A new project launched by London Fire Brigade is empowering young members of staff to shape the future of the Brigade.
Launched in partnership with Entrepreneurs in Action (EiA), Young Voices aims to better understand the unique perspectives and ideas of employees aged 18-27 to discover fresh insights and help create new solutions.
Through discussion forums and workshops, the project enables young colleagues to provide feedback on their employment experiences and develop ideas about career development and ways of working.
At the end of the project, participants presented their ideas to London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith and other senior leaders.
London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: “London Fire Brigade is a great organisation that our employees are proud to work for, but it’s vital that young colleagues feel heard and valued.
“The insights that our Young Voices provided have been unique and creative. Engaging with them has proven to me that the future of the Brigade is in safe hands and their work will help us to create positive career experiences for everyone at London Fire Brigade.
“If you are starting your career, London Fire Brigade offers qualifications and development, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to the safety of Londoners.”
Derek Browne, EiA CEO and former Merrill Lynch Private Banking Partner said: “Traditional employee engagement surveys capture opinions, but our 'ICAN' methodology enables young employees to develop practical solutions and recommendations that senior leaders can implement".
"Commissioner Smith's commitment to being the first to implement our commercial methodology across a major UK emergency service demonstrates genuine sector leadership. This proves you can unlock Gen Z problem-solving in even the most traditional environments."
The Young Voices project forms one part of the Brigade’s mission to make the fire service an attractive career for young professionals.
Recently the Brigade expanded its Firefighter Apprenticeship to include the pilot of a Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship and Level 3 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship.
The Brigade was ranked 62nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and was the only fire and rescue service to make the list. Following their initial training, all London firefighters complete a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship. Last year, over 240 firefighters completed the course.
Sponsored fire engineering degrees are another qualification offered by the Brigade, alongside professional development courses and memberships to professional organisations.
The Brigade also offers 10 leadership development programmes through its Leadership Academy.
