In this special ‘troubleshooting’ feature FIRE asked our contributors to provide a comprehensive assessment on the history and current position of the Integrated Personal Development System. Further, our contributors were briefed to come up with solutions to current difficulties and how these improvements could be implemented. None of the contributors saw the others’ material before publication, so it is surprising that many of the suggestions are similar, given the different backgrounds. Former Assistant General Secretary Mike Fordham focused on the ‘safer firefighter’ concept and the ethos of equality for all, whilst former IFE President Dennis Davis appeals for external recognition and that examinations become an essential part of the system. The necessity for comprehensive audit of training, personal development and competence is emphasised by our correspondent. The inspection and audit consideration is timely given the change over from the Inspectorate to the proposed Chief Fire and Rescue Advisers Unit. Is this an opportunity to take another look at the inspection process? The examination process could be even more problematical given the closure of the Fire Services Examination Board. Like the Inspectorate, is there a danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
This month’s contribution from the IPDS team, ironically enough, covers the ‘vitally important’ issues of standards in fire rescue safety. The Fire Rescue and Safety National Occupational Standards Group is the only group in the UK with a strategic role in developing national occupational standards and work-based qualifications for the fire sector covering everything from fire safety and fire investigation to operations in the community and specialist technical roles. All is not lost.
IPDS: Still the future of training?
FIRE correspondent Tony Prosser gives an overview of the history of IPDS and examines the key concerns
Troubleshooting IPDSMike Fordham gives his opinion on the state of IPDS and calls for greater accountability, commitment, ownership and co-operation in moving forward to ensure the ‘safer firefighter’
IPDS – a personal view
Dennis Davis describes the Fire and Rescue Service’s transition from solely fighting fire to today’s multi-faceted role, one which he stresses, must be assessed through examination Vocational standards
Cliff Sear reminds us of the importance of good learning and outlines the work undertaken by the Fire and Rescue Service Vocational Standards Group
Excellent status for NVQs Patrick McEllhinney describes Merseyside’s commitment towards workplace assessment and how it is taking the lead in the way it trains, assesses and qualifies its staff |
