People and skills

First Sponsored Reserve Firefighters are attested into the RAF

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Capita Fire and Rescue’s first cohort of Sponsored Reserve Firefighters attending their attestation ceremony at RAF High Wycombe
Capita Fire and Rescue’s first cohort of Sponsored Reserve Firefighters attending their attestation ceremony at RAF High Wycombe

Capita Fire and Rescue’s first cohort of Sponsored Reserve Firefighters have been Attested in a ceremony conducted by Air-Vice Marshal Shaun Harris CBE at RAF High Wycombe.

The Attestation ceremony – which saw the Sponsored Reserves taking an oath of allegiance to the King – is another significant step in Capita providing Defence with a deployable fire and rescue service to support UK and overseas operations.

The 10 Sponsored Reserves who took part in the ceremony are currently based at fire stations at RAF bases across the UK, working alongside regular colleagues and providing fire and rescue cover to protect critical Defence assets and personnel.

Now that they are attested, they will undertake the next phase of training, equipping them with the skills needed to be deployed as military firefighters, ready to support operations around the world.

The unique role combines a civilian and a military career, making a valuable contribution to Defence operations and standing shoulder to shoulder with regular colleagues.

Air-Vice Marshal Shaun Harris CBE said, “It is an honour to be attesting the first Sponsored Reserve Firefighters, who will play a vital role in supporting Defence operations. They will now embark on training which will equip them with the skills they need to support global operations, standing shoulder to shoulder with Regular colleagues.”

Capita’s Sponsored Reserves is the first reserve scheme of its kind for RAF Reserve Firefighters.

Over the next four years, Capita Fire and Rescue will continue to recruit, aiming for 139 Sponsored Reserves fully trained and on standby for deployment by summer 2028.

The Sponsored Reserve Programme is a key part of Capita Fire and Rescue’s Whole Force Approach – supporting the MOD to deliver its mission in true partnership – and is a key part of the Defence Fire and Rescue Project, a 12-year contract providing Defence with a mission-critical fire and rescue service.

Capita Fire and Rescue is looking to recruit from the Armed Forces as well as civilians, especially those with previous firefighting experience.

Sponsored reserves must:

  • Be between 18 and 55 years of age
  • Hold a UK passport
  • Be medically and dentally fit
  • Maintain the required fitness level 

Individuals receive 23 days of initial training, including, for those without previous military experience, an introduction to the RAF.  In return, Sponsored Reserves will benefit from high-quality military training, accredited qualifications in leadership and an enhanced remuneration package, annual gratuity and bonus package when deployed.

For more information on becoming a Sponsored Reserve email CFR-SponsoredReserves@capita.com

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