Fire Standards Board announces the completion of its initial standards suite
The Fire Standards Board (FSB) reached a milestone on 11th September with the release of two new standards.
As reported by the NFCC, the Digital and Cyber Fire Standard and the Procurement and Commercial Fire Standard are now publicly available on the FSB website.
These new additions mark the completion of the FSB’s initial suite of 19 standards, designed to promote continuous improvement across England’s fire and rescue services (FRSs).
Consultations with fire sector professionals and other stakeholders informed the development of these standards, which aim to enhance service delivery.
Digital and Cyber Fire Standard aims to improve service safety
The Digital and Cyber Fire Standard outlines guidance on how fire and rescue services can use digital technology safely and effectively.
By adhering to the Standard, services are expected to improve their information and communication technology (ICT) practices, helping to deliver better prevention, protection, and response services to the public.
In today’s digital landscape, the Standard helps FRSs enhance their cyber security measures, contributing to safer communities overall.
Procurement and Commercial Fire Standard focuses on value for money
The Procurement and Commercial Fire Standard aims to promote best practice in procurement across fire services.
This Standard encourages FRSs to develop effective contracts and relationships with suppliers, ensuring value for money and the delivery of high-quality public goods and services.
The Standard also supports diversity, environmental protection, and the overall wellbeing of the community.
Comments from the Chair of the Fire Standards Board
Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of the Fire Standards Board, commented on the launch of the new standards.
“The Board has always been intent on ensuring that Fire Standards are focused on achieving positive outcomes, are consistently applied nationally, and are underpinned by national guidance tools and supporting information,” McCarthy said.
She added: “We have now published a suite of nineteen meaningful standards that together will support improvement and help reinforce the professionalism of the service.”
The full suite of standards is becoming increasingly referenced in the HMICFRS inspection framework, contributing to a uniform measure of service quality.
Fire Standards Board to continue engagement with services
In addition to the launch of the new standards, the Fire Standards Board will continue engaging with services across England.
The Board’s engagement programme aims to better understand the benefits and impacts of the standards on fire and rescue services.
This will allow for ongoing feedback and refinement to ensure the standards remain relevant and effective.
Additionally, services can use the FSB’s Implementation Tool to assess compliance with the standards and create action plans to address any areas needing improvement.
Fire Standards Board launches new digital and procurement standards for fire services: Summary
On 11th September 2024, the Fire Standards Board (FSB) announced the publication of the Digital and Cyber Fire Standard and the Procurement and Commercial Fire Standard.
With the release of these two standards, the FSB has completed its initial suite of 19 standards aimed at improving fire and rescue services across England.
The Digital and Cyber Fire Standard offers guidance on ICT and cyber security, helping services to improve public safety.
The Procurement and Commercial Fire Standard promotes best practices in procurement, encouraging value for money and high-quality service delivery.
The FSB plans to continue engaging with services to measure the standards’ impacts and benefits.