NFCC promotes the Fleur Lombard Bursary for fire and rescue service staff

by Featured NewsTraining

NFCC’s encouragement for fire and rescue service professionals

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is actively encouraging fire and rescue service staff to apply for the Fleur Lombard Bursary.

According to their recent announcement, this bursary intends to advance the education of junior members by granting them bursaries.

Opportunities the bursary offers

The bursary provides an opportunity for them to travel and study fire and rescue service-related issues, either within the UK, Europe, or even worldwide.

Those who are curious about issues impacting their fire and rescue service or wish to enhance their comprehension of these issues should consider applying.

Staff members up to the position of Watch Manager or its corporate equivalent from any UK fire and rescue service can apply for funding that supports a research trip.

The bursary emphasizes self-directed study, and aspirants should showcase at least one of the following objectives:

  • Reducing fires.
  • Minimising death and injury by fire.
  • Preventing damage to property and the environment from fires.
  • Reducing the risk of death or injury to firefighters.
  • And providing career development opportunities from the study.

For further details and the funding application, visit the Avon Fire and Rescue Service’s website.

Memorialising Fleur Lombard

The bursary was established in remembrance of Firefighter Fleur Lombard.

She was tragically the first female firefighter to die on duty during peacetime Britain.

Her untimely demise in 1996 occurred while she combated a supermarket blaze in Staple Hill, Bristol.

In tribute to her valour, she was posthumously honoured with the Queen’s Gallantry Medal and Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation.

Following her death, a trust fund was instituted to honour her dedication, bravery, and professionalism.

Krissy Foster-Pullen, a Station Manager Control at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, shared her experience: “I would encourage anyone with an idea or interest to apply for the bursary. It’s a unique chance to learn about fire and rescue services across the globe.”

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s push for applications to the Fleur Lombard Bursary reinforces the global commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the fire and rescue service sector.

Firefighter Fleur Lombard’s legacy, epitomised by this bursary, offers an invaluable opportunity for junior members to gain insights from different firefighting methods, techniques, and cultures around the world.

By doing so, they can introduce innovative ideas and practices to their respective fire and rescue services.

About the NFCC

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a pivotal organisation in the UK’s fire and rescue service community.

With its primary focus on operational professionalism, effectiveness, and efficiency, the NFCC plays a vital role in driving the highest standards of service delivery, providing robust professional advice, and supporting its member organisations.

NFCC unveils Culture Action Plan to enhance fire and rescue services

by Breaking News

Following the Culture and Inclusion Conference held in March 2023 and the HMICFRS report on ‘Values and culture in fire and rescue services’, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has crafted a comprehensive Culture Action Plan.

The plan seeks to tackle culture and inclusion issues within the fire and rescue sector.

Culture Action Plan: A call for inclusivity in the sector

The NFCC said it believes that the fire and rescue services must be inclusive, safe working environments, free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.

To uphold public trust and provide top-notch services, the NFCC recognised that its employees need to feel valued, welcomed, and supported.

However, it is acknowledged that the standards and behaviours outlined in the core Code of Ethics are not being consistently upheld across the fire and rescue services.

The NFCC’s Culture Action Plan is thus their pledge to work in concert with fire and rescue services, UK Governments, and broader fire partners to bring about sustainable improvements and foster an inclusive, safe culture.

Implementing the Culture Action Plan: Towards a positive shift in culture

The Culture Action Plan aims to promote the development of effective leadership and behaviours, the integration of equality, diversity and inclusion, and the discovery and nurturing of diverse talent.

Moreover, the plan will support the health and wellbeing of those in fire and rescue services.

The NFCC extensively consulted UK Fire and Rescue Services and national partners while drafting the action plan.

They incorporated feedback gleaned from written responses and focus group discussions into the final design of the Plan.

Kathryn Billing, Cornwall Chief Fire Officer and NFCC Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead, stated: “NFCC’s Culture Action Plan comes at a time when many have felt disillusioned by the slow pace of equality, diversity and inclusion progress across our sector.

“There is a strength of leadership, togetherness and the collective commitment for change and the momentum for progress has shifted from the minority to the majority.”

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, echoed similar sentiments: “As Chair of the NFCC, culture and inclusion is my number one priority. This action plan is an important step forward in working to build an inclusive culture across every UK fire and rescue service.”

To ensure proper execution and monitoring of the plan, the NFCC has set up an independent Challenge and Support Panel.

The panel will offer external scrutiny, advice, and challenge to the NFCC in their work on culture and inclusion.

For a full outline of the Culture Action Plan, visit the NFCC’s website here.

Why the Culture Action Plan matters

The unveiling of the NFCC’s Culture Action Plan signifies a significant leap towards a safer, more inclusive environment in the UK’s fire and rescue services.

It embodies an essential shift in our collective approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

This plan indicates an industry committed to change, recognising the inherent value of diversity, not just as a moral imperative but also as a practical necessity for efficient service delivery.

Culture Action Plan: Key Deliverables and Consultation Process

Over the past five years, NFCC has produced a variety of tools and guidelines via its People and Leadership programmes.

These resources have been designed with input from subject matter experts within and outside the fire and rescue services, including academics and commissioned consultants.

Several new products are in the pipeline, with others under consideration.

The plan also mentions a meticulous consultation approach involving extensive discussions with fire and rescue services as well as wider partners.

This extensive dialogue has highlighted key themes that will shape the NFCC’s work in the future.

The importance of partnerships in the Culture Action Plan

The plan stresses that the promotion of an inclusive culture will only be achievable through robust partnerships.

NFCC is committed to cooperating with a wide array of partners, including staff representative bodies, unions, networking groups, employers, Westminster government, devolved administrations, charitable partners, and other stakeholders. T

he council also pledges to continue working closely with organisations such as Women in the Fire Service, the Asian Fire Service Association, and The Firefighters Charity.

The plan underscores the importance of learning from wider sectors and sharing good practices to shape their approach and products.

Governance within the Culture Action Plan

NFCC will seek independent scrutiny and expert advice from an Independent Challenge and Support panel, established to support the execution of this plan.

Internally, the work on culture and inclusion will be led by the NFCC People, Culture and Leadership Co-ordinating Committee, backed by the NFCC Safeguarding Board and NFCC Organisational Learning.

Regular progress reports will be made available on NFCC’s website to uphold transparency.

NFCC will also liaise with the Fire Standards Board, HMICFRS, Home Office, Local Government Association (LGA), National Employers, devolved administrations, and more to ensure progress against the action plan.

The Culture Action Plan expresses NFCC’s commitment to support fire and rescue services in their endeavour to create an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, abuse, and harm.

NFCC acknowledges its role in confronting societal inequality and forms of oppression that may exist within Fire and Rescue Services.

The plan acknowledges that change and growth are not instant, signalling the beginning of a journey that demands continuous focus, collaboration, investment, and review.

New NFCC member strategy sets UK fire and rescue service on a transformative path

by Featured NewsTraining

NFCC unveils a member strategy designed for continuous improvement

In a bid to consistently improve and solidify its position among the world’s leading fire and rescue services, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has unveiled its new member strategy.

The plan puts the NFCC and the UK Fire and Rescue Service on a trajectory aimed at the future.

The new NFCC strategy: An informed and inclusive approach

The strategy is the result of extensive engagement and consultation with NFCC members.

It outlines the council’s mission to collaborate, partner, represent and support fire and rescue services over the next three years in their mission to foster safer communities.

The plan is shaped by clear change drivers, including the need for a more positive and inclusive culture within fire and rescue services, recommendations from the Grenfell Tower and Manchester Arena inquiries, and findings from various inspection outcomes.

Fire and rescue services gear up for future challenges with NFCC strategy

NFCC’s strategy is designed to bolster fire and rescue services’ ability to meet future challenges effectively.

It dovetails with the shared ambitions detailed in ‘Fit for the Future’ and is founded on the fire and rescue sector’s Core Code of Ethics.

This showcases the collective expectations of UK fire and rescue services to foster a positive working environment, uphold service standards, and sustain public confidence.

Mark Hardingham, NFCC Chair, provided some insights on the strategy’s objective: “The strategy is designed as a tool for fire and rescue services to use when considering their own local strategies and plans, helping to align local priorities and work to the wider national context.”

He further acknowledged the opportunities that lie ahead: “This is a time of great opportunity for fire and rescue services, to improve, diversify, embrace the drivers for change, and fully commit to the challenges we are facing now and in the future.”

Hardingham stressed on the collective goal of the organisation and the sector: “By working together, it is our collective ambition to continuously improve, and to firmly establish NFCC and the UK Fire and Rescue Service as among the best in the world – something that is reflected not only in the member strategy, but in the ongoing work of NFCC and the Fire and Rescue Service as a whole.”

The member strategy has been developed in conjunction with the NFCC Corporate Strategy and a rolling one-year Business Plan.

The strategies highlight key objectives and priorities, providing support to fire and rescue services locally and improving services to communities across the UK.

IFSJ Comment

This outlines a clear path for continuous improvement and progression for the NFCC and the UK Fire and Rescue Service.

It demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting future challenges and capitalising on opportunities, underscoring the need for collaborative effort in enhancing safety across communities.

New guidelines launched to minimise wildfire risk from disposable barbecues

by Featured NewsSafety

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) have jointly introduced a set of voluntary guidelines for retailers on the sale of disposable barbecues.

This initiative aims to lower the risk of wildfires at both local and national levels, as reported on the NFCC website.

Guidelines promote responsible retailing

These guidelines put forward a strategy that retailers can use to collaborate with Local Authorities and fire and rescue services in order to reduce wildfire incidents proactively.

This may include suspending the sale of these products during periods of high wildfire risk.

An important aspect of these guidelines is to make sure that retailers provide consumers with advice on how to safely use, extinguish and dispose of these products.

Three key principles for disposable barbecue safety

The guidelines centre around three key principles:

  1. Retailers will respond to reasonable, evidence-based Local Authority requests to remove disposable barbecues from sale. They will also establish systems to alert stores within their network to withdraw these items from sale.
  2. When an extreme heat event is declared imminent, retailers are expected to stop selling disposable barbecues. They should also monitor the Fire Severity Index and decide if a local or national ban is required.
  3. Retailers have the responsibility to educate their customers on the safe and responsible use of disposable barbecues. This could involve on-pack use and disposal information, or educational materials at the shelf edge, digital platforms, and/or print media.

Adrian Simpson, Product Safety Policy Adviser at the British Retail Consortium, emphasised: “Disposable barbecues provide a great way for people to enjoy the summer outdoors. However, it is extremely important that users realise that these must be used responsibly.”

Paul Hedley, Wildfire Lead at the National Fire Chiefs Council, added: “These guidelines are a good start for mitigating wildfire risk caused by disposable barbecues.

“Additionally, members of the public should make note of local guidelines, only using disposable BBQs in appropriate areas and making sure that they dispose of them safely.”

Safety advice for disposable barbecue users

The safety advice for consumers includes suggestions like opting for a picnic instead of a barbecue, not having barbecues in the countryside unless in a designated area, and ensuring that disposable barbecues are fully extinguished after use.

The NFCC has provided further resources here.

IFSJ Comment

Wildfires pose a serious risk to both local communities and wider environments. These guidelines represent a proactive step in raising awareness and encouraging responsible use of disposable barbecues to reduce this risk.

About the National Fire Chiefs Council

The NFCC is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service. It provides strategic leadership and promotes the highest standards of service delivery, training and community safety measures to protect life, property and the environment.

Raising public awareness on battery fires

by Featured NewsSafety

NFCC and Material Focus release educational video on battery fires

In an attempt to curb the growing number of fires sparked by discarded batteries, a new public safety film, “Stop Battery Fires”, has been launched.

This initiative is a partnership between Material Focus and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) aimed at educating the public on the proper disposal of batteries and electrical items.

The information can be found on the NFCC’s website and the video is available for local authorities to disseminate.

The rise in battery fires

According to a Material Focus survey, over 700 fires ignited by batteries were reported within the waste and recycling system across the UK last year.

The “Stop Battery Fires” campaign aims to address this alarming statistic.

Role of the local authorities in preventing battery fires

Local authorities play a key role in the reduction of battery fires. Material Focus is urging these bodies to participate in the 2023 “Stop Battery Fires Survey” to gather fresh data on the incidence and impact of such fires.

Educating the public on the dangers of improper battery disposal

Mark Andrews, NFCC waste fires lead, said: “Fire and rescue services see first-hand the impact of fires caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries and electrical items.

The ‘Stop Battery Fires’ campaign and film will help support local authorities in raising awareness of this issue.”

Call to action

Help raise awareness of battery fires in your community by watching and sharing the “Stop Battery Fires” video.

If you represent a local authority, contribute to the ongoing efforts by participating in the “Stop Battery Fires Survey”.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Material Focus directly at hello@materialfocus.org.uk.

IFSJ Comment

The launch of this public safety film represents a critical move towards addressing the growing issue of battery fires across the UK.

By raising awareness and educating the public on safe disposal practices, we hope to see a notable decrease in battery-related fires in the future.

NFCC successful in amending the ‘Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions)’

by Featured News

In a significant step forward, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has successfully brought about changes to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions).

This follows their forceful argument and formal approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Enhanced DBS checks and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

This amendment, officially approved by the Commons on 22 May and the Lords on 14 June, will facilitate fire and rescue services (FRSs) in obtaining more efficient Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) checks.

The amendment to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act means that FRSs can now carry out a minimum of standard checks for all their representatives.

In addition, the NFCC and DBS are collaboratively creating guidance to assist services in making decisions about eligibility for higher levels of checks.

Minister’s perspective on Rehabilitation of Offenders Act changes

The Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Rt Hon Chris Philp MP, expressed his satisfaction: “I am delighted that we have secured this important legislative change to increase the eligibility of fire employees for criminal records checks.”

He further highlighted the importance of these checks: “Checks like these are vital to maintain public trust and support high standards in our services.”

Philp urged all fire and rescue services to make proper use of these checks: “I expect all fire and rescue services to draw on the important guidance published by the National Fire Chiefs Council.”

Safeguarding guidance in line with Rehabilitation of Offenders Act changes

In response to the legislative change, three safeguarding guidance documents have been developed to fully support fire and rescue.

These documents cover processes for managing allegations or concerns of harm, recommendations from the latest HMICFRS Spotlight Report, and NFCC’s Safeguarding self-assessment toolkit.

Another guidance emphasises the necessity for FRSs to understand what level of DBS check could be applied and how to manage positive disclosures found through DBS checks.

All these documents underwent consultation with fire and rescue services, key stakeholders, peer reviews, and equality and impact assessments.

The amendment to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) received full parliamentary approval at the House of Commons at the Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee on 17th May 2023, followed by a debate and approval in the House of Lords on 13th June 2023.

The legislation comes into effect as of 6 July.

The amendment includes new provisions covering chartered management accountants, fire and rescue authority employees, justice system intermediaries, and notaries public of England and Wales, allowing them access to a minimum of Standard level DBS checks.

About the NFCC

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is a driving force behind the fire and rescue services sector, continuously striving for improvements and amendments that can facilitate smoother, more efficient service delivery.

IFSJ Comment

This amendment to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will enhance transparency, trust, and accountability, making our communities safer and more secure.

Ukraine receives vital water rescue equipment from UK

by Featured News

National Fire Chiefs Council and Maritime and Coastguard Agency partner for emergency aid

In an urgent response to a call from the Home Office, more than 2,000 items of water rescue equipment have been dispatched to Ukraine. This was made possible through a joint effort by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This crucial equipment is set to play a significant role in ongoing rescue operations in the region.

Disaster aftermath prompts rapid response

The donations from the fire and rescue services arrived following an urgent plea from the Home Office directed to NFCC’s National Resilience function. The aid will be employed by the State Emergency Services in Ukraine in their ongoing relief operations, particularly addressing the fallout from flooding triggered by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power station on 6th June.

Quick identification and preparation of supplies

In response to the Home Office’s request, fire and rescue services identified available resources within 48 hours. National Resilience arranged the collection of the equipment at a central location where it was prepared for transportation to Ukraine by UK International Search and Rescue. The process was supported by FireAID and the Fire Industry Association and the shipment was dispatched on 13th June.

The delivery comprises over 2,300 items from 28 fire services, including various types of rescue boats, water rescue sleds, water pumps and water rescue personal protective equipment.

Officials express pride and gratitude

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham expressed his gratitude and pride: “I’m proud of the fast response from fire and rescue services to provide boats and water rescue equipment to support emergency responders and communities in Ukraine. NFCC is grateful to our colleagues at HM Coastguard for partnering with us to support the request to this unfolding tragedy. National Resilience and fire and rescue services have worked tirelessly to ensure the equipment is able to leave the UK quickly; once again we stand in support of our colleagues in Ukraine.”

Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Chris Philp, reiterated this sentiment: “This donation is a testament to our ongoing support of Ukrainian services and aid organisations, which are in desperate need of equipment following the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. I am immensely proud that we are once again supporting the recovery efforts in Ukraine by donating a further convoy of life-saving equipment, including 19 rescue boats.”

Director of HM Coastguard, Claire Hughes, underlined their commitment to assist in the rescue efforts: “As a key partner in flood response, NFCC made contact with HM Coastguard to ask if we could offer any additional support, to assist ongoing rescue efforts in Ukraine. We have provided Water Rescue Buoyancy aids, rescue throwlines and water rescue stretchers, these are all key resources for flood response and will complement the equipment provided by the Fire and Rescue Services. We understand that this is an urgent and fast-moving situation and are pleased to able to work with key partners to offer support to fellow rescuers working in very challenging conditions.”

Ukraine’s gratitude

Head of the State Emergency Service in Ukraine, Serhiy Kruk, expressed his gratitude: “We are extremely grateful to our British friends for quickly finding and sending the necessary water rescue equipment to support the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in this time of need. When we are united, we are invincible. And with such friends as the British people and the government – we will definitely win.”

Fire service personnel recognised in King Charles III’s 2023 Birthday Honours list

by Featured News

Members of the UK’s fire and rescue services have been recognised in King Charles III’s 2023 Birthday Honours list, the first since his crowning.

Heartfelt congratulations

The Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Mark Hardingham, expressed his delight at the recognition of his colleagues’ dedicated service and leadership in the sector. Without revealing his full statement, he particularly acknowledged those “[…] who have played such significant national roles with the NFCC receiving recognition”. He equally appreciated the efforts of colleagues working alongside and in support of fire and rescue services, and commended the year-round work that these individuals contribute to their communities.

List of honoured fire service colleagues

Several people from fire and rescue services have received King’s Birthday Honours. The recognitions range from OBE to MBE and BEM, as well as the King’s Fire Service Medal.

Among those receiving the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) were Keith Donnelly, Fire and Rescue Service Advisor UK, and Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch, Editor, Fire Magazine. The latter was recognised for his services to The Fire Fighters Charity and Fire Safety.

The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) was awarded to Karen Farr, Children and Young Persons Manager, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. She was recognised for her services to young people and public safety.

The British Empire Medal (BEM) was bestowed on Robert Bonner, Russell Crispin, and Richard Clarke for their contributions to the fire and rescue heritage, the community in East London and the Fire Fighters Charity respectively.

In England and Wales, recipients of the King’s Fire Service Medal included Donna Joanne Bentley MBE, Roderic Andrew Hammerton, Peter Patrick Heath, and Gavin Andrew Tomlinson. In Scotland, Matt Acton, Area Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, was recognised.

About the honours system

The honours system acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions in public life and dedicated themselves to serving and helping Britain. Those who receive honours have either improved life for others or shown outstanding skill in their respective fields. Decisions on honours are made by a committee, then submitted to the Prime Minister and subsequently to the King, who bestows the honour.

NFCC direct entry scheme launches

by Featured News

The National Fire Chiefs Council Direct Entry Scheme has officially launched. The scheme is designed to enable those with proven leadership skills, from a variety of sectors, to apply for Station Manager roles without needing to have fire service experience or without needing to have taken the traditional firefighter promotional route.

The Fire Service College has partnered with the NFCC and early adopting Direct Entrant services to deliver the training programme. It marks the first time there has been a national, robust, and quality-assured direct entry programme and process.

The primary aim of the scheme is to provide a different route to entry into the role of Station Manager, alongside the more traditional firefighter route, that can play a valuable part in diversifying leadership in fire and rescue services.

A recruitment campaign launched on 3 April through the appointed recruitment experts at Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd. Those recruited to the roles will be expected to acquire, develop, and demonstrate skills and expertise in management and command functions, as set out for their role in the nationally agreed applicable role maps.

Seven fire and rescue services from across the UK have signed up to join the pioneering pilot to self-fund a direct entrant. Those services are East Sussex FRS, Staffordshire FRS, Oxfordshire FRS, Shropshire FRS, Avon FRS, Leicestershire FRS, and North Wales FRS.

“We hope that the scheme will draw new perspectives and experiences from the brightest and best who might not ordinarily have seen a career in the fire and rescue service as being open or attractive to them,” said Direct Entry Project Executive Rob Barber.

“Being a Fire Officer is a tough job at times, but it is a hugely rewarding one. I am excited to see who puts themselves forward for this fantastic opportunity.

“The response from services wishing to be “early adopters” has been encouraging and I am confident we will be able to offer a compelling proposition to candidates from across the whole of the UK.”

Dawn Whittaker, Direct Entry Project Executive commented: “Many of the leadership skills required to run a modern FRS are not dissimilar to those required in other sectors, with people, financial, partnership and commercial skills at the fore.

“By diversifying those in our more senior roles we can invest in the future of our sector, and those already involved in the scheme are doing just that.”

Direct Entry is just one of a number of projects being delivered by NFCC’s Leadership Programme, underpinned by the FRS Core Code of Ethics, supporting FRS staff to move through their careers at a pace that suits them. This includes a Coaching and Mentoring Portal, Talent Management Framework, as well as a Supervisory Leadership Development Programme. Further products to be launched include a Middle Leadership Programme, due to launch in April 2024.

National Fire Chiefs Council to launch Direct Entry Scheme

by Featured News

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has announced plans to launch a Direct Entry scheme in April. The scheme will enable those with proven leadership skills, from a variety of sectors, to apply for Station Manager roles without needing to have fire service experience or without needing to have taken the traditional firefighter promotional route. 

The recruitment campaign will commence on Monday 3 April 2023 through the appointed recruitment experts at Reed Specialist Recruitment Ltd.

Candidates recruited to the roles will be able to acquire, develop, and demonstrate skills and expertise in management and command functions, as set out for their role in the nationally agreed applicable role maps. The development will be enhanced through a nationally designed, coordinated, and quality-assured process.

A different route

The primary aim of the scheme is to provide a different route to entry into the role of Station Manager, alongside the more traditional firefighter route, that can play a valuable part in diversifying senior management in fire and rescue services.

There are a number of fire and rescue services from across the UK who have signed up to join the pioneering pilot to self-fund a direct entrant. These are all services that put public service and inclusivity at the forefront of their thinking; seeing the two as being inextricably linked.

Direct Entry Project Executive Rob Barber said: “We hope that the scheme will draw new perspectives and experiences from the brightest and best who might not ordinarily have seen a career in the fire and rescue service as being open or attractive to them.

“It is to be both additional and complementary to existing progression routes to ensure we continue to nurture and develop internal fire sector staff.

“Being a Fire Officer is a tough job at times, but it is a hugely rewarding one. I am excited to see who puts themselves forward for this fantastic opportunity.

“Direct entry isn’t new to fire and rescue services but launching the scheme in a way that creates a supportive cohort right across the country is. The response from services wishing to be “early adopters” has been positive and I am confident we will be able to offer a compelling proposition to candidates from across the whole of the UK.”

CFO Dawn Whittaker Direct Entry Project Executive said: “Many of the leadership skills required to run a modern FRS are not dissimilar to those required in other sectors, with people, financial, partnership and commercial skills at the fore.

“By diversifying those in our more senior roles we can invest in the future of our sector, and those already involved in the scheme are doing just that.”

Buiding operation competence

The NFCC said that services will benefit immediately from the skills and experience of proven leaders from other sectors as they build their operational competence.

The scheme is designed to be both additional and complementary to existing progression routes within the sector, complying with all existing terms and conditions, but doing it in a new and innovative way. 

The project was launched to address some of the recommendations made in the HMICFRS State of Fire Report, which stated: “To provide the best possible response to the public, services need to be able to choose from the widest talent pool possible. That pool is currently restricted, with many people feeling excluded.”

The recent Government White Paper endorsed the work of the project: “The NFCC Leadership hub is leading a project on direct entry schemes at the Station Manager level, as well as developing a coaching and talent-focused culture. This is a welcome development and should be supported by all services.”

Since its inception in 2020, the project team has engaged widely with stakeholders and has carried out a stakeholder consultation in 2021 to understand any barriers to success. There should be an assurance that the Direct Entry Project Board has a credible, quality-assured product for the fire sector, developed in conjunction with fire and rescue services.

Direct Entry is just one of a number of projects being delivered by NFCC’s Leadership Programme, supporting FRS staff to move through their careers at a pace that suits them. This includes the Coaching and Mentoring Portal, Talent Management Toolkit, Supervisory Leadership Development Programme, and the Middle Leadership Programme due to launch in April 2024.