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It is fitting that this new feature opens with a report on latest fire-related research and development from what will eventually become the Centre for Excellence (or is it the Centre of Excellence?).
Research and development is a crucial starting point for any endeavour associated with ‘excellence’, and was the point of much debate on the now nationally defunct Brigade Command Course. FIRE will be championing the cause of fire-related R&D over the coming year, culminating in this year’s event at the College. The question now is, how can we raise the bar and ensure all research - academic, Service-led and centrally driven - is aimed in the same direction? Transformational Leadership The College’s ASPIRE project is geared up to provide the impetus for strategic leadership development. Can we take it for granted that what is happening in the Service is exactly what is required? Following on from last issue’s challenge to the ‘Transformational’ approach, a leading organisational psychologist assesses the traditional method, how the Fire and Rescue Service is changing, and how training providers can gear up to meet those needs through the ‘Transformational’ model. It is worth taking the time out now and again to acknowledge why things are happening the way they are. And it is never too late to improve the system. That is key in the Service’s approach to the Integrated Personal Development System. Project Manager Derek Johnson takes a similar approach in comparing past and present and promises to provide much-needed information in the coming months. FIRE implores readers to respond with concerns, challenges and questions and use this forum to your advantage.
Fire-related research and developmentPresenters and delegates from around the world discussed fire-related research and development at the Fire Service College late last year Dynamic training v traditional approachesOrganisational Psychologist Martin Shervington explores the virtues of Transformational Leadership Making human resources fit for purpose HR Manager Hilary Brown describes how West Yorkshire restructured its systems and structures to ensure the county could meet the challenges presented by the modernisation programmeSouth East report sees opportunities and improvement savings A recent report into learning and development in the South East could improve service quality markedly reports John Hurran Transnational diversity conference A report on the ADDRESS (Achieving and Delivering Diversity Results within the Emergency Services Sector) project’s first conference held at the Fire Service College on December 7-8
IPDS: slipping standards? IPDS Project Manager Derek Johnson assesses ‘old versus new’ and seeks to dispel ‘myth’ |