Two new fire standards out for consultation

The Fire Standards Board is consulting on the Fire Control Fire Standard and a draft Fire Standard on Communications, Engagement and Consultation.

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.

Echoing the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations, the first desired outcome is, “A fire and rescue service that prepares and empowers their fire control personnel to make effective and proactive decisions; to provide safety, evacuation, and survival guidance to the public in an accessible way.” There are references to embedding JESIP and an emphasis on the mental health of employees and the integration of control room staff within the wider organisation.

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.

In the light of the report about the culture of London Fire Brigade and more recent concerns about South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the standard looks timely as it sets out a desired outcome for a fire and rescue service stating, “It has a positive and inclusive culture, which enables its people to communicate openly, and engage effectively. Its people develop and maintain positive relationships, both within and outside of the service, building trust and resulting in successful collaborations and partnership working.”