Memorandum by the Institution of Fire
Engineers (IFE) (FRS 24)
1(A) REGIONAL
CONTROL CENTRES
The IFE is supportive of the additional civil
resilience that will arise from the substantial investments now
being made by Government. There is however concern at the speed
of change and the adverse impact that has arisen in terms of industrial
relationships. The continued absence of the devolved administrations
in Scotland and Wales from full participation also raises questions
around the ultimate solution. Continuing work is essential on
the key issue of converging the operational practices of all 46
English fire and rescue services if the full benefit of this regionalisation
is to be realised. In addition the ongoing importance of the integrated
risk management programme and community anxiety relating to loss
of local knowledge remain to be comprehensively addressed.
1(B) FIRELINK
RADIO
The IFE is fully supportive of the improvements
that will be derived from improved technology especially as Firelink
radio offers considerable enhancement in the availability of mobile
data and improved telemetry that will benefit firefighter safety.
The inter operability between the blue light emergency services
that is derived from Airwave and Firelink is also welcomed as
improving national resilience through operations. The delays occasioned
in securing this new equipment have been frustrating and these
have been increased by the niggling doubts about performance suggested
from the existing Police user. The sooner clarity emerges as to
exact performance attributes now that a contract has been awarded
the better for the service.
2(A) FIRE
PREVENTION
It is the IFE opinion that the setting of floor
targets to achieve reductions in fire deaths and losses has been
instrumental in accelerating a fully supported policy shift that
places the highest emphasis on prevention. Although the principle
of fire safety and prevention was established many years ago it
is especially pleasing to record that the recent surge in activities
continues to show the great innovation and commitment of those
in the service to promote this essential task in improving the
UK situation. Linked to integrated risk management planning the
opportunities presented to make the UK a safer place from fire
are substantial. In addition the study conducted by the Building
Research Establishment on behalf of ODPM has indicated the benefits
of sprinklers for life safety in higher risk residential properties
and for property protection in schools.
2(B) INSTITUTIONAL
ARRANGEMENTS
The change in the earlier established institutional
arrangements remains in the IFE opinion an area that requires
improvement. In particular the separation between those practising
in the service and those working in the business and community
are not well founded.
In addition the change of role within the ODPM
Directorate responsible and task focus that has removed the quality
assurance function previously provided by inspection has left
no reliable independent method of public assurance regarding the
effectiveness and ability of any specific fire and rescue authority
or fire and rescue service.
There is also a perceived absence of measures
that link the UK into the wider fire world in Europe and beyond
so ensuring that the UK remains at the leading edge of practice
and development in meeting new threats and challenges. Whilst
the adopted strategy, of not having within government a homeland
security arrangement, is understood it does suggest that further
energy must be placed into ensuring the separated functions are
seamless in response.
2(C) PROMOTING
DIVERSITY
The IFE accepts that the fire and rescue service
has made considerable strides to improve diversity and this continuing
trend requires encouragement not least from the community who
often continue to stereotype the service as a male macho service.
Significant change is unlikely without legal positive action and
that requires continued investment. The Institution as a member
of the UK Engineering Council and as an organisation committed
to promoting diversity provides professional recognition that
enhances the professional standing of members of the fire community,
both helping attract a more diverse workforce and enabling it
to interact effectively with other partners.
3. JOINT WORKING
BETWEEN EMERGENCY
SERVICES
The IFE has nothing but praise for the observed
inter service working that exists at all emergencies. The challenges
apparent on 7 July were met in a most creditable way by all emergency
services and the improvements being derived, following investments
in New Dimension equipment within the fire and rescue service,
are apparent at multi service exercises.
GENERAL
In making the above comments the IFE would want
to acknowledge that the UK fire and rescue service is in a period
of unprecedented change, referred to by the government as modernisation.
This period has also involved a national strike and change in
conditions of employment. The added impact of several concurrent
initiatives and the restricted corporate capacity of some service
organisations has it is believed been taxing even the largest
authority. It is therefore unsurprising in the IFE view that morale
is in some areas low with some even senior staff questioning the
pace and direction of travel. Care is therefore needed if the
previously good reputation of this public emergency service is
not to be made vulnerable as it moves forward.
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