Resources management in Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Service - Case Study Example

Running head: Fire and rescue service Table of contents Introduction..3 Resources of Devon and Somerset service...3 Resources management in Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service..5 Conclusion.11 Recommendation...11 Bibliography..13 Introduction Resources management is an important function of all organisations as this determines whether an organisation is to be successful or not. Resource management in an organisation has in the recent past being given much attention especially due to the realization that it helps in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness. In the past, resource management was being viewed as a function of the organisations dealing with production of tangible goods only. Service industries were not so keen on implementing resource management practices in their management functions. However, due to the rising competition in the service industry and the demand for quality services, service industries have also embarked on and implemented resources management practices in their organisations. The fire and rescue industry has also not been left out in implementing resources management techniques in their operations. Devon and Somerset is one of the largest fire and rescue service in the UK which was established in the year 2007 through a merger of Somerset and Devon fire brigades. This company operates different fire and rescue subsidiaries in the region thus making resources management vital to ensure growth and survival of the company and also to ensure that the services given to their customers are of higher standards (Cameron, 2009). Resources which help Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service to perform its duties Devon and Somerset Company have different appliances which enable it to perform its core competencies of rescuing and fighting fire during fire emergencies. The company has different and diverse special appliances as well as front line gargets for putting out fire. One of its major appliances which are vital for putting out fire is the water tender ladder. The company's water tender ladder has the capability of pumping about 3,000 litres of water per minute for two locations and it has a storage capacity of more than 1,800 litres. This pump also has various types of ladders which are up to 13.5 metres. The cab also contains four sets of air breathing apparatus which are compressed. Each of the pumps also contain outside lockers located at the outside part. Inside the pumps, there are a number of powdered rescue equipment usually hydraulic and also a thermal imaging camera, pressure fans, equipment for safety heights and water rescue equipment. Water tender ladder has call signs one and three (Trotman Publishing, 2001). Another appliance is the water tender which is almost similar to the above mentioned water tender ladders. The difference is that these two appliances carry different set of equipment with its ladders going up to 10.5 metres. This equipment is not as effective as the water tender ladder and it is usually used for reinforcement purposes. Incident command vehicles are other equipment or apparatus used by Devon and Somerset Company during fire and rescue missions. They carry out the roles of controlling the site and contacting the control rooms of different stations. Large incidents prompt activation of control units to ensure the mobilisation of more appliances. The incident control vehicles controls communications regarding the progress of the incidence and they carry call sign C. Other appliances include the prime movers (also known as the environmental and incident support units). These vehicles provide logistical support in cases of big incidents and also carry any additional equipment which may be necessary. Equipment carried by these vehicles usually are very specialised and they are used to control the spillage of chemicals thus protecting the environment. Water foam carriers are also used by this company which are used for transporting additional water especially in rural areas. Rescue vehicles, fire boats, aerial ladder platform, line rescue unit and multi role vehicles among others are also operated by Devon and Somerset Company while dealing with fire incidences and other forms of emergencies within its operations (Trotman Publishing, 2001). Maintenance of the above up to date equipment as well as trained and skilled fire fighters ensures that the services of the company are up to the standards thus meeting the operational assurance standards. To ensure operational assurance is maintained, a periodic audit is conducted in regard to all equipment and also the employees. Use of technology in communications and other areas has also helped in cost reduction thus improving the services offered by the company. Also, to ensure operation assurance is maintained, the company has enacted well defined structures of reporting which enables reduce confusion which is usually evident in most fire and rescue services especially in cases of emergencies. In the company, the incident commander is in charge of authorising all the necessary moves and in his absentia, the deputy incident commander takes up the role. This ensures there are no delays while responding to fire crisis and emergencies (Goodhead, n. d). Resources management in Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Service As mentioned earlier, resources management is very vital for ensuring efficiency and effectiveness as well as to ensure risks are minimised. The fire and rescue business is a risky business which requires careful planning and management. Also, due to the nature of activities which fire and rescue companies engage in, it is vital to ensure efficiency and effectiveness at all times. Devon and Somerset Company has different resources which require to be effectively managed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The size of the company also necessitates careful resources management to ensure that all other stations function well without delays. Operationally, Devon is subdivided into four parts namely north, south, east and west stations. Each station has a headquarters which oversees the running of the company in its region of operation. Somerset on the other hand is also operationally subdivided into two parts namely the east and the west. In any division, a headquarter station is elected which oversees the running of other stations in that region. The headquarters for the whole or main service is located near Exeter at Clyst St. George. Training centres for the services are at a shared facility located in Avon mouth seven parks and also at plympton fire station. The company has more than 2255 service employees who are divided into whole time fire fighters, non-uniformed staff and retained fire fighters. Resource management refers to the art of coordinating and also overseeing tools applications, processes and also systems, which are used to provide timely and sufficient and appropriate resources to the incident managers when incidences occur. Resources can be widely classified into several categories which include the personnel, supplies, facilities, teams and equipment necessary for countering the negative impact which may arise from the incident. Resource coordination is vital for complex organisations characterised by complex incidents which grow in magnitude frequently like the case of Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service. Resource management is based on five principles which help the process to be more efficient and effective. These principles include planning, identification and ordering of resources, categorisation of the ordered resources, use of agreements and lastly effective management of the resources. These principles are vital in ensuring that a company is successful in its endeavours towards successful resources management. Devon and Somerset Company have been using these principles of managing resources thus its success and efficiency (Starkey, et al, 2006). Planning is one of the vital functions which have helped Devon and Somerset Company to be successful and reliable. Planning is carried out by the top management with the involvement of all other stake holders like the workers, the community, the engineers and the government. Planning is usually carried out long before incidents occur which ensures that the service is always prepared to tackle all the reported cases on time and with ease. Planning is usually done at the division's level depending on the needs of each division especially because some divisions are more exposed to more risks than others. Possible emergencies are outlined during the planning process which enables the company to commit adequate resources. During the planning function, the service collects data on possible hazards which may occur within its vicinity to enable it allocate resources for such incidents (Great Britain: H.M. Fire Service Inspectorate, 2006). Identification and ordering of resources is also another vital function which is carried out by the company. After the planning processes whereby possible incidences are outlined and analysed, the service identifies and then orders the resources it feels they are vital to ensure such an incident is well handled. The first step is the resources identification whereby the standardised process and also methodologies are used by managers to identify and order, mobilise or demobilise, dispatch and lastly track such resources which are necessary for resource management activities. Identification and ordering of resources is usually carried out as per the specification obtained during planning sessions. Resource categorisation is the other management function carried out by the Devon and Somerset fire and rescue management team. In the fire and rescue business, there are different and diverse resources ranging from human resources to fire fighting equipment which have different capacities and capabilities, size and skills for the human resource. Ordered resources thus require categorisation to ensure that all stations are well equipped with the necessary and appropriate resources they need to fight and prevent fire and other hazards within their operations. While responding to different incidents, different equipment is used depending on the type of the incident and the magnitude of the incident. During the categorising process, the different resources are well marked to ensure there are no chances of confusion especially in cases of emergency of which the service is usually involved in. Categorising the ordered resources is vital in ensuring easy dispatching of these resources in cases of emergency The service with an aim of enhancing effectiveness and efficiency while carrying out the duties enters into agreements usually before the incidents occur. These pre incident agreements are entered to with all parties who are involved in providing the resources as well as those requesting for the resources. These agreements are vital in ensuring that there are no delays in cases of emergency and they also help in increasing the efficiency of the company. Use of agreements by Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Company has been helpful in that it has helped in ensuring that deployment of resources is efficient and standardised. The company has also entered into contracts with suppliers of essential resources that in cases of bigger emergencies, the suppliers would provide the resources to an agreed amount while settlement is to be considered later. The fire and rescue work is sensitive and requires quick action thus this agreement. The company is also in collaboration with ambulance services, which help in times of emergencies in both residential and industrial areas Agreements helps in reducing the overhead costs to the service (Starkey, et al, 2006). Financial resources management is also carried out by Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service. Money is vital in helping in the running of a fire and rescue service and as such, its management is very important for any fire service. Funding of fire and rescue services usually comes from grants from the government as well as council tax which accounts for about 75% to 85% of the total budget. Much of the finances are used for maintaining the fire and rescue equipment and also for training of workers on new techniques and skills of fire fighting. Mostly, donations from the government are used for acquiring new fire fighting machines and also for servicing already existing machines. "In the year 2008 for example, the government gave about 78 million pounds to fire and rescue services which was meant for capital projects, refurbishments or building works" (News distribution Service for Government and the public sector, 2008). Human resource is the most vital of resource for the Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Service and different measures have been put forward to ensure that this resource is well managed and motivated. Being a service industry, Devon and Somerset cannot survive without the human resource thus the need to effectively manage this resource. Different initiatives have been put forward to increase the morale and motivation of the employees in the service and to reduce labour turnover which can be devastating to a fire and rescue service. Due to the risk that the workers are exposed to in the fire and rescue missions, constant training is given to them by the service to ensure that they are well prepared to handle any incident that may occur. Also, in the training, the workers are taught on how to protect themselves from injuries which may arise in the course of their job. Training of employees has enabled high retention rates as well as motivating employees. Also, this has helped in reducing cases of injuries of employees thus reducing the financial implications which are associated by injuries at work places. This is a means of maintaining operational assurance in the company. Maintaining competent workers is through training vital in ensuring that workers skills are updated and hence operational assurance is maintained (Brown, n. d). The safety of employees is highly valued in Devon and Somerset Service. To cub the problem of high rates of injuries of the employees which were being reported, the service apart from training the employees has also bought modern protective clothing for the workers. The clothing includes helmets and fire proof overalls thus ensuring that the safety of employees is guaranteed. By giving the employees the most modern protective clothing which are more effective, employees are encouraged to work without fear in cases of emergencies. Devon and Somerset fire and Rescue Service in its human resource management practices has established an insurance fund for its workers. All employees working for the company are covered in most of the policies which are operated by the organisation. The company charges the workers a minimised amount to encourage the workers. Human resource is highly valued and regarded by the company. Interpersonal relationships are also highly regarded with the service being characterised by an integrative form of management. Workers views are highly appreciated and incorporated in the overall decisions of the company. This has helped in creating an innovative and creative environment with employees coming up with different and more viable ways of facing emergencies which may occur thus mitigating the losses in such cases (Great Britain: H.M. Fire Service Inspectorate, 2006). Communication is very vital in any fire and rescue company. As mentioned earlier, fire and rescue services' deals with sensitive issues which if not well handled, may lead to massive loss of property and lives. Usually, the nature of work that the fire and rescue services perform is emergencies, which require implementation of effective communication channels in an organization. In Devon and Somerset Service, communication has been given much attention with communication channels such as phones and fire alarms being placed in most parts of the different stations. In cases of an emergency, fire alarms are switched on prompting the fire fighters to gather to be briefed on the emergency. The fire alarms also means that the drivers and loaders of the obvious equipment used in almost all fires prepare for the emergency. To ensure that the service gets to learn about any kind of emergency happening around its jurisdiction, the company has installed within the service whereby the members of the society can report to the company. Such phone calls are free and the emergency numbers '999' is easy to remember. This has ensured timely action is taken before fire extends to other buildings or before the loss is too much (Starkey, et al, 2006). Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service is located along the coast line which means it carries out the role of rescue services in cases of emergency which may arise on the water. To prepare itself for such occurrence, the company operates over 20 ships. Dockyards are divided according to their risks and based on the risk level, fire attendants are assigned to these dockyards. Higher risk areas are assigned more fire service attendance than lower risk dockyards (Great Britain: H.M. Fire Service Inspectorate, 2006). Conclusion Devon and Somerset Service has been among the best fire and rescue companies in the United Kingdom with its services being of superior quality, efficient and effective. This has been made possible through employment of cost effective measures to cut down costs which include mergers, partnership and training of employees among others. Continuous audit to ensure operational assurance is maintained has also helped in improving service delivery for this company. According to an assessment carried out for the period between year 2006 and 2008, it revealed that there has been tremendous improvement is service delivery of Devon and Somerset service. It has embarked on initiatives for road and safety whereby it works with youths thus improving its service delivery (CPA AUDIT COMMISSION, 2008). Recommendations To improve the quality of the services of the company, the company should consider entering into more partnership with ambulance firms. This would help in increasing efficiency and reducing delays. Delays would be reduced by such delays especially because ambulance firms are better equipped and knowledgeable which would ensure that the fire and rescue services only deals with fire fighting and not rescue work. Carrying the rescuing work as well as fire fighting tasks simultaneously by these two groups may help in reducing delays. The service should also implement measures to ensure that in every area where they are in operation, there is a information centres to make sure that information is obtained early enough before the situation gets out of hand. Information centres should not be located only in areas where the company has a station. Major towns as well as industrial and residential areas should be fitted with gadgets to notify the service of any incidence occurrence. Bibliography: Brown, D. (n. d): UK Fire and Rescue Service human resources strategy. Retrieved on 12th May 2009 from, http://www.cipd.co.uk/about/_frhrstgy.htm. Cameron, A. (2009): Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service needs YOU! Retrieved on 12th May 2009 from, http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/jobs/news/4300037.Devon_and_Somerset_Fire_and_Rescue_Service_needs_YOU_/. Compton, D. & Granito, J. A. (2002): Managing Fire and Rescue Service. ISBN 0873261283, Published for the ICMA University by the International City/County Management Association CPA AUDIT COMMISSION (2008): Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority: Fire and rescue performance assessment 2008. Retrieved on 12th May 2009 from, http://cpa.auditcommission.gov.uk/GetPDF.aspxtaxid=100398&pdfPage=FireScoreCardHC.a Goodhead, L. (n. d): West Midland Regional Management Board (Fire and Rescue Services): Development of Operational Assurance Methodology. Retrieved on 12th May 2009 from, http://www.wmcoe.gov.uk/download.phpdid=1003. Great Britain: H.M. Fire Service Inspectorate (2006): Fire and Rescue Service Manual. ISBN 0113413122, The Stationery Office News distribution Service for Government and the public sector (2008): Every Fire Service to get share of 78million to upgrade buildings. Retrieved on 12th May 2009 from, http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.aspReleaseID=387574&NewsAreaID=2. x%3FtaxID%3D100398%26aibID%3D10002841%26aibName%3DDevon%20and%20Somerset%20Fire%20and%20Rescue%20Authority%26pdf%3D1. Parliamentary (2009): New Dimension-Enhancing the Fire and Rescue Services' capacity to respond to terrorist and other large-scale incidents - Public Accounts Committee Contents. 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