Young Voices project aims to engage younger staff
According to the London Fire Brigade, a new project is enabling younger employees to contribute ideas and feedback about working in the organisation.
The initiative, called Young Voices, has been launched in partnership with Entrepreneurs in Action.
The Brigade said it is aimed at staff aged 18 to 27.
It explained that discussion forums and workshops are being used to collect feedback on employment experiences and ideas for improving career development.
It added that participants presented their proposals to London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith and other senior leaders.
Commissioner supports engagement with younger colleagues
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.”
Entrepreneurs in Action partnership
Entrepreneurs in Action chief executive Derek Browne 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.”
Apprenticeship programmes
The Brigade said Young Voices is part of its wider work to make the fire service an attractive career for young people.
It reported that its Firefighter Apprenticeship programme has been expanded to include a Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship and a Level 3 Accounts Assistant Apprenticeship.
It confirmed it was ranked 62nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and was the only fire and rescue service included in the list.
It added that more than 240 firefighters completed the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship last year.
Other qualifications and development
The Brigade stated that it also supports sponsored fire engineering degrees.
It said these are offered alongside professional development courses and memberships to professional bodies.
It noted that its Leadership Academy delivers 10 leadership development programmes.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This project reflects an organisational approach to workforce development that prioritises employee engagement and structured career pathways.
For fire and rescue services, the model shows how structured feedback from younger staff can inform policy and operational culture.
Apprenticeships and professional qualifications outlined in the initiative demonstrate how emergency services can combine recruitment strategies with long-term retention planning.
London Fire Brigade launches Young Voices project to engage staff: Summary
The London Fire Brigade has launched the Young Voices project in partnership with Entrepreneurs in Action.
The initiative involves staff aged 18 to 27 in discussions about employment experiences and career development.
Participants present proposals to senior leaders, including the London Fire Commissioner.
The Brigade said the project is part of its strategy to make the service attractive to younger recruits.
It has expanded its apprenticeship offer to include new qualifications.
The Brigade was the only fire service in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
More than 240 firefighters completed the Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship last year.
Other opportunities include sponsored degrees and leadership development programmes.