Cadet Volunteer - Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Please note that this is a volunteer role and a salary is not paid. To support the delivery of SFRS's Fire Cadet Programme by mentoring and instructing young people aged 13-17. Volunteer instructors play a vital role in helping cadets develop life skills, confidence, and an understanding of fire and community safety. You will support cadets to achieve a BTEC Level 2 Award in Fire and Rescue Services in the Community which is a modular programme aimed at giving the cadets the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised accreditation. Dates: Cadet meetings will happen every Wednesday evening during school term time, starting September 2026. Times: Between 16:45 - 18:45 (approx. 2 hours). Your commitment: You don't need to attend every Wednesday evening but ideally you'd be able to commit to at least two Wednesdays per month. We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to the full 12-month cycle of supporting this cohort of young people. This is to ensure a rewarding and consistent experience for everyone, although we understand that you can end your volunteering at any time. Training: We aim to open the cadet unit in September 2026. We will offer ongoing training to fire cadet volunteers. These training sessions will cover safeguarding as a baseline and more tailored training around our approach to working with young people. You will need to attend as many of these training sessions as possible. The training sessions will be held either online or in person at Walton Fire Station. More details will be shared closer to the time. We are aiming for the first cohort of cadets to have achieved their BTEC by the end of July 2027. We will then look to recruit a new cohort of young people to become fire cadets in September 2027. Reports to: Cadet Coordinator and Volunteer Manager,

• Assist staff instructors to deliver weekly cadet sessions, including:
• Classroom-based learning (e.g. fire safety, first aid, leadership)
• Team building and community engagement activities
• Fire service drills (e.g. hose handling, ladder drills)
If you would like to assist in drill yard activities, like hose running and ladder pitching, we will offer specific training for this. It is not compulsory for all volunteers to work on the drill yard, but should you wish to do so we will require a physical activity readiness questionnaire to be completed.
• Assist with supervising cadets during sessions and at public events
• Act as a positive role model, promoting discipline, respect, and teamwork
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of cadets in line with safeguarding policies
• Support cadets in achieving a BTEC Level 2 award in Fire and Rescue Services in the community.
  
  Essential:
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage and motivate young people
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Willingness to undertake training (including safeguarding and first aid)
• You must be over 18 to apply for this role.
Desirable:
• Experience working with young people or in a mentoring role
• Knowledge of fire service operations or youth development programmes, Please share relevant skills, knowledge, and any experience you have in volunteering and engaging with the public and young people.
  
  Ongoing support and development opportunities
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses
• The chance to make a real difference in young people's lives and your community