FOI release

Freedom of Information Request – Training and Exercising for Retained Firefighter Personne

Case reference FOI2025/00807

Received 4 August 2025

Published 2 September 2025

Request

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would be grateful if you could provide the following information: (For the purpose of this request, “practical training” refers to scenario-based, simulation, or live exercise activities, as opposed to purely theoretical or classroom-based training) Staffing and Roles What is the total number of retained firefighting staff in your brigade, including ranks? Do you have a designated training and exercising manager for retained firefighting crews (or a general operational firefighting training and exercising manager)? a. If yes, what are their relevant training qualifications? b. When was this role established? c. Is this a permanent, full-time position? Is there a designated budget for training and exercising for retained crews? a. If yes, what percentage of the overall department budget does this represent? Training Policy Are there policies or procedures to ensure uninterrupted practical training for retained crews (e.g., operational cover during exercises)? A. If yes, please provide a copy of the relevant policy if possible. b. If not, is training generally conducted during on-call periods with potential for interruptions? Has your service piloted or implemented any digital/simulation-based tools for retained firefighter training or exercising, including virtual reality technologies? Please give details if yes. Practical Training Participation Between 31st July 2023 to 31st July 2025: How many times have retained crews participated in practical training involving only their own station? How many times have retained crews participated in practical training involving other teams/departments within your brigade? How many times have retained crews participated in practical training with other fire brigades? How many times have retained crews participated in practical training with other agencies, such as Police or Ambulance services? If any of the requested information is not held, or only partially held, please state this clearly. If fulfilling this request exceeds the cost limit, please advise on how it can be refined. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

Response

Please see the response in the link below.

Documents

• FOIA response for disclosure log - FOI2025_00807 Retained fire fighter triaining RESPONSE.pdf (68.3 KB)

This is London Fire Brigade's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

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