Requesting Reasonable Adjustments

Guidance for Candidates

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is dedicated to making our recruitment processes fair and inclusive; where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.  

Reasonable Adjustments for applicants are changes or accommodations made to remove or reduce barriers during the recruitment process. We are committed to considering all requests for reasonable adjustments in a fair, timely, and supportive manner. While we may not be able to agree to every request exactly as proposed, we will always:

  • Listen carefully to understand your needs
  • Consider each request individually and assess what is reasonable in the context of the role and recruitment process
  • Explore alternative solutions where needed to ensure you are not disadvantaged

Employers must make reasonable adjustments for applicants or workers who are disabled, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  The Act defines being disabled as having a physical or mental impairment with a long term, substantial effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities.  You do not need to meet this definition to request reasonable adjustments. We welcome and consider all requests, including those based on medical conditions or other individual circumstances.  Our aim is to remove barriers wherever possible and ensure that all candidates have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their skills and potential. 

Examples of Recruitment Process Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, based on your individual needs. Examples may include:

  • Documents in alternative formats (e.g. specific paper colour, font type, colour or large print size)
  • Flexibility with scheduling, such as alternative time slots or breaks factored into longer assessments 
  • Extra time for timed assessments or interviews 
  • Additional guidance on what to expect from the process, venue or recruitment day 

This list is not exhaustive, please let us know the specific adjustments you would like us to consider.

Standard Accessible Provisions

As part of our inclusive recruitment practices, we offer the following as a default to all candidates: 

  • During interviews, candidates are provided with a paper copy of the interview questions in addition to them being read aloud by the panel. The questions are printed in blue, arial, size 12 font on cream-colored paper.
  • Candidates are allowed to bring small note (prompt) cards into interviews.
  • Interview questions will be repeated or rephrased on request.

Requesting an Adjustment

It is a personal choice to request a reasonable adjustment if you need one, but we recommend being proactive about your needs early in the process. Submitting a request with plenty of time will allow us to respond and organise any agreed reasonable adjustments before the application close date or recruitment process stage takes place.

You can request adjustments at any point in the recruitment process for us to consider. Just because you didn’t share a request at the start doesn’t mean you can’t for the rest of the process or once you are hired. If you realise later in the process that an adjustment would help, please contact the Resourcing Team to discuss further.

We will also ask you in advance of each stage of the recruitment process if there are any reasonable adjustments you’d like us to consider.  

If you indicate that you do, we will ask you to outline:

  • Possible adjustments that could help
  • Previous adjustments you have had (if any)
  • The reason you need an adjustment

To enable us to identify the most suitable adjustments that will assist you, you may be asked to provide supporting documents, such as diagnostic reports or medical certificates, if available.  We’ll then confirm to you the adjustments we can offer and ensure they are put in place.

If you need help with the Application Form, please contact the Resourcing Team.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We understand that requests for reasonable adjustments may involve sharing personal and sensitive information. All information shared with HR will be treated confidentially.  Only information relevant to enable the adjustment to be accommodated will be shared with those directly involved in the recruitment process and only to the extent necessary to implement the agreed adjustments. We will never share medical or personal details beyond what is required to support the agreed adjustments.