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Fire cadets are to be better supported and developed thanks to a newly signed agreement designed to provide them with better access to expertise and experience.
Representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and UK Fire Cadets last week attended the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NFCC UK Fire Cadets and the Worshipful Company of Firefighters (WCoFF) at the Guildhall in London.
The document was signed by NFCC’s CEO Susannah Hancock and Professor David Holt from WCoFF and witnessed by Fire Cadets from several London Fire Brigade Fire Cadet units. While WCoFF has collaborated with various Fire Cadet units for many years, this agreement marks a significant milestone, expanding opportunities for engagement with Fire Cadets across the UK.
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters is dedicated to advancing firefighting, fire prevention, and life safety. Through this strengthened partnership, WCoFF representatives will serve as Ambassadors, sharing their expertise and experience with Fire Cadets nationwide.
“The UK Fire Cadets are proud to be in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to provide support and development for our young people. This partnership will provide valuable experiences for our Cadets that align to our shared support of delivering fire sector related objectives.
“I am extremely grateful to the Worshipful Company of Firefighters for offering their support to our Cadets in promoting their valuable work and opening up opportunities for much needed funding in key areas to help sustain the great work our Cadets do within our communities.”
Mark Baxter, NFCC’s Lead for Fire Cadets and Chief Fire Officer at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The collaboration aims to inspire and support young people, helping them reach their full potential while contributing to safer and stronger communities. By encouraging fire and rescue services to engage with WCoFF and its Ambassadors, the initiative will enhance Fire Cadets’ understanding of firefighting’s evolution, its role in fire prevention and its impact on saving lives. The partnership will also focus on fostering inclusive and supportive environments for Cadets, ensuring learning, development, and enjoyment remain at the heart of the Programme.
National UK Fire Cadets Manager, Gary Williams, said: “Fire Cadets provides an amazing opportunity, not only for young people from all backgrounds to engage with the fire and rescue service but also to help them develop and gain essential life skills. We are grateful for the support of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters to help us achieve these aims and provide the UK Fire Cadet experience to even more young people moving forward.”
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