The Fire Service Research And Training Trust

Charity Number: 234873

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £208,381 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: £1,000 - £150,000
  • Geographic Focus: England, Wales, and Scotland

Contact Details

  • Website: www.firetrust.info
  • Email: info@firetrust.info
  • Phone: 01608 812511
  • Scholarship Award Applications (via IFE): info@ife.org.uk

Overview

Established in 1940 using funding provided by the insurance sector following the implementation of the Fire Brigades Act 1938, The Fire Service Research and Training Trust (FSRTT) is dedicated to promoting and assisting research aimed at protecting life and property from fire and advancing the training of fire service personnel. With annual expenditure of £208,381 (2024) and total income of £206,143, the Trust operates across England, Wales, and Scotland. The Trust has a distinguished history of supporting groundbreaking research that has shaped UK fire and rescue services, from developing the first fire training simulators to conducting firefighter fitness studies at the University of Bath and researching water cutting and extinguishing techniques on compartment fires at the University of Edinburgh. The Trust's mission focuses on securing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK fire and rescue service as a whole.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust offers four distinct grant schemes with rolling application processes:

  • Scholarship Award: £0 - £2,500 per year (covers tuition fees only for one academic year, administered by the Institution of Fire Engineers for UK fire and rescue service personnel with line manager sponsorship)
  • Small Project Grant: £1,000 - £30,000 (over maximum two years, covers directly incurred project costs for non-commercial entities developing ideas or training that help the fire sector, rolling applications unless priority calls issued)
  • Research Fellowship Award: £0 - £20,000 (over maximum three years full-time or six years part-time, covers tuition fees and/or research costs for postgraduate doctoral studies, open to any UK resident, year-round applications)
  • Research Project Grant: £10,000 - £150,000 (over maximum four years, for research projects hosted by recognised research organisations, continuous acceptance of applications)

Priority Areas

Within the Trust's objects, they actively fund:

  • Research into the prevention of, protection from, or response to fire and rescue service related risks posed to businesses or communities
  • Training for fire and rescue service personnel
  • Securing improvements in appliances of value to the fire and rescue service
  • Securing the general efficiency and effectiveness of UK fire and rescue services as a whole
  • Research that may be too small for major UK Research Councils or falls outside their priority areas but remains important to UK fire and rescue services

What They Don't Fund

The Trust focuses specifically on fire and rescue service-related initiatives within the UK. Projects outside this sector or geographic scope are unlikely to be supported.

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of six trustees, all volunteers who serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits. Trustees are drawn from across the fire sector and beyond, bringing a wide variety of experience and capabilities.

Key Trustees:

  • Robert Scott: Joined the fire service in 1989 and served as an Assistant Chief Officer within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service until his retirement in 2017; appointed as His Majesty's Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in 2021
  • Mark Cashin: Retired Chief Fire Officer of Cheshire Fire & Rescue
  • Dr Roger Harrison: Trustee
  • Alasdaire Hay: Trustee
  • Andrew Fraser Ledgerton Lynch: Trustee
  • Professor Paresh Wankhade: Trustee

The Trust emphasizes that all trustees are “keen to see the Trust continue to support the UK Fire and Rescue Service.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted year-round for all grant schemes unless priority calls are announced.

Scholarship Awards (via IFE):

  1. Review the eligibility checklist (PDF available on IFE website)
  2. Consult the application guidance document
  3. Complete the application form
  4. Ensure line manager or senior manager sponsorship
  5. Submit to info@ife.org.uk

Other Grant Schemes (Small Project, Research Fellowship, Research Project):

  1. Visit firetrust.info to download the relevant application pack
  2. Save and download the application pack to your computer before completing
  3. Separate application packs exist for each funding stream
  4. Submit completed application to info@firetrust.info

Applicants report a personal approach to the application process, with the possibility to personally consult with someone from the Trust and receive phone calls with follow-up questions and personal guidance.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. The Trust operates rolling applications for most schemes, suggesting decisions are made on an ongoing basis rather than at fixed intervals.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Applicants should contact the Trust directly at info@firetrust.info for guidance.

Application Success Factors

While the Trust does not publish specific application advice, examination of funded projects reveals key success patterns:

Research Quality and Relevance:

The Trust has funded high-impact research addressing practical fire service challenges, such as:

  • Phil Butler's Cardiff University project evaluating the THINCS (THe INcident Command Skills) behavioural marker system for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which involved seven UK fire and rescue services
  • Dr Alan Richardson's University of Brighton research on “Physiological, Immunological and Contaminant Monitoring of Firefighters and Instructors,” addressing health risks including cancer risk and cardiovascular health
  • University of Bath studies developing new scientifically-based fitness tests and standards that reduced lost duty days by 88% with national savings estimated at £16-£17 million per annum
  • University of Edinburgh research on water spray effectiveness in reducing gas temperatures in compartments and reducing backdraught severity

Collaborative Approach:

Successful projects often involve partnerships with fire and rescue services, demonstrating practical application and sector engagement.

Evidence of Impact:

Projects that can demonstrate potential for measurable improvements in firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, or service efficiency appear strongly aligned with the Trust's mission.

Personal Approach:

Researchers have noted the Trust's willingness to provide personal consultation and guidance during the application process, suggesting applicants may benefit from engaging with the Trust early.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Rolling applications provide flexibility: Most schemes accept applications year-round, allowing you to apply when your project is ready rather than waiting for fixed deadlines
  • Range of funding suits different scales: From £1,000 small projects to £150,000 major research initiatives, the Trust supports both modest pilot work and substantial investigations
  • Practical impact is valued: Historical funding reveals preference for research with clear applications to improving firefighter safety, training effectiveness, or operational capacity
  • Personal support is available: The Trust offers consultation during the application process; consider reaching out for pre-application guidance at info@firetrust.info or 01608 812511
  • Recognised research organisations required for larger grants: Research Project Grants (£10,000-£150,000) must be hosted by recognised research organisations, while smaller grants are more accessible to individuals and non-commercial entities
  • Scholarship scheme has specific eligibility: Must work within UK fire and rescue service and have line manager sponsorship; applications administered through the Institution of Fire Engineers
  • Download and save application packs: The Trust specifically instructs applicants to save and download application materials to their computer before completing, suggesting a careful, thorough approach is expected

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