Retained Firefighter Recruitment Information Pack - Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service - Jobtrain
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Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service
Retained Firefighter Recruitment
Information Pack
Appendix
Page 1 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
Department of Home Affairs
Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service
Current Vacancies
Vacancies/Standby list for Retained Firefighters at:-
Peel Vacancies
Port Erin Vacancies
Laxey Vacancies
Kirk Michael Vacancies
Douglas Talent Pool Only
Ramsey Talent Pool Only
Castletown No Vacancies or Talent Pool
The Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service has seven stations in strategic locations
serving the islands community. Our personnel are involved in community protection
initiatives as well as responding to emergencies day or night.
Successful applicants will receive training and experience that will benefit them, their
family, their community and their employer. They will develop their team-working,
confidence and their sense of self-worth amongst many other things.
Successful applicants applying for positions at stations where there is a talent pool,
and no advertised vacancies, will be held on an active list for any positions that
might become available in the 12 months following the interview date.
An On Call Retained Duty System Firefighter is an asset valued by the Isle of Man
Fire and Rescue Service and respected by the community they serve.
It is strongly recommended that you download this
pack
Page 2 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
Contents
1 The Posts .............................................................................................................. 4
2 Entry Requirements ................................................................................................ 4
3 Selection Procedures............................................................................................... 4
4 Practical Assessments (see Appendix A) ................................................................... 5
5 Terms and Conditions of Service .............................................................................. 6
6 Conditions of Offer ................................................................................................. 7
7 Important notes for candidates ................................................................................ 7
8 Appendix A - Physical and Practical Assessments ....................................................... 8
9 Appendix B - Documents required at each stage ......................................................11
10 Appendix C - Work Permits.....................................................................................12
11 Appendix D - Advice for applicants with criminal convictions if available here..............13
12 Appendix E - Candidate Check List ..........................................................................14
13 Appendix F - Essential Dates ..................................................................................15
14 Appendix G medical considerations .........................................................................18
Page 3 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
1 The Posts
These posts are in the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service and are available at various fire
stations around the Island. You must STATE CLEARLY which station you are applying for.
Currently there are Retained Firefighter openings at Laxey, Port Erin, Peel and Kirk Michael
Fire Stations.
The Service is also creating a talent pool for potential openings at Ramsey and Douglas
Stations.
2 Entry Requirements
Applicants must have attained the minimum age of 18 and preferably be under the age of
46 at the close of applications.
Applicants must be able to attend the practical assessments and interviews on the dates
assigned to them, no alternatives will be offered.
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language at Grade C or above or a recognised
equivalent (the information used for this comparison can be found on the internet). It is the
applicant’s responsibility to prove that any qualification they have meets the Service’s
educational requirement.
Any candidate who is unable to meet the educational requirement will be able to sit the
National Firefighter Ability Test. Please refer to Appendix F for the available dates of the
tests.
The National Firefighter Ability Tests PREPARATION AND PRACTICE BOOKLET is available as
part of the information pack provided for any applicant who will need to take this test.
Candidates that will be required to take this test are advised to complete this practice
booklet.
Any applicants that are required to pass the National Firefighter Ability Test must bring all
the documents detailed in the appropriate section of Appendix B along to the sitting.
Applicants who meet the educational requirements on application must bring their original
examination certificates along to their physical assessment in order for them to be verified
by the Fire and Rescue Service’s administrative staff. A photocopy must also be provided at
this stage. This will be kept for filing purposes. The documents will be returned if you are
unsuccessful (see appendix B for further details).
3 Selection Procedures
All applications forms must be completed in the prescribed format on or before the closing
date.
All applicants must be available to attend all elements of the selection process.
Applicants must prove they have the necessary qualifications and pass both elements of the
practical assessments. You are deemed to have failed in your application if you fail to pass
any part of the practical assessment.
Page 4 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
4 Practical Assessments (see appendix A)
There are two phases which take place on different days.
4.1 Physical assessment- first phase
Applicants whose applications have been short-listed are required to contact the Service by
telephoning 01624 647326, between 10.00am and 5.00pm on the dates noted in Appendix
F to make an appointment to attend the first physical assessment. The 1st physical
assessments will be filled from the beginning of the session onwards.
The physical assessment should last approximately 30 minutes.
Applicants must consider their health and well-being as part of this application. The
questions in Appendix G are provided for reference. If potential applicants can answer yes
to any of the questions posed they should consider seeking medical advice prior
participating in the tests and perhaps even considering the Fire and Rescue Service as a
career choice
Applicants who successfully complete the 1st physical assessment are required to agree a
time slot for their participation in the Aptitude Tests prior to leaving the 1st physical
assessment.
NB Applicants successful in gaining an offer of employment will be required to complete a
questionnaire (provided separately when it is relevant) with identical questions to those
contained in Appendix G. A completed form must then be endorsed with their General
Practitioners Comments, with a Practice Stamp and signature and submitted to our
Occupational Health Provider. Should any applicant not have a completed Confidential
Medical History Form when attending a medical linked with any offer employment then the
offer will be withdrawn.
4.2 Aptitude test and written reflection - the second phase
Should you pass the 1st physical assessment you will be given a date and time to attend the
aptitude assessment. This assessment will last approximately 2 hours.
A shortlist will then be compiled from the applicants that pass all elements of the aptitude
test. Successful applicants will then be notified via their preferred method and invited to
interview. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes.
The candidates selected for interview will be those who have best demonstrated that they
meet the essential elements of the person specification.
Those applicants applying for the talent pool will not be interviewed unless positions become
available
Page 5 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
5 Terms and Conditions of Service
A full Written Statement of Terms and Conditions of Employment will be issued to successful
candidates, however the following paragraphs should be considered an outline.
Salary
The salary is based on the current Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service Pay Agreement for
Retained Firefighters. The on-call allowance is currently £7,021.87 per annum. In addition
to this you will be paid additional sums for attending training sessions, courses and fire calls.
Hours of Work
All retained personnel are required to attend a minimum of 40 x 3hour training sessions per
year paid at the appropriate hourly rate. These training sessions are normally carried out
between 18:30 hours and 21:30 hours on specific nights each week, dependant on the
station you are assigned to as follows;
Kirk Michael Monday evening
Douglas Tuesday evening
Laxey Tuesday evening
Ramsey Wednesday evening
Peel Wednesday evening
Port Erin Thursday evening
Castletown Thursday evening No applications being accepted
In addition to these training sessions all Retained Firefighters must provide (on average)
120 hours per week on call cover, the hours on call are referred to as retained duties within
the Fire and Rescue Service.
NB. Consideration may be given to applicants who can provide less than 120 hours cover
per week on the condition that the hours provided meet the needs of the Service.
Sick Leave
Full pay sick leave for up to six months, followed by half pay sick leave (subject to a
maximum of 12 months paid sick leave in any one year period) for periods of injury or
absence unrelated to authorised duty. Additional provisions exist for paid sick leave which
occurs as a result of illness or injury sustained through authorised duties.
Retirement Age
Normal retirement age for Firefighters is 60 years.
Smoking Policy
You will be expected to comply with the no smoking policy which applies in all buildings and
vehicles.
Notice Period
Within the first 12 months, you will be required to give up to 4 weeks’ notice of your
intention to resign.
Policies and Procedures
All personnel employed by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service are required to comply
with all Service Orders and Standard Operating Procedures.
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RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
6 Conditions of Offer
An offer of appointment to the successful applicant will be conditional upon;
Availability to attend training courses on the dates contained within the supporting
checklist of essential dates Appendix F;
Obtaining a work permit if the applicant is not an “Isle of Man Worker” for the
purpose of the Control of Employment Acts and Regulations;
The applicant proving medically and physically fit to the satisfaction of the Service’s
Occupational Health doctor;
Qualifying for the post;
Acceptance of the Service’s Written Statement of Terms and Conditions of
Employment;
Meeting the Service’s domestic residency requirements in terms of proximity to the
Station. All retained Firefighters are required to live within 2 miles of their fire station
or within the town boundary of their station.
A satisfactory report from the compulsory Police check.
7 Important notes for candidates
Any candidate who is unsuccessful at the interview stage of this recruitment process
may be added to the talent pool for any vacancies that arise within the twelve
months following the successful candidate’s appointment. Any candidate that is
placed in such a talent pool will be informed of this in writing.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. It is the
applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure that this condition is met.
Applicants must bring those items listed in appendix B to the first physical
assessment appointment.
Interviews will be held in the weeks following the aptitude assessment; successful
applicants will be advised of the details at least 7 days prior to the interview.
If you are unsuccessful in obtaining an interview, you will be advised in writing.
The successful candidates will commence their new role on in early 2021 and must
be available to attend all of the training dates listed Appendix F.
If you are unable to attend the whole duration of the course, you should clearly state
this on your application form. This will make you ineligible for the current vacancies
but may result in you being shortlisted for any vacancies which arise within the next
twelve months.
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RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
8 Appendix A - Physical and Practical Assessments
Practical Assessment
The practical assessment is held in two phases. It is the applicants responsibility to
present themselves in clothing suitable for undertaking physical exercise, this must include
long trousers or track suit pants (shorts are not permitted), a long sleeved top and
appropriate footwear to undertake the exercises detailed below. Failure to comply with this
dress code will result in the applicant being deemed to have failed the assessment.
Throughout the selection process the behaviour of applicants will be monitored and this may
be used in the selection process. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that they can
work effectively within a team environment, follow instructions, and act with fairness and
dignity towards all other applicants and work in a disciplined service.
All tests are pass or fail; if an applicant fails an element of the tests they will take no further
part in the assessment and selection process.
Any applicant who fails to attend the assessment will be deemed to have withdrawn
themselves from the selection process.
Before being allowed to take part in the physical assessment all applicants will be required
to provide the documentation as detailed in Appendix B.
Phase 1 - Physical Assessment
Phase 1 consists of two exercises which will demonstrate that applicants have a suitable
level of physical fitness. This should ensure that their physical fitness is not a barrier to
completing the recruit course. This phase will take a maximum of 30 minutes to complete.
All applicants will be required to wear long legged trousers and a long sleeved top. Safety
gloves will be provided for the hose running.
Shuttle Run / Bleep Test
The shuttle run also known as the bleep test is designed to be maximal and progressive, i.e.
easy at the start and harder at the end. You will be required to run between two fixed
points set 20 metres apart, in time with a series of bleeps. After every minute the level of
effort will increase incrementally until the test is completed. The required entry standard is
Level 8 Shuttle 8, instruction will be given. This will be followed immediately by the hose
running test.
Hose Running
This is designed to test dexterity, stamina, co-ordination and your ability to follow basic
instructions. You will be required to run out and make up a 23 metre length of 70 mm hose
6 times in 8 minutes. Basic instruction will be given on the technique required to complete
this test. For this test you will be required to wear protective gloves, which will be provided.
Any candidate who successfully completes these tests will be invited to attend Phase 2 of
the physical assessment (the aptitude tests).
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RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
Phase 2 - Aptitude Tests and Written Reflection
On successful completion of the 1st physical assessment, successful candidates will be
required book a time slot for their attendance at the aptitude test day prior to leaving the
Station.
Phase 2 contains 6 tests which are designed to ensure that applicants possess some of the
personal qualities and attributes that a Firefighter requires. This phase of the physical
assessment will take up to 2 hours to complete. During some elements of this phase of the
assessment, applicants will be required to wear a fire tunic and over trousers together with
a fire helmet and protective gloves, all of which will be provided.
Team Exercises
The team exercises will allow applicants to demonstrate their
ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions which
are vital elements in this disciplined Service.
Ladder Climb Test
This is designed to see if applicants are comfortable at
heights, you will be required to climb a ladder in a prescribed
manner. You will then be required to make a leg lock on the
ladder at a height of approximately 10m; this will allow you
to take both hands of the ladder and lean back. From this
position you will be required to identify a colour and a shape
from an interchangeable plate at the base of the ladder. You
will then be expected to descend the ladder in the prescribed
manner. The method of ascent and descent will be fully
explained along with the method for making a ladder lock.
You will have 3 minutes to complete the task.
Ladder Extend Test
This will test your upper body strength and the strength of
your grip. The test simulates extending a 13.5m ladder which
is a commonly used piece of equipment that you will be
required to use as a Firefighter.
Page 9 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020
Breathing Apparatus Test
This is designed primarily to test for claustrophobia as well as
stamina. You will be required to wear a Breathing Apparatus
(BA) set; full instructions will be given. You will then be asked
to negotiate your way through a series of confined spaces
wearing the BA set. When you reach the end of the course
your vision will be obscured and you will be required to retrace
your route back to the start of the course in total darkness.
This will test your ability to remain calm and your ability to
move around in confined spaces. It will also test your ability
to remember the way out of an unfamiliar building in
conditions of complete darkness. You will have 11 minutes to
complete the task.
Pump Assembly
This is a test of manual dexterity. Applicants will be required to
assemble and disassemble an item of equipment and follow the
photographs provided. You will be given a demonstration on
how to assemble and disassemble a piece of equipment. You
will then be required to carry out the same exercise with
reference to pictorial instructions and recollection of the
demonstration. You will have 5 minutes and 8 seconds to
complete the task.
Written Reflection
Any applicant who successfully completes all elements of the physical assessment will be
required to reflect on their performance during the assessment process. Four questions will
be asked, all of which must be answered. Applicants will be expected to answer in such a
way as to demonstrate they can identify their own strengths and weaknesses. This is a vital
attribute of any Firefighter who must take personal responsibility for their development by
identifying areas of weakness.
Interview
Only applicants who have successfully completed all elements of the aptitude test will be
considered for an interview. The assessors who have observed the candidates during the
aptitude test will select who will be interviewed based on the appraisal of their conduct and
performance during the assessment and how their written reflection coincides with this
appraisal. The applicants that are selected for interview must be able to attend on the date
set aside for interviews. Any applicant who fails to attend the interview will be deemed to
have withdrawn themselves from the selection process.
Page 10 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 20209 Appendix B - Documents required at each stage
National Firefighter Ability Test
If an applicant does not possess the necessary academic qualification to apply for this post
they must sit and pass the National Firefighter Ability Test before they can proceed to the
physical assessment. Applicants must bring the following original documentation when they
sit this test;
A valid government issued photographic means of identification is required to be
provided before being permitted to sit the assessment.
Failure to provide the above will result in you being deemed to have failed in your
application to become a Firefighter, no alternative assessment will be permitted.
First Physical Assessment
A medical questionnaire is available as part of this pack, it is provided for your information
and if you answer yes to any of the questions contained within it you should consider
seeking medical advice prior to furthering your application.
If you answered yes to any of the questions and are confident that the condition will not be
adversely affected by physical element then you should proceed with your application.
You will be asked to consider your health at several stages of the assessment process, you
are encouraged to be honest.
Applicants are required to bring an original and a photocopy of the following
documentation to the physical assessment;
Government Issue photographic ID (driving licence or passport);
Examination certificates showing how you meet the required educational standard;
and
In addition to the above documentation you must also bring four passport sized
photographs, clearly marked with your name on the back of each one.
Failure to provide all the above will result in you being deemed to have failed in your
application to become a Firefighter, no alternative assessment will be permitted.
The copies of the documentation provided will be retained by the Service for the purposes of
this recruitment campaign and destroyed in accordance with the Services’ Records Retention
Policy.
Page 11 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202010 Appendix C - Work Permits
If you need or think you need a work permit then this does not bar you from applying for
this role. If you need advice on work permits it is available through the following Isle of Man
Government Departments.
Employment Division of the Department of Enterprise,
Nivison House,
31 Prospect Hill,
Douglas, IM1 1ET,
Telephone (+44) 01624 682393.
https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/work-permits/
The Office of Human Resources
Illiam Dhone House
2 Circular Road
Douglas
Isle of Man
IM1 1AG
Telephone (+44) 01624 685000
Page 12 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202011 Appendix D - Advice for applicants with criminal convictions
if available here
An unspent criminal conviction does not bar you from submitting the application but may be
a decision factor in the progress of your application. You should note that all offers of
employment are subject to a satisfactory Police check which may be at cost borne by the
applicant
Guidance is available by following the link below
https://www.gov.im/categories/working-in-the-isle-of-man/rehabilitation-of-offenders/
Page 13 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202012 Appendix E - Candidate Check List
This list is designed to help you ensure that you present yourself with the correct
documentation and where appropriate dressed correctly, at each stage of the recruitment
process. It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply each instance to your own
circumstance as they may apply differently to each candidate dependant on your
educational qualifications.
Event Requirements Check
National Government Issue Photo ID (passport or
Firefighter driver’s licence).
Ability Test Preparation and practice booklet is available as part
(NFA) of the information pack
Government Issue Photo ID (passport
or driver’s licence) with a photocopy
Long sleeves and long trousers along
with footwear suitable for physical
exercise
1st Physical 4 passport sized photographs with
Assessment name written on the back of each
Original Exam Certificates showing
English grade “C” at GCSE or equivalent
(if you have not been required to sit the
NFA test)
Photocopies of the exam certificates
Aptitude Tests Long sleeves and long trousers along
with foot wear suitable for physical
exercise
Interview Dress appropriately
Medical (if Confidential Medical History Form, parts A
successful at
and B must be completed with practice
interview)
stamp and signature from your GP
Page 14 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202013 Appendix F - Essential Dates
Event Date Notes
No applications received after this
Closing Date 23:59 date will be considered.
For 25/10/20 Candidates must meet the essential
criteria on or before the closing date
Applications (at the time of application).
This test is for anyone who does not
have, or cannot prove they have, a
GCSE in English Language.
National Places on each evening are limited
Firefighter 18:00 to 21:30 and will be allocated from 2nd Nov
2020 in the order that applications
Ability Test 02nd, 03th, 04th
are received. Once the 2nd has been
@ & 05th filled places will be allocated on the
3rd, and so on.
Castletown November
Late arrivals will not be admitted
& Malew 2020 Failure to attend will mean failing in
Fire Station @ Castletown your application if this element is
required.
(opposite the & Malew Fire You must bring current Government
airport, next to
Sefton Express
Station issued photographic identification
with you and present this in order to
Hotel.) sit the test.
You will be advised of the results on
the night of the test.
Call 647326 between 10am and
5pm on 09th and 10th November
Evenings to secure a place.
16 , 17th, 18th,
th
Candidates should turn up 10
1st Physical 19th & 20th minutes before their session
booking to ensure the
Assessments November administration can be completed.
@ Douglas Fire Park in the Quarterbridge Pub car
park not in the Fire Station.
Station Candidates should ensure they are
well rested prior to the assessment.
Arrangements made on successful
Either completion of the 1st physical
assessment.
28/11/20
Aptitude Candidates should turn up 10
Or minutes before their session
Tests 29/11/20 @ booking to ensure the
administration can be completed.
Douglas Fire Park in the Quarterbridge Pub car
Station park, not in the Fire Station.
Candidates should ensure they are
Page 15 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020well rested prior to the assessment.
The tests may be over two dates
but each candidate will only attend
one date.
Event Date Notes
Specific written
instructions will be
provided dependant on
the location of the
interviews
Interview dates are not
flexible
Week Beginning 07th Some accommodation to
Interviews specific requests for an
December 2020
interview time may be
considered if the
candidate provides notice
after successful
completion of the aptitude
tests, but this is not
guaranteed
Detailed joining
03rd/04th/05th February 2021 - instructions will be
Evenings - Pre Course Retained provided to successful
Preparation 18.30hrs to 21.30hrs candidates
Course dates may be
rd th
23 /24 February 2021 – subject to change due to
Evenings - Pre Course Preparation operational requirements;
18.30hrs to 21.30hrs alternative dates will be
consulted on with all
26, 27th, 28th February & - 01st successful candidates.
Course March 2021 Inclusive – Full Days -
Dates Initial Recruit Course 09.00hrs to
17.00hrs
14th April 2021 – Evening -
Consolidation Drill Sessions
18.30hrs to 21.30hrs
17th/18th April 2021 – Full Days -
Continuation Course 18.30hrs to
21.30hrs
Page 16 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202008th July 2021 – Evening -
Breathing Apparatus Course
Administration 18.30hrs to
21.30hrs
16th – 19th July 2021 - Full Days –
Breathing Apparatus Initial Course
09.00hrs to 17.00hrs
02nd and 03rd October 2021 – Full
Days – Breathing Apparatus
Continuation 09.00hrs to 17.00hrs
13th & 14th November 2021 - Full
Days – Live Fire Breathing
Apparatus Training 09.00hrs to
17.00hrs
Page 17 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 202014 Appendix G medical considerations
If your medical history provides a YES to the following questions you should consider seeking
medical advice before continuing with your application.
You will be asked basic questions prior to participating in the physical activities associated with
recruitment and you should disclose anything that may put you or others at risk.
You are not required to submit this form as part of your application but if you are successful
and receive an offer of employment you will be required to disclose the information below to our
Occupational Health Provider, the medical information will need to be confirmed by your GP.
Answering yes to any of these questions does not mean your application will fail, it is only
suggested you seek advice.
Medical Condition
Epilepsy, fits, blackouts, fainting turns or unexplained loss of consciousness.
Head Injuries leading to loss of consciousness requiring hospital admission.
Recurrent headache or migraine.
Diseases of the nervous system e.g. neuritis, stroke, multiple sclerosis.
Eye disease, injury or surgery.
Any visual defect including temporary visual problems.
Ear infection, discharge, tinnitus, a hearing defect including deafness.
Vertigo, dizziness, giddiness, problems with balance.
Chest pain, angina or heart disease.
Varicose veins or circulation problems.
Rheumatic fever.
Raised blood pressure.
Any blood disorder.
Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pleurisy, pneumonia or any other lung disease including TB.
Recurrent nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn, indigestion or hiatus hernia.
Gastric, duodenal or peptic ulcer.
Inflammation of the bowel including Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, bleeding from rectum or
diarrhoea lasting more than a week.
Page 18 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020Medical Condition
Irritable bowel syndrome
Jaundice or any form of Hepatitis or other liver problem.
Any other abdominal complaint including hernia.
Kidney stones.
Recurrent kidney infection.
Blood in urine.
Any other kidney disease.
Any problems with any bones or joints including back, neck, sciatica or major fracture.
Have you ever consulted an Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chiropractor or Osteopath.
Have you been diagnosed as having Arthritis, Gout, Chondromalacia.
Psoriasis, eczema, allergic skin rash or other skin disease.
Any metabolic disorder including diabetes, thyroid and adrenal gland disease.
Any disorders of reproductive organs including gynaecological, testicular and breast problems.
Any infectious diseases (apart from childhood illnesses) including sexually transmitted disease.
Anxiety/depression, phobias, mental breakdown or stress related problems.
Any other mental illness.
Substance abuse (i.e. drugs, steroids, alcohol).
Any allergies including hay fever.
Any surgical procedure.
Any malignancies or cancers.
Any unexplained weight loss in past year.
Have you attended hospital in the last year?
Page 19 of 20
RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020Medical Condition
Are you currently waiting for a hospital appointment or treatment e.g. surgery
Time off work necessitating retirement.
Current prescribed medication including tablets, capsules, injections and inhalers.
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RDS Recruitment Pack – September 2020You can also read
