South West WFS Regional Event at Severn Park - November 2025

Meet people, learn new skills and make connections with others in the FRS during this collaborative event with Cornwall, Devon & Somerset, Avon, Gloucestershire, and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Services.

There are many workshops for everyone to choose from. Choose your top 4 and take part in 3 throughout this day-long event hosted by Severn Park Fire & Rescue Training Centre.

Unless inidcated, workshops below are available to both Operational and Non-Operational Staff.

All workshops are subject to change and will be assigned on first come, first served basis so do not delay!

This Session is Hazardous

Step into the fascinating and fast-paced world of hazardous materials response with the UK Fire & Rescue Service. This interactive session will give delegates a unique insight into how we deal with some of the most complex and high-risk incidents our crews face. You’ll be introduced to the specialist tools and resources we rely on every day – from Emergency Response Guidebooks and ChemData to advanced detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) equipment. Discover the pivotal role of the Hazardous Materials Adviser (HMA) and how they provide critical guidance in keeping people, property and the environment safe. Whether you’re new to the subject or curious to see another side of operational response, this session will equip you with knowledge, spark conversations, and highlight the vital work we do in this field.

Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

In this relaxed yet informative workshop we’ll tackle the universal struggle of worrying about things we can’t change. Together we’ll explore the freedom of distinguishing between what’s in our control, what we can influence and what we simply need to accept with grace. You’ll leave with simple everyday tools to redirect your energy where it matters most, and find genuine peace amid life; s chaos, reducing your stress and overwhelm. This isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress and discovering a more balanced way to navigate life’s challenges!

Leading at Every Level: Honest Conversations on Leadership and Management

This interactive workshop offers a safe and supportive space to explore the realities of leadership and management in the fire service, through the lens of lived experiences. The workshop will look at leadership at every level – from firefighter to senior management. Participants will be invited into open conversation around topics such as building command presence, having difficult conversations, and finding your place in the organisation. Together, the group will share perspectives, challenges, and strategies that help everyone to lead authentically. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your curiosity; no topic is off-limits!

Preparing for Promotion

This workshop will provide advice and guidance on how to complete an application form that stands out. To highlight a range of interview techniques including the STAR model. To experience a group discussion, practice your presentation and interview skills in a non-pressurised environment. It will also review the current NFCC Leadership Framework/Role Maps and discuss the marking criteria used.

Have a Go at Control

Answering the call is just the beginning… Thinking fast, communicating quickly and keeping calm in a crisis are just some of the skills required as a Fire Control operator. Our workshop will give you an overview of managing an incident from start to finish. You’ll get hands on experience of taking a fire call, selecting the correct Incident Type and mobilising the correct response. You’ll get to hear a Fire Survival Guidance Call. You’ll get an understanding of the formats of radio messages and be given the tools to construct and pass a Stop Message to a colleague to record on an incident log. The workshop will end with a fun interactive quiz.

Breathing Apparatus (Non-Operational Staff)

This is your chance to wear Breathing Apparatus under the guidance of the training team. After receiving input on search procedures, you will use the equipment in an open-air environment. The challenge? You’ll be blindfolded and tasked with walking in a straight line between two points, relying on the search skills you’ve learned. It might sound easy, but the added difficulty of being blindfolded will put your training to the test.

Breathing Apparatus (Operational Staff)

After a brief set familiarisation, undertake a challenging Breathing Apparatus wear within an industrial complex, searching for multiple casualties. Use this as an opportunity to practise and refine your skills, or opt for a coached and mentored wear with guidance from the training team.

RTC (Non-Operational Staff)

Observe a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) scenario while members of the training team guide you through the incident. Gain an understanding of the incident management process, the roles and responsibilities involved, and the tools and techniques used during extrications. You will also have the opportunity to operate some of the tools under supervision.

RTC (Operational Staff)

Why not take the opportunity to refine your skills as a Level 1 (Crew Manager/Watch Manager) incident commander or try your hand at the role for the first time? Take part in a 4-pump scenario using advanced simulation software to create realistic situations in a dynamic group training environment.

XVR Incident Command (Operational Staff)

Why not take the opportunity to refine your skills as a Level 1 (Crew Manager/Watch Manager) incident commander or try your hand at the role for the first time? Take part in a 4-pump scenario using advanced simulation software to create realistic situations in a dynamic group training environment.