EDITOR’S COLUMN
This month’s cover story relates to Avon’s endeavours in marketing to the community, described in Jerry O’Brien’s report on pg 32. The concept of ‘social marketing’ is used to bring about a change in attitudes and behaviour when it comes to the Fire and Rescue Service’s mission of preventing, protecting and responding. Some of the innovative initiatives may well be taken up by fire services elsewhere; we draw particular attention to Fire TV and the use of convergent technologies. This is a timely reminder of the innovative work undertaken by fire services, which, Tony Travers says on pg 26, is not matched on the national scene. If local fire and rescue services can punch above their weight, what is holding back the national Service? Peter Dartford’s piece on Staffordshire’s ‘road to excellence’ has some real nuggets that could be adapted more widely, much to the Service’s advantage. Avon also features in a fascinating piece on equality and diversity with Barbara Brown’s fact-finding trip to the US. It is interesting to note that she observed Avon is progressing at a much faster rate in tackling equality and diversity. Showcasing successes is essential if this is to continue, and mediums such as FIRE hold responsibility for this.
A new start was the theme of the Asian Fire Service Association inaugural conference held at the Café Royal at the end of April. ‘Multi-culturalism – Exploring Partnerships and Boundaries’ was the headline topic and was successful in bringing together communities and Fire and Rescue Service in open and honest discussion on cultural issues. It also provided an opportunity for networking and a celebration of diversity. Largely supported by London Fire Brigade, AFSA is now opening its membership to all who wish to join the network. FIRE recommends unreservedly.
Delivering effective change
Alexander’s recent Managing Strategic Performance conference provided a forum to discuss changes within the Fire and Rescue Service in a broader management context
The key to excellence
Staffordshire DCFO Peter Dartford reports on how constant improvement is a value at the heart of his county’s fire and rescue service
A new start
FIRE reports on the Asian Fire Services Association conference which took place in London in April
Marketing for the community
Avon Fire and Rescue Service is adopting new and innovative ways to target its communities. Here DCFO Jerry O’Brien reports on the concept of ‘social marketing’
Equality and diversity in Atlanta and Avon
Barbara Brown, Avon, and Rebecca Denlinger, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Service, report on Barbara’s recent eight week fact-finding mission to the USA
The winds of change
CFO Susan Johnson, Durham and Darlington, examines the Fire and Rescue Service’score mission, and reflects on how the Service is perceived by those outside it
Managing change against the odds
CFO Lee Howell, Suffolk, gives his views on the modernisation process in an addressgiven at this year’s LGA Fire ConferenceA new pathway for management and leadership in Scotland
Linda Hunter talks about the training opportunities opening up with CFOA Scotland’s implementation of its new leadership and management programme |
