“This year we’ve had a really wide choice
of fantastic workshops from the ever
popular ‘Be a firefighter for a day’ to the
Incident Command training. I’ve heard
nothing but praise for the class room
workshops. The emotional intelligence class
in particular has received great feedback.
Everyone really opened up and shared, so
they got a lot out of the experience.
perspectives as they discussed what they would
do and how they would react to the same
incident was really interesting.
“There are many benefits from coming
here for the weekend from networking,
bonding and building new relationships.
This results in a renewed confidence and
fresh outlook that everyone takes back to
all their Fire Services throughout the UK.
“I’ve been a firefighter for 14 years now
and this is the first WFS I’ve been to, I would
certainly recommend the weekend to others
-– operational and non-operational. The whole
weekend provides an encouraging environment
and builds supportive relationships that continue
on after we return.”
“It also gives everyone the opportunity to
recharge their batteries, especially if they
have been feeling tired at work and life has
been feeling a bit the same. They come
along here and meet a different group of
people in a relaxed environment, where
they learn from others as well as sharing
their own experiences.”
“In our working life females firefighters are still
a minority group, and may not feel confident
to put their hand up. Being in workshops with
females being the majority created a safe space
to be able to speak out.
Sunday morning started with AGM followed
by the final workshops, feedback session and
farewell until 2016.
Donna Nelmes, Schools and Colleges
Education Lead from DSFRS said: “This is
the first WFS weekend I’ve been to and I
attended three of the classroom sessions.
The emotional intelligence and coaching
workshops really made me look at how
I respond as a Crew Manager to others.
For instance if someone comes in angry
or upset, I realise how I react and listen to
them can affect the best possible outcome
for how the issue can best be resolved. By
being aware of my emotional reaction I
can improve the situation.”
Donna also took part in the IC workshop,
with training technology identical to DSFRS.
The session took place in a 3D environment,
using the latest projected interactive
simulation software with goggles to create
a 360 degree training experience.
Donna continued: “The workshop was
fantastic, involving a mix of people with
all sorts of experiences, and a variety of
working roles, non-operational as well as
operational. With each scenario we were
able to discuss all the possible outcomes.
For me hearing everyone’s different
About WFS
The WFS is a voluntary, not for profit organisation,
established in 1993 and encouraging and
supporting an environment where women
and men can work and compete together
professionally and harmoniously in the Fire Service.
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