This data will be collected by the Local Government Association’s Research & Information team.
National Joint Council for Local Authority Fire and Rescue Services
Employers’ Secretary, Sarah Ward
18 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HZ
Telephone 020 7664 3000
[email protected]
Employees’ Secretary, Steve Wright
Bradley House, 68 Coombe Rd
Kingston upon Thames KT2 7AE
Telephone 020 8541 1765
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To: Chief Fire Officers
Chief Executives/Clerks to Fire Authorities
Chairs of Fire Authorities/PFCCs/Deputy Mayors
Directors of HR (Fire Authorities)
Members of the National Joint Council
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10 July 2025
Dear Colleague
1. The National Joint Council is seeking your assistance in the provision of important workforce data. This data will be collected by the Local Government Association’s Research & Information team.
2. You will be aware that in the past we have done this periodically, as it is important that we have up-to-date and accurate information, particularly given the discussions currently taking place within the NJC around future pay structure review.
3. The last NJC workforce survey took place in 2023 and the report from that survey can be found on the LGA website.
4. This year’s survey contains an additional section which seeks information on allowances. While we do most of this work jointly in line with the good industrial relations protocol, we understand there may be some sensitivities in relation to this additional set of questions, which the National Employers need in order to understand the full employee pay bill across the UK Fire and Rescue Service. To that end, we have agreed that the questions about allowances are for the National Employers only, and this data will not be shared with the FBU. Nor will it form part of the final report.
5. We recognise this adds to the time and resource required to complete the survey, but we are confident that this should avoid any additional surveys of this nature for some time.
6. Employers are asked to download, complete and return the survey by 17.00 on Friday 8 August 2025.
7. Responses should be provided to Niamh Skelly at Local Government Association, Research & Information: [email protected]
8. Please ensure the guidance notes are read in full, as there are different questions for this year’s survey. Any queries in relation to completion of the survey should also be directed to Niamh Skelly: [email protected]
9. Fire and rescue services are reminded of the need for accuracy when responding to requests of this nature. Results of fire surveys will be used to inform national fire negotiations and inform considerations around equality, diversity, and inclusion issues.
10. Inaccurate returns may therefore result in additional costs for your fire authority so please take care to check the accuracy of the information you supply before sending it to us.
11. We thank you in advance for taking the time to provide this important workforce data, it is greatly appreciated, and extremely helpful.
Yours faithfully
Sarah Feeley
Ben Selby
Assistant Joint Secretaries