Community Fire Safety Plan Topic Group

Community Fire Safety Plan Topic Group County Hall Hertford Hertfordshire

Monday, 30 January 2006

Dear Chair/Member,

As the Officer Corps of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service we have already included our views on other aspects of the Community Safety Plan in the responses submitted by both the Fire Brigades Union and the Fire Officers Association whose observations we endorse. However, we would like to make specific comment in regard to proposal 3, highlighted below.

“Change the Officer duty system to ensure an appropriate number of officers are available at all times” It is our professional opinion that the business case supporting this proposal is flawed as it fails to take into account the numerous strategic issues which are or will seriously affect the Fire & Rescue Service in the near future.

At present the Service has been unable to demonstrate that a full impact analysis of the number, role, function and workload of Officers has been carried out basing needs purely on an immediate operational response. The following list provides an indication of additional considerations which are major factors and need to be included in determining the appropriate level of Officer provision within Hertfordshire.

 Major Incidents – (Harrow Court, Buncefield, Potters Bar, Watford and Hatfield Rail Incidents)  Our ability to carry out an effective risk based inspection programme  Factors identified within the Stress Audit  Fire Investigation Legislation  Arson Reduction Strategy  Fire Safety Order (R.R.O. – Regulatory Reform Order)  IPDS – Integrated Personal Development System  New Dimensions  HCC Family Friendly Policies  Special Premises Legislation  CRDP’s - Crime and Disorder Partnerships  Retained Training

This list is not exhaustive and more detail can be provided if requested. To establish a definitive number of officers with an appropriate duty system requires a comprehensive and strategic discussion to take place on the effect these issues will have on the Service. Furthermore we believe the proposed implementation date of April 2006 is unrealistic. We would welcome the opportunity to be involved in full, wide ranging discussions and debate with Principal management with the intention of determining how this matter can be progressed; with the view to making Hertfordshire a safer place to live and work.

This response has been compiled following a series of meetings with Fire Brigades Union and Fire Officers Association members representing more than 90% of middle to senior managers across the Service.

Yours faithfully,

Fire Officer Corps

Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Should you require further information please contact either:-