Fire and Rescue Quality and Standards - Coursework Example

Name Instructor Course Date Fire and Rescue Quality and Standards Introduction Fire and Rescue services have continued to improve life and safety of the local communities in most parts of England. Fire services have grown more competence in reducing and preventing the risks of fire impact on property and life. This has been attained through a better comprehension of who is at the utmost risk from fire and targeting measures towards protecting citizens in the most susceptible circumstances. Deaths resulting from fires have continued to decline in England, and the records of fire outbreaks being at their lowest levels. Most Fire Rescue and Services are on track to achieve government policies concerning reduction in fire outbreaks, and they are performing well beyond the set national targets. However, although the targets are met, there are concerns that performance has began to level off. This may have immense implications on future performance of the service industry. The fire services have shown intense commitment in delivering imaginative campaigns towards improving community safety, such as schemes to deter young individuals from starting fires or concentrating on fire assessments in homes to have maximum effect in reducing injuries and deaths caused by fire (Parsons; et al, 2012, p. 1). A fire and Rescue Authority need to adopt policies in order to ensure that its assessment practices and processes are effective and support the consistency and integrity of standards contained in their role maps. The policies should be verified externally once developed and include stipulation for internal verification. A fire and Rescue Service should develop managers who will perform internal risk assessment in accordance to the requirements of the National Occupation Standards. The managers would be accountable and responsible for: Evaluating evidence of workers competence in opposition to the national standards of competence in the outlined role maps. Maintain accurate and verifiable assessment of workers together with their achievement records as required by the Fire and Rescue Service authority. Ensuring the authenticity, sufficiency and validity of evidence provided by workers. Accurately planned and conducted assessments allow workers to demonstrate competence in way best suited to their abilities and strengths. The assessment, also builds a transparent and realistic performance expectation that enables development to be measured consistently against organisational and personal objectives (Lancashire Fire & Rescue, 2013, p. 1). Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service introduced new policies to deal with fire problems resulting from unwanted fire alarm signals. The objective of this assessment was to minimise community risks and provide affordable services to their customers. Unwanted fire alarm signals usually arise from faulty automatic detection systems and usually occur in commercial premises. Technological advancements have resulted in fire alarm systems being significantly affordable. However, the new fire safety and building legislations have caused the number and complexity of the monitored fire alarm installation systems to increase. This growth has corresponded to the increase in the number of unwanted fires in most parts of Europe. Existing Fire Alarm Policy used by Lancashire Fire Rescue Service (LFRS) The LFRS fire alarm calls are received through Alarm Receiving Centers (ARCs). These are commercial calls handling centers which receive automated data signals from the monitored systems before passing the caller details to an appropriate Fire and Rescue Service operator. Previously there was no requirement needed by the LFRS concerning any fire alarm system that was being connected to an ARC. The basic function of the fire alarm was to alert anybody in the building that a fire has erupted (Making Lancashire Safer, 2011, p. 1). Recently, the ARCs apply a call back technique whereby on receipt of a data signal from a monitored building, the operator will call back the building using the pre-arranged contact number. The person contacted will be inquired to provide details of presence or signs of fire in the premises. If no clear signs of fire are evident, the person will be requested to conduct site investigation of the premises and call 999 if they subsequently come across signs of fire. It is essential to ascertain that the person selected as the contact point is somebody reliable who is able to identify whether or not there are signs of fire in the premises. The Fire and Rescue sector is not like other sectors of the economy in that it does not have specific users. People will generally require the service in times of an emergency. In order to understand the causes of possible fires and rescue conditions so that prevention initiatives and measures are made in relation to the needs of the public, a fire and rescue service needs to possess and acquire relevant information about fire practices. The fire and rescue workforce obtains this information through their daily works in partnership with the public sector locally or nationally. Positive management and political leadership are also crucial in driving change, maintain commitment and establish improvement in the service sector. Senior service leaders together with their members need to show commitment through their individual impacts and by availing resources to deliver improvements. Fire and rescue members play a significant role in making sure that equitable improvements are integral service’s strategic objectives and performance. The fire and rescue crew ought to have an exemplary knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the local communities, which would assist in the service activities. Performing fire and rescue systems are often led by managers, officials and members who have a reputation towards championing equality issues, ascertaining that activities and objectives are relevant to the needs of the society. These measures will ensure that workers are clear about their functions in making the service fair and inclusive. The fire authority chairs should also promote good community relations to ensure that the service attains equality outcomes with the external environments (Fire Authority, 2010, p. 1). Setting and identifying appropriate equality goals is crucial in achieving significant progress. The fire and rescue service ought to be able to reveal monitoring and appraisal of their equality goals and attainment of significant outcomes. The fire and rescue service also places a lot of emphasis on the significance of working in partnership with the community and key partners to represent their needs. Understanding the diverse needs and listening to the community will enable shape an equitable and reliable service industry. Lancashire Combined Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) The ongoing upgrading of Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service through the process of IRMP encompasses three elements; protection, prevention and response services, with significance emphasis placed on prevention. In July 2004, the fire and rescue services Act received royal assent and replaced the 1947 fire service Act. The formed Act placed an additional focus on promoting fire safety and attention on non-fire related incidents. The Act also required the Secretary of State to create a national framework, by which fire and rescue officials should adhere to when performing their duties. The requirement of the national framework is that all fire authorities must maintain an IRMP and provide a yearly plan of action. The Audit commission would perform independent review on each of the fire rescue services under the Comprehensive Performance Assessment outline as part of the process of modernisation (Writing, 2013, p. 1). Lancashire’s authority vision is working towards making Lancashire safer by its key priorities which include: Risk reduction Promoting diversity and equality Enhancing resilience Improve value for money Tailor services to meet demand of the locals. The corporate planning process as revealed by the Risk Management Plan acts as a catalyst for drastic changes that help improve the company’s services. The Fleet Assessment Management Plan (FAMP) informs workers on the company’s planning process a vital source of information and direction towards vehicles and equipment maintenance. The FAMP is the key to detecting strategic decisions concerning equipment and define how the resources would be effectively and efficiently utilised. The capability of a fire and rescue service to offer quality services that meet the different needs of the population depends largely upon the skills, knowledge and commitment of the workforce. It is therefore critical that the fire and rescue service makes every effort to develop, support and deploy a wide range of highly qualified workers. The fire and rescue service should ensure that their employees’ ambitions are sustained by effective employment, development and retention processes. For instance, the workforce must be able to demonstrate transparent, fair and visible progression and selection processes. The management should strive to improve workers understanding of diversity and equality and take robust measures to eradicate unsuitable behaviors such as harassment or bullying associated with most firefighters. Similarly, issues concerning working practices, culture, equipment, clothing and facilities must be addressed so that all workers carry out their duties in a safe and supportive environment (Lancashire County Council, 2013, p. 1). Conclusion Most fire and rescue services in England have significantly improved the safety and lives of their local communities following the advancements in technology and assessments of fire rescue sector of economy. Working in partnership is recently the vital feature in almost all fire services. This involves the fire and rescue services working in conjunction with councils such as health and police services to deliver their set targets. Working with councils helps in minimizing mischievous behaviors among youths, and hence improving safety in our environments. By partnering with other sectors the fire and rescue is able to contribute their resources on wider outcomes such as humanizing local environments and offering support to vulnerable aged people. In performing regions, working in partnership has revolved in the fire and rescue service company influencing joint work among participants in addition to the locals’ participation. Lancashire Fire and Rescue service has committed its resources to make England a safe place to reside. The key aim of their services is to reduce economic and social impacts of fire and other emergencies, and to improve safety of the community by reducing loss or injury of life from accidents and fires, minimise the number of fire occurrences, reduce damage on property and natural environments, and also minimise fire related crimes in the society. The Lancashire fire and rescue service has also dedicated its resources towards fire prevention and education among individuals to minimise dangers resulting from fire outbreaks. In general, fire prevention is a process involving everyone in the society and crucial measures have to be observed while carrying out fire assessments (Parsons; et al, 2012, p. 1). References Alex Writing. (2013). Responsibilities of the Fire & Rescue Service. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_7456409_fire-brigade-responsibilities.html. Fire Authority. (2010). Role of the CFA. Retrieved from http://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/fire- authority/ Gary Parsons., Morecambe Bay., MOU., & Paul Richardson. (2012). Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service Signs Partnership with Bay Search & Rescue. Retrieved from http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2012/04/13/lancashire-fire-rescue-service-signs-partnership- with-bay-search-rescue/. Lancashire Fire & Rescue and Arras. (2013). Using Arras as an Interview Panel Member. Retrieved from http://www.arraspeople.co.uk/project-management-recruitment-agencies- pm/project-management-recruitment-clients/client-feedback-testimonials/lancashire-fire-and- rescue. Lancashire County Council. (2013). District Profile Rossendale. Retrieved from http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=6233&pageid=39639&e=e#Safety Making Lancashire Safer. (2011). Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Policy. Retrieved from http://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/unwanted-fire-alarm-signals-policy/. Read More