EDITOR’S COLUMN
Research and academic rigour come under scrutiny in this month’s issue, with contributors addressing the issues faced by women in the Service and the benefits of a public sector degree. Rebecca Bryant argues that whilst the legitimacy of patriarchy has been eroded ‘it is far from obsolete’ and barriers of prejudice and an ‘old boys network’ still exists. As multitier entry, mentoring schemes and development of recruiting initiatives gather pace, it is to be hoped that such barriers are being dismantled. Dr Dave Baigent argues in favour of removing barriers between fire officers and academics to connect theory and experience. Anglia Ruskin University’s Public Service Degree is a step in the right direction. Following a discussion with CFO Steve McGuirk, Dr Baigent contends that an academic’s job is no longer just about providing data; he also advocates ‘hands-on’ academic knowledge in briefings and snapshot research to senior management teams.
This year’s Fire-Related Research and Development (REO7) conference at the Fire Service College is building on previous successful events, and this year features presentations on: multi-agency initiatives, partnership working, antisocial behaviour, organisational mergers, and staff exchange programmes between fire and rescue services. In addition, special papers will be presented on patterns and causes of burn injuries and the medical and trauma care training of firefighters. FIRE will be presenting the FIRE/Gore Research Excellence Award to the best research paper and a cheque for £1,000. Once again, the event is expected to attract a wide audience from across the emergency services, fire industry and research communities.
Success in the Fire Service – a matter of perceptionRebecca Bryant looks at recent research in order to rigorously examine some of the issues currently faced by women in the FRS At the cutting edge
Dr Anne Eyre reports on the latest developments in research and evidence-based practice to be presented at this year’s Fire-Related Research and Developments (RE07) conference at the Fire Service College
Leadership training a key RDS retention toolSFL Business Manager Fire and Rescue Services John Roylance discusses the Retained Duty System
Meeting the challengeDr Dave Baigent, writer of the country’s first public service degree, discusses his work and how his negative attitude towards academia altered once he saw its potential to change perspectives
|
