Nottinghamshire Host NFCC On-Call Practitioners Group
Posted on 22 October 2025
On 11 and 12 September 2025, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service hosted the latest On-Call Practitioners Group at the Belfry Hotel.
This event, which was attended by representatives from more than 20 fire and rescue services across the country, is part of an ongoing initiative run by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The group brings together fire service professionals to share best practice and develop strategies to improve the recruitment, retention, and wellbeing of on-call firefighters across the UK.
Across the two days, attendees heard from the Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Andy Pillar, and Chief Fire Officer, Gary Ball, of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, as well as Nottinghamshire’s own Assistant Chief Fire Officer Damien West, who opened the event, and Watch Manager Kevin Tedds, who gave a presentation about the on-call provision we have here in Nottinghamshire.
Participants also took part in workshops exploring innovative recruitment strategies, flexible duty systems, and new approaches to training and community engagement. The sessions encouraged collaboration, with services sharing success stories which have improved their practices.
ACFO Damien West said: “It was a real privilege to welcome everyone to Nottinghamshire for the National Fire Chiefs Council On-Call Practitioners Group, and I was delighted to see such a strong and committed group of colleagues at the event.
“This event was about building practical, actionable solutions, and taking those sparks of innovation and turning them into something all fire and rescue services across the country can benefit from.
“Here in Nottinghamshire, we are proud of our on-call teams and the incredible contribution they make to our Service and communities. Ours is a county of contrasts and the on-call system is central to keeping our communities safe.
“Thank you to all of the on-call firefighters in Nottinghamshire and beyond, and for the work you do every day in leading, supporting, and championing this essential part of our fire and rescue family.”
The insights gathered in Nottinghamshire over the two-day event will help shape future NFCC guidance and national initiatives to support on-call development.
You can watch a highlights video below, which includes key discussions, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from the Belfry Hotel. Huge thanks to West Sussex, Shropshire, Mid & West Wales, and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service's for being a part of this video.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is not currently recruiting for on-call firefighters, however if this is a role that interests you, then you can register your interest here.