About the FSYTA
(Page updated: 15/9/05 23:25 )

The objects of the Fire Services Youth Training Association are to improve the efficiency of the administration of the varied fire service related youth training schemes operated throughout the United Kingdom in direct pursuit of their objects by education, advice, information and other assistance appropriate to their operation.

In meeting our objects we contribute to the development of young people by encouraging them to adopt the positive culture of the Fire Service.

FSYTA History Youth training in the Fire Service commenced in Norfolk in 1983. By 1995 there were 8 Brigades working with 300 young people, they then formed the Fire Services Youth Training Association, as a self-help support group. Registered Charity status was obtained in 1997. A National Officer was appointed in 1998 with a 'grant in aid' from the Government's Fire Policy Unit and support from Tyne & Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade. A successful application to the Community Fund and support from the Baring Foundation enabled the provision of clerical support and travel related expenses. In October 2000, with further financial support from the Fire Policy Unit, the FSYTA appointed a Training Officer. At the end of 2002 we had 40 member organisations - including 1 from the British Airports Authority - representing over 5,000 young people. The red areas on the map indicate the Member Organisations. (Click on the map to enlarge)

The Structure of FSYTA
The Fire Services Youth Training Association is a registered charity which is administered and managed in accordance with its constitution by the members of its Executive Committee.

The membership of the Association is open to any youth training scheme operated by or allied to, the fire service within the United Kingdom which has paid the annual subscription.

Do you wish to become a member of the FSYTA?
For further information please click here.

Strategic Aims

1. To contribute to the improvement of community safety by training and educating young people.
2. To bringing about a reduction in preventable fires, fire injuries, hoax calls and attacks on firefighters.
3. To develop the infrastructure of the FSYTA to facilitate the growth and development of existing work operating on the basis of sound policies and procedures.
4. To support and promote best practice among member organisations and more widely within the fire service.
5. To inform and influence fire service policy in respect of its impact on young people.
6. To raise and maintain the profile of youth work and youth training within the fire service.
7. To facilitate the development of regional networks.

The Role of the FSYTA
In achieving it's overall aims the FSYTA supports the various schemes around the country centring on the provision of advice and giving examples of good practice.
In addition the FSYTA develops policies for member organisations such as child protection, risk assessment, and personal development programmes. The FSYTA has become a registered body with the Criminal Records Bureau and carries out the Disclosure process on behalf of its members. The Association is currently, at the request of the Fire Service Inspectorate, adapting the Fire Service Training Manual with the purpose of producing the Fire Service Youth Training Manual. The practical aspects (drills etc) will form the first part of the manual with the second part consisting of information to support the delivery of youth training to other organisations.

To structure the training of young people and enable them to achieve a meaningful qualification, the FSYTA has created a Young Person Development Programme.

The Association has worked closely with Edexcel and the Programme has now received the formal accreditation of a 'BTEC Intermediate Award in Basic Firefighting Skills'. The BTEC award is not subject to any age limitations, thus making it available to all young people and instructors alike. Approved Centre status has been achieved by the FSYTA allowing it to directly offer Edexcel programmes to its members. The programme is based on fire service related training, but also includes a number of core educational and life skills. The programme is delivered in a practical way and the paperwork has been kept to a minimum. An annual awards presentation ceremony will be organised for those students who complete the programme.

The FSYTA has become very proactive within the CTIF Organisation in Europe.
The CTIF is the co-ordinating body for fire service matters which have a pan-European perspective and the FSYTA connection is through the Youth Leaders Commission. The Association has fully participated in its seminars and competitions and has been instrumental in setting up an English Speaking Group.

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FSYTA preferred charity
Each year the FSYTA takes a preferred charity.

For further information on this years charity please click here

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FSYTA Grant Fund

The FSYTA is pleased to announce that it has been given £2,000 by W.L. Gore and Associates (UK) Limited to set up a grant making fund. This money has been added to other small donations and will be distributed as set out below. The prime purpose of the FSYTA Grant Fund will be to encourage and enable young people to participate in adventurous or outdoor activities.

Following the recent meeting of the FSYTA Grant Fund Making Panel it has been agreed that a further round of grant applications can be operated as there are some unspent funds. The criteria will be the same as last time and the closing date for applications will be 30th September. The grants made in the previous round covered purchase of tents, maps and compasses as well as hire of instructors and admission fees etc for a climbing wall visit. For more information please see the attached information sheet (pdf). For any further information please email chair@fsyta.org.

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