DCG Success Stories

This course is usually taught part-time over 12 weeks, but thanks to collaboration between the fire service and Derby College Group, staff were able to fast track their learning. 

Risk reduction manager Hayley Crofts, was among a cohort of 10 to take the course, delivered onsite at the service’s training centre at its Ripley headquarters.  

She said: “It was quite intense as our learning was compacted into such a short period of time. Rhiannon, our Derby College tutor was brilliant; so hardworking and dedicated to getting us through the course.  

“It was quite challenging for someone like me who has dyslexia, but she was so accommodating and supportive.  

“We were all asked about our learning styles and any issues that might hinder our development before the course started.” 

Course members included fire fighters in management roles as well as managerial staff in other operational posts.  

To demonstrate what they’d learned in the classroom, they each had a series of tasks to do over the five days.  

They then did a teaching session which tested their ability to pick a subject, research it and deliver it in the most appropriate way. 

Hayley added: “We could choose any topic – it didn’t have to be related to our job. Mine was how to change a nappy as it’s something I’ve had a lot of experience of.  

“Someone else chose how to tie a knot and another person taught us how to put reins on a horse. It was good fun.  

“The course showed us that some people are visual learners and prefer watching videos whereas others like to read information and learn better with handouts.  

“We all did well and passed with flying colours.”  

Hayley, who was a nurse for 16 years before joining the fire service in 2023, manages a team of 15 community safety officers who work in fire prevention. 

She is among three risk reduction managers responsible for providing safeguarding training to Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s 878-strong workforce.