UoG celebrates one year of partnership with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Over the past year, University of Gloucestershire has successfully supported and maintained the physical and mental wellbeing of the county’s firefighters, providing fitness tests to 96% of operational staff.

The University became the official provider of annual and pre-employment fitness assessments for all operational personnel at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) last year and has since carried out 317 fitness tests across the county.

One of the most successful elements of the partnership has been the additional support the University’s specialised project team has provided to firefighters who have not met the required fitness standards and those recovering from injuries.

The experts from the University have created tailored training development plans for 38 GFRS staff to support their individual fitness goals. All staff have also been offered appointments at The Sports Injury Clinic and Sports Massage Clinic run by UoG.

Professor Athanassios Bissas, Professor of Sport and Exercise Technologies, who leads the project team said: ““This first year of working with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. From day one, we were overwhelmed by the way GFRS leaders, managers and firefighters welcomed not just our expertise, but us as people. We truly felt like part of the fire service family.

“It’s given us a deep appreciation for the physical and mental qualities firefighters bring to their roles every day, as well as their selfless commitment to protecting others.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together so far, and we’re excited to keep building on this strong foundation in the months and years ahead.”

GFRS and the University will continue this collaboration to ensure that staff’s fitness levels meet national standards, enabling them to carry out their duties safely within the community.

Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This partnership has been an important foundation block in supporting the health, resilience and operational readiness of our firefighters over the past year.

“Working alongside the University has helped us strengthen our approach to fitness and wellbeing. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together and are excited about what’s still to come”.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member with responsibility for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The health and wellbeing of our firefighters continues to be a key priority. I am pleased with the positive impact this partnership has delivered over the past year and look forward to building on this success in the future”.