As our contributor points out, changes to the Retained Duty System remain for many fire and rescue services stuck in the too ‘hard to try’ tray. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service took on the perilous task of overhauling the RDS, starting with an alternative remuneration system for RDS personnel, an approach that has led to making a ‘significant contribution’ to resolving recruitment and retention difficulties in the region. It also improved appliance availability and raised standards in training and development according to author Martin Henderson. The RDS review in South Wales has begun to see the benefits, stemming from a seminar held in Leicester, indicative perhaps, of the need to continue sharing information and best practice in this still largely unexplored arena.
Next Dimension
As the New Dimension programme comes to a conclusion, long-term maintenance and capability management issues are emerging. Terry Standing and Jon Hall give an overview of the finance, funding and supporting infrastructure considerations for long-term capability management. With the closure of the Inspectorate, CFOA are taking the lead, the authors explain, but there is a need for central co-ordination and governance. A supportive solution is beginning to emerge, but it is clear that a good deal more work and central support is essential to ensure a ‘robust’ future is assured for capabilities.
Sprinklers
The sprinklers in schools debate has been widely covered in FIRE over recent years, yet there has been a brick-wall when it comes to parliamentary approval. With long-term supporter Jim Knight MP now in place as Minister of State for Schools, Paul Fredericks points out that there is now possibly a great opportunity to effect widespread change. Next month’s seminar is eagerly anticipated.
Leading the Retained Duty SystemMartin Henderson outlines charge made to the RDS in South Wales in recent years, and considers what more could have been achieved
The duty dynamic
FIRE correspondent Tony Prosser looks at the debate surrounding theduty system and where it will go from here
Capability management
As the New Dimension project nears completion, Terry Standing and Jon Hall look at ways of building on what has already been achieved and consider long-term capability planning
Fire safety in schools
As the sprinkler debate gears up for the House of Commons seminar in February, Paul Fredericks suggests that the installation of sprinklers in all schools is a ‘no-brainer’
Risk management – are you doing enough?
Leading risk management solutions provider Top Solutions discuss software systems that are best suited for IRMPs |
