Internal governance and assurance standard launched by Fire Standards Board

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

“The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard,” said Suzanne McCarthy

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has published the seventeenth professional Fire Standard: Internal Governance and Assurance.

As reported by The NFCC, this new standard aims to ensure that fire and rescue services have robust internal governance structures and business planning processes.

These measures enable senior leaders to maintain comprehensive oversight of internal activities, ensuring effective operation.

The Fire Standard also outlines desired outcomes for internal change and improvement projects.

These projects should be managed through robust development, approval, and initiation processes to align with the service’s vision and strategic objectives.

Additionally, delivery and organisational development plans must be clear and understood by all within the service.

Development and leadership

The development of this standard was led by Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Sabrina Cohen-Hatton of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Chair of NFCC’s Improvement Committee.

She collaborated with subject matter experts from the network of fire and rescue service audit teams and governance leads, Home Office specialists, and other key stakeholders.

Cohen-Hatton stated: “I’m proud to have led the development of this new Fire Standard which will support all fire and rescue services to follow a consistent and robust process when developing internal governance and assurance procedures.”

She added that achieving this standard will foster internal cultures and positive working environments open to learning, self-evaluation, and feedback, leading to a more productive, motivated, and efficient workforce.

Expected benefits and tools

One of the expected benefits of achieving the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard is the improvement of governance, internal culture, and increased transparency within fire and rescue services.

To support services in implementing the standard, a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool has been provided.

This tool helps services understand how well they meet the standard, embed it into existing and new action plans, and address any gaps.

Suzanne McCarthy, Chair of the Fire Standards Board, expressed her support: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve.

“The standard builds on our portfolio of comprehensive and professional Fire Standards which ultimately help support the safety, health and well-being of the public via English fire and rescue services.”

The role of the FSB and future outlook

The Fire Standards Board continues to develop and implement standards aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fire and rescue services.

This new standard adds to the existing suite, further promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

As fire and rescue services work towards implementing this standard, the focus will be on improving internal processes and fostering a transparent and accountable culture.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that these services can effectively serve and protect their communities.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of the Internal Governance and Assurance Fire Standard marks a strategic move by the Fire Standards Board to enhance the governance frameworks within fire and rescue services.

This new standard addresses critical aspects of internal operations, ensuring that services are aligned with their strategic objectives and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.

By providing a structured approach to internal governance, the standard aims to improve the overall efficiency of fire and rescue services.

The involvement of subject matter experts and key stakeholders in developing the standard underscores its comprehensive nature and relevance to current operational needs.

The accompanying Implementation Tool is a practical resource that will aid services in evaluating their compliance with the standard and integrating it into their action plans.

2023-24 Fire Standards Board review highlights and future outlook

by Featured NewsSafety

Overview of the Fire Standards review 2023-24

The Fire Standards Board has unveiled its review for the period of 2023-24, providing a comprehensive overview of its achievements and plans moving into 2024-25.

In the overview, introduced by the Independent Chair Suzanne McCarthy and and Vice Chair, Alison Sansome, the Fire Standards Board underscored the board’s dedication to enhancing England’s Fire and Rescue Service’s role in community safety.

Key highlights include the development of a suite of Fire Standards, emphasizing a consultative approach tailored ‘by the Service for the Service’.

Achievements and future plans

The Board’s review proud reflected on the collaborative effort in crafting the initial suite of Fire Standards, expected to be published by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

“We anticipate that the initial suite of Fire Standards will be published by the end of the second quarter of 2024, although other areas may emerge where a Standard may be required,” said McCarthy and Sansome.

Acknowledgments and appreciations

The Board expressed gratitude towards those who have significantly contributed to its work, including Councillor Nick Chard and Jonny Bugg, who have recently left.

The contributions of Joy Flanagan and Paul Henbest, who departed from the Fire Standards Team at the end of 2023, were also highlighted.

The Independent Chairs remarked: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have been involved in developing and implementing the Standards.”

Find the full overview here.

Consultation opens for new Fire Standard on Internal Governance and Assurance

by Featured NewsSafety

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the commencement of the consultation for the latest Fire Standard, primarily focusing on Internal Governance and Assurance in fire and rescue services.

This initiative is a step towards completing the initial suite of Fire Standards, which aims at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of fire services.

Progressing towards completing the Fire Standards suite

The current standard under consultation, titled ‘Internal Governance and Assurance’, is integral to the FSB’s effort to finalise its initial series of standards for fire and rescue services.

This standard, alongside the forthcoming ‘Procurement and Asset Management Fire Standard’, plays a crucial role in “enabling” activities within these services.

Despite their less direct impact on public service delivery, these standards are essential for supporting the day-to-day operations of the services.

Inclusive development process

The development of these standards has been a collaborative effort involving subject matter experts and representatives from various services.

The FSB has incorporated numerous suggestions regarding the content and naming of these standards.

To further refine these standards, the FSB is conducting a consultation, inviting opinions through a survey that includes additional questions to gather broader views.

Wide-ranging participation encouraged

The FSB is encouraging responses from all stakeholders, emphasising the importance of input from all fire and rescue services, as they are directly impacted by these standards.

The consultation also welcomes individual opinions, as well as feedback from colleagues in Devolved Administrations, partners, and stakeholders in the wider fire and rescue sector.

The deadline for the consultation has been set for 12:00hrs on Monday, 18th December 2023​​.

Ensuring quality and relevance

Responses to the consultation will significantly contribute to shaping the final versions of the standards.

An external quality assurance process will be conducted before their official launch and publication, ensuring that the standards meet the required criteria and effectively address the needs of fire and rescue services​​.

Role of the Fire Standards Board

The Fire Standards Board plays a pivotal role in identifying, organising, developing, and maintaining professional standards for fire and rescue services in England.

This body ensures that the standards are up-to-date and relevant, reflecting the evolving requirements of fire and rescue operations​​.

IFSJ Comment

The initiation of the consultation for the new Fire Standard is a significant milestone in the evolution of fire and rescue services in England.

This process demonstrates the Fire Standards Board’s commitment to ensuring that the fire services operate with the highest levels of governance and assurance.

By involving a wide range of stakeholders in the development process, the FSB ensures that the standards are comprehensive, relevant, and reflective of the current needs of fire and rescue services.

The feedback obtained through this consultation will be crucial in refining the standards, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of fire and rescue operations.

This initiative underscores the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in emergency services to meet the demands of modern society.

Two new Fire Standards launched

by Featured News

Fire Standards Board introduces Fire Control and Communications & Engagement Standards

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of two new Fire Standards – Fire Control, and Communications & Engagement. The Fire Control Standard was driven by recent major incident events such as Grenfell and the Manchester Arena bombing. It addresses the fundamental and strategic role that Fire Control plays from initially receiving the first contact through to the very close of an incident.

The Communication and Engagement Fire Standard clarifies the importance of effective communication and engagement in all aspects of a fire and rescue service and aims to ensure fire and rescue services have defined approaches on how to strategically communicate to all stakeholders, both internally and externally.

The new standards were developed in collaboration with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), FirePRO, the membership body for communications professionals working in fire and rescue, the Chartered Institute for Public Relations, and the Local Government Association.

The Fire Control Standard’s development drew on the expertise and wide knowledge of Fire Control in all operational service activity, including the NFCC Fire Control Project Team, the NFCC Lead for Fire Control, the Mobilising Officers Group, and control specialists from a wide range of Fire and Rescue services.

The Communication and Engagement Fire Standard reaffirms that good communication is the responsibility of everyone and clarifies the importance of effective communication and engagement in all aspects of a fire and rescue service.

Paul Compton, Chair of FirePRO between 2019 and 2022 and who led on the development of the standard, said the new standards will encourage consistency across the sector, reaffirming that good communications and engagement is everyone’s responsibility.

Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire Chris Philp welcomed the launch of the Communication and Engagement and Fire Control Standards, saying they will support all fire and rescue services in ensuring community and efficiency is at the heart of their work.

Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy, said the launch of these two new Fire Standards is a significant step forward in helping services deliver the right behaviours and values across fire and rescue services. The FSB oversees the identification, organisation, development, and maintenance of professional standards for fire and rescue services in England.

As with all Fire Standards, there are corresponding Gap Analysis Tools to support services with implementation. These tools help services in both assessing how well they currently meet Fire Standards as well as considering any additional actions that may be required to achieve them.

Fire Standards Board launches Leadership and People standards

by Breaking News

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of its leadership and people Fire Standards: Leading the Service and Leading and Developing People.  

Both Fire Standards have been developed to support services in strengthening professionalism and leadership at all levels of their organisation, encouraging more positive working environments for the benefit of their people and the community they serve.  

The Leading the Service Fire Standard was developed to clearly articulate the expectations on those who lead within services, particularly their behaviours, ethics and the activities required to lead well in an ever change world.  

The Leading and Developing People Fire Standard is focussed on how services should attract and retain a competent workforce that is diverse, motivated, and engaged. The standard also puts an emphasis on workforce development, health and wellbeing. 

The development of these standards was led by the NFCC Vice-Chair and Chief Fire Office, Justin Johnston, and NFCC Lead for Leadership, Chief Fire Officer, Wayne Bowcock. Many contributions were received from leaders at all levels from within UK fire and rescue services, as well as leadership experts and peers from outside the service. 

Both standards have been benchmarked against recognised leadership standards but, as with all Fire Standards, have been put into a context suitable for fire and rescue services. 

In combination with other Fire Standards such as the Code of Ethics and Safeguarding, the Fire Standards Board is aiming to ensure services are equipped to operate well in often challenging and changing environments. 

As with all Fire Standards, there are corresponding Gap Analysis Tools to support services with implementation. The tools help services in both assessing how well they currently meet the standards as well as considering any additional actions that may be required for them to achieve the standards. 

Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The two Leadership and People Fire Standards are a significant step forward in helping services deliver the right behaviours and values across fire and rescue services. They build on our increasing suite of standards, which together support and enable services to drive continuous improvement. 

“I want to thank all the individuals and services for their contributions towards the content of these standards. Like the others published, these have been developed by the service for the service, acknowledging and incorporating what good looks like.” 

Chair of the NFCC, Mark Hardingham said: “The NFCC welcomes the publication of the Leadership and People Fire Standards. They will become an important part of how services shape their leadership and workforces in the future, underpinned by much of the existing and future guidance, tools and leadership development programmes developed and led by the NFCC. 

“Thank you to all of those who were involved in the development of these pivotal standards.” 

Consultation opens for two new Fire Standards

by Featured News

The Fire Standards Board has announced two Fire Standards which have been shared with services and all stakeholders for consultation.

Forming part of the suite of Fire Standards that relate to service delivery, the Fire Control Fire Standard is now open for consultation. Alongside this, a Fire Standard for Communications, Engagement and Consultation is also open.

Both consultations are open until 6 February 2023. You can find out how to take part in either consultation on the consultations page.

The Fire Control Fire Standard has been developed with input from the NFCC Fire Control Team, the NFCC Lead for Fire Control, Mobilising Officers Group and with fire control specialists from a wide range of fire and rescue services.

The Communications, Engagement and Consultation Fire Standard has been developed with input from FirePro, NFCC Communications teams and communications and collaboration specialists from a wide range of fire and rescue services.

The Board said that consultation responses will be considered, with a quality assurance process taking place prior to the launch of the final standards.

Fire Standards Board launches 12th professional Fire Standard

by Featured News

The Fire Standards Board (FSB) has announced the launch of the twelfth professional Fire Standard; Data Management. The Data Management Fire Standard focuses on ensuring fire and rescue services can deliver excellence to the public by maximising the value of good quality and reliable data.

A desired outcome of the new Standard is that services will use data to inform their community risk management planning and other key activities which will contribute to a reduction in risk, and improvements in community safety.

The area of work was led by Chief Fire Officer and Project Executive for the Digital and Data Programme, Andrew Hopkinson. The standard’s development was also supported by the NFCC Data lead, Apollo Gerolymbos, the Digital and Data Programme team and colleagues in the Home Office and Police Digital Service.

From the active network of data practitioners, a group of subject matter experts and representatives from services were also drawn together to support development of the standard.

One of the anticipated benefits of achieving the Data Management Fire Standard is that services will deliver an improved quality of service to the public because of their effective use of high quality and robust local, regional and national data to evidence their considerations and decision making.

There is also a corresponding Fire Standards Implementation Tool, designed to support services in assessing how well they already meet the standard and what they may need to consider and act on in terms of their working practices. It aims to act as a way to self-assess helping them to build an action plan that will enable to achieve the standard in time.

Fire Minister Jeremy Quin said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Data Management Fire Standard, which sets clear expectations fire services should meet. Using data effectively will ensure our fire and rescue services make evidence-based decisions that best protect their communities.

“The Fire Standards Board (FSB) is instrumental in setting the strategic direction for the sector and the creation of this new standard is a continuation of its vital role.

“This new standard is also in keeping with our Fire Reform White Paper’s aim to ensure fire services are modern, flexible and fit for the challenges of the 21st century.”

Chair of the Fire Standards Board, Suzanne McCarthy said: “The Board welcomes the launch of the new Data Management Fire Standard and recognises the contribution it will bring to fire and rescue services and the communities they serve by reducing risk.

“As well as the development of new standards, we are working collaboratively with services to support the implementation of the standards delivered so far.” 

New fire standards launched in England

by Breaking NewsSafety

The Fire Standards Board has launched a new professional standard for fire and rescue services in England, it’s ninth such professional standard.

The Safeguarding Fire Standard aims to ensure that fire and rescue services are doing all that they can to support safeguarding. Its desired outcome is that services work proactively to promote the safeguarding of those within their communities as well as employees and volunteers, reducing the risk of abuse, harm, and neglect.  

The Safeguarding Fire Standard outlines what a fire and rescue service must and should do to achieve the standard.

The standard states that a service must have a designated Safeguarding Lead, and that it should work collaboratively with partners to share learning and experiences to contribute to the continual improvement of safeguarding. Full details of what services need to do to achieve this standard are detailed in the How to Achieve section of the standard.  

Lord Greenhalgh, Fire Minister said: “…Fire and rescue service staff play a vital part in protecting communities and it’s crucial that they use the tools at their disposal to do so.” 

Whilst it is not mandatory for services to comply with the Fire Standards, the National Fire Framework makes clear that services are expected to pay due regard to Fire Standards as will the HMICFRS in their inspections.

The Fire Standards Board are confident that in many cases services are already achieving the outcomes which are the foundation of each Fire Standard. Where they are not, they accept services will need to implement any changes to enable them to achieve the standards in a way that fits with their strategic planning, improvement work and timetable. 

This is the ninth professional Fire Standard and aims to help drive continuous improvement across England’s fire and rescue services. 

The Fire Standards Board published eight standards in 2021. These are on:

  • Emergency response driving,
  • Operational preparedness,
  • Operational competence,
  • Operational learning, and
  • Code of Ethics
  • Community Risk Management Planning
  • Prevention
  • Protection