In a statement published today Fire Minister Bob Neill has asked for views on the future of the Fire Service College. He announced that the government wants to explore options for a new ownership, operational and governance model for the College through greater involvement from other sectors, including voluntary organisations and the private sector.

The College, located in Moreton-in the-Marsh, Gloucestershire is a leading provider of specialist training to the Fire and Rescue sector. However, according to a statement released by the Department of Communities and Local Government, the current ownership and business arrangements do not provide the flexibility necessary for the College to operate with sufficient commercial success.

It is hoped by the government that this consultation will allow any interested parties to offer clear views on the future of the College and the Department, as well as assessing the reaction of the market. The government's preferred option for a Fire Service College of the future is a partnership between the public and private sectors with the fire sector playing a key role in that partnership.

The Written Minsiterial Statement is available here: www.communities.gov.uk/statements/corporate/fireservicecollegefuture.

The pre-market engagement document is available here: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/fscpremarkertengagement.

 

Posted September 05 2011 at 1634 by Phil. Comment by emailing: philip.mason@pavpub.com