Recruitment and Retention In The Volunteer Fire Service Instructor Andrew Coll

Definitions of Recruitment and Retention Recruitment - the process of finding possible candidates for a job or function. Retention - the act of keeping in your possession

The Recruitment and Retention Problem: Causes and Effects Time Demands Two income families Additional demands in the department Training Requirements Higher training standards Greater public expectation Recertification Demands

The Recruitment and Retention Problem: Causes and Effects Increasing Call Volume Assuming wider response roles EMS calls AFA’s Changes in the Nature of the Business No emphasis on volunteering

The Recruitment and Retention Problem: Causes and Effects Changes in Sociological Conditions Loss of community pride No “I” in team Leadership Problems Poor Leadership Unwillingness to adapt to change Federal Regulations OSHA, EPA,NFPA etc…

The Recruitment and Retention Problem: Causes and Effects Combination Departments Friction between both groups Higher Cost Of Living Volunteers can’t live in the community Aging Communities Older Generation Economy

Retention Problems and Solutions Leadership “A fire department’s ability to retain volunteer members is its ability to manage people” Department Image How do we improve our department image?

Retention Problems and Solutions Attitudes and Motivation Ask members what they think of their department. What motivated members to volunteer? Cohesiveness This is essential to make the department successful. We need to work as a team.

Retention Problems and Solutions Emotional Support Be supportive all the time! Act like a family. Training Requirements Increased training can lead to the loss of members Make training less burdensome and more fun.

Retention Problems and Solutions Time Demands How can we make time demands more bearable? Recognition/Incentives Volunteers want to be appreciated and recognized for their service to the community. Use incentive programs to retain members

Retention Problems and Solutions Make Volunteering Fun Create activities outside of firefighting to ensure members have fun. Risks The risks of being a volunteer can be reduced with good training and equipment, and effective leadership.

Retention Problems and Solutions Relocation Volunteers move for various reasons. Make the transition a smooth one. Diversity Accommodation is key! Consolidation All ramifications of a consolidation must be considered ahead of time. (Good vs. Bad)

Recruitment Problems and Solutions Qualities and Skills to Look for In Volunteers Education, Daytime Availability, Location, Jr. Firefighters, Special Skills Who Should do the Recruiting? All members should be recruiting all the time! Where to Look Where are we going to find new members?

Recruitment Problems and Solutions Recruiting Messages Volunteer departments need to determine what messages to send out to prospective recruits. (Slogans) Use of Various Media There are many forms of media that can aid us in recruiting. (i.e. TV, radio, newspapers, videos, direct mail, websites, advertisements on apparatus)

Recruitment Problems and Solutions Informational Sessions Set aside one night every month or every few months for information sessions. Screening Recruits Who are we going to accept into our department, and how can we identify the best candidates?

Recruitment Problems and Solutions Follow Through We should follow up with prospective members and current members. Barriers of Recruiting FD’s must consider barriers to recruiting as they formulate the recruiting process. Recruiting Special Groups Society’s diversity is not as well reflected in most volunteer fire departments as it is in the general workforce.

Putting it All Together A successful recruitment program is ongoing all year. Individual departments must assess their needs each year to determine what recruitment approach will be most effective for them. Attached at the end of each your handouts is a sample recruitment and retention calendar.

Identify, Recruit, Deploy