Types of volunteering

We are delighted to have so many people interested in volunteering with us, if you would like to register to join us as a volunteer you can apply using the links below.

What volunteer roles can I apply for?

Apply to become a GMFRS Community and Support Volunteer (engageats.co.uk)

Apply to become a GMFRS Volunteer Cadet Instructor (external website)

Please read the details of the volunteer role you are applying for carefully, so you understand the role and commitment we are asking you to make before submitting your application. Please be aware that volunteering roles are not associated with applications to be a Firefighter, volunteer activities do not include undertaking any Firefighter duties, the volunteer team can not advise on Firefighter applications, or taster sessions.

Our volunteer strategy (internal webpage) sets out how our fantastic team of volunteers are making a difference to the communities they live in, through the support they freely provide to deliver informative and educational information supporting our mission: ‘Saving lives, protecting communities, working together’. Volunteers are truly part of our service and are helping to deliver our Annual Delivery Plan (internal webpage) and the six priorities detailed in our Fire Plan (internal webpage).

If your application is successful, we will invite you to an assessment session. Assessment sessions are held a few times a year, depending on volunteering role and vacancies, therefore it may be up to 6 months before we invite you to assessment session.

Reasons to be a volunteer with us

• Join one of the largest fire services in the UK

• You can learn about our work

• You can support our mission: saving lives, protecting communities, working together

• You'll learn about fire, road and water safety and deliver this advice to our communities

• You can share or learn new skills, gain experience, grow in confidence and develop your communication skills

• You can support our education programmes

• Chance to make friends and meet new people from across our diverse communities

• You'll receive training relevant to your volunteering role and opportunities for personal development

• Volunteer uniform provided

• Out-of-pocket expenses paid

• Give something back to your communities

• Do something different!

Whichever activity you choose, there's no more worthwhile way to spend your time than protecting and helping vulnerable people in your area. We're committed to our role as a modern fire service working as a force for good in the community and our volunteers play a huge part in this.

From keeping fit, to growing your skills and confidence, there are lots of reasons to get involved. These are some of the areas volunteers can support: 

• Community and support volunteer

• Volunteer cadet instructor

• Live casualties during operational training

• Home Fire Safety Assessment support

• Delivering road and water safety messages through virtual reality and road traffic collision extraction demonstrations

• Wellbeing signposting and support through our chaplains

• Supporting our education programmes

See all opportunities with GMFRS on the Greater Manchester Services Recruitment Website (external website)

For further information or to have an informal conversation about our volunteering opportunities please contact VolunteerCo-ordinators@manchesterfire.gov.uk