New training partnership strengthens emergency preparedness at Rolls-Royce Derby site

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) has received £60,000 worth of donated equipment from Rolls-Royce Submarines, as part of a wider partnership which includes a new joint training programme to bolster existing emergency arrangements around the company’s Derby site.

The donation of specialist training equipment builds on an already close working relationship between the two organisations, with DFRS playing an active role in emergency exercises at the Rolls-Royce Raynesway site several times a year.

As part of the partnership, Rolls-Royce’s Emergency Response Unit will be granted access to advanced training facilities at DFRS’s training centre and other locations across Derbyshire.

These facilities include modern breathing apparatus training complexes, allowing Rolls-Royce colleagues to enhance operational readiness by training on purpose-built structures in real heat and smoke environments — significantly strengthening their capability when responding to on-site incidents.

In addition, DFRS has agreed to enrol two Rolls-Royce colleagues onto its in-house training programme, where they will complete the same course as new recruits, to the same standards.

The collaborative approach is designed to improve operational capability and response efficiency, while aligning a shared understanding of risk and emergency management at Rolls-Royce premises in Derby.

Nathan Stevens, Area Manager for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We’re pleased to announce a partnership focused on enhancing safety and emergency preparedness at Rolls Royce’s Raynesway site and across the local community.

“By training and planning side by side, building preparedness and developing a shared understanding of risk, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Rolls Royce’s Emergency Response Team will share knowledge, align standards, and build strong relationships.

“This collaboration ensures a quicker, more coordinated response if an incident should occur, safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. We’re proud to be Making Derbyshire Safer Together.”

James Cowell, Director – Safety, Security & Licensee Authority for Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “Over the years we have built strong partnerships with many local stakeholders, and none more so than with the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service. By collaborating together on our safety and emergency exercises, and ensuring we share expertise and site knowledge across first responders, we can keep our Raynesway site safe for everyone.”

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