliver a better service and demonstrate our approachability to those in our community.

"In order to do this, we are running some focused events, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, black and minority ethnic and our LGBT+ communities.

"At these 'Have a Go' days, underrepresented groups in our workforce are invited to come forward and have a go at being a firefighter. By attending these sessions, it will hopefully encourage them to apply for the role in the future. Alongside our 'positive action' events we run 'Have a Go' days for everyone to attend.

"It is about creating a level playing field to enable people to compete on equal terms regardless of their gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

"Every applicant that successfully completes the application process will be judged on their merit – there will be no bias in favour of any particular group or individual."

The first 'Have a Go' day is taking place this Sunday (5 September) and is open to women only.

The full list of confirmed days is as follows:

• Sunday 5 September – Central Fire and Rescue Station, Leicester – Women only*
• Saturday 11 September – Market Harborough Fire and Rescue Station, Leicestershire.
• Sunday 12 September – Central Fire and Rescue Station, Leicester.
• Saturday 18 September – Coalville Fire and Rescue Station, Leicestershire.
• Sunday 19 September – Central Fire and Rescue Station, Leicester.
• Saturday 25 September – Eastern Fire and Rescue Station, Leicester.
• Saturday 2 October – Highfields Centre, Leicester – BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds) only*
• Sunday 3 October – Central Fire and Rescue Station, Leicester- LGBT+ only*

Callum added: "Whether you have desires of becoming a firefighter, or you're looking for a career change, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to come and have a go."

To book on a session and to find out more about the up-and-coming firefighter recruitment, click HERE.

The recruitment website for applications is currently closed. When applications open, it will be announced on the Service website and social media channels.

In the meantime, the 'Have a Go' events can help you prepare.

If you would like to find out more about Positive Action, please visit HERE where you will find the Positive Action Statement under the supporting information section.