Loss of two colleagues in Hampshire
Tragically, Firefighters Alan Bannon and James Shears, of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, lost their lives whilst attending a serious fire at a high-rise block of flats in Southampton on 6th April.

The deepest condolences of FOA members and officials are extended to the families, friends and colleagues of Alan and James who made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

CLG FiReControl Committee - Fifth Report of Session 2009-10
This report contains the Committee's findings following its examination of the FiReControl Project during which the Committee considered both written and oral evidence.
The unsurprising conclusions include the following summarised points: -

- inadequate planning, poor execution and bad management of the project
- considerable doubt about whether the project can be delivered
- the project should continue given the already large investment of public funds

The latter being subject to concerns being addresed and the creation of a viable project plan in which stakeholders can have confidence. The Committee also calls for a communication plan to address negative perceptions of the project as well as a contingency plan for dealing with any future failures.

The conclusions are more related to the overall project rather than our key concerns about the treatment of staff and the uncertainty with which they have had to live for some considerable time. However, the FOA is pleased to see that the project's failings have now been identified and acknowledged.

We were under no illusions about the project's continuation since so much time and money had already been committed but we hope that, for the sake of staff, the recommendations will be acted upon to bring greater clarity about timescales and future employment prospects for existing staff.

Generic Risk Assessments
The under-noted Generic Risks Assessments have been published by the Fire and Resce Advisers Unit
GRA 2.1: Rescues from Confined Spaces. 2.1.3 Trenches/Pits

GRA 4.3: Incidents Involving Transport Systems - Air

Scottish Review of IRMP
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Advisory Unit (SFRAU) are to carry out a review of the whole of the Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) process since its inception in 2003.

The review is intended to give SFRAU a sense of how far IRMP has enabled fire authorities to deliver effective practice and potential efficiencies since its inception in 2003. It will review the advice and guidance given to Fire Authorities, the progress of implementation of IRM plan’s, the outcomes in performance and identify any barriers to effective implementation. It will also consider the challenges and opportunities for the future, in particular, the relationship with the concordat and the national performance framework. The findings and recommendations of the review will be contained within a report which will be delivered to the Minister for Community Safety as part of the SFRAU’s business proces.

Stakeholders will be provided with an opportunity to comment at the draft report stage.

Independent Review of Open Water and Flood Rescue in Scotland
Earlier this year, the Minister for Community Safety commissioned a review of open water and flood rescue in Scotland. The review's terms of referen were to report and advise on:
- The resources and capabilities of all agencies currently involved in water rescue emergencies, including flooding;
- Whether there is a need for change in current operational arrangements between responders;
- Whether there is a need for a change in the law covering the responders who cover water rescue;
- The level of public awareness and education of the risks associated with open water.
The report will now be considered by the Scottish government and it is hoped that the review will result in greater clarity about the relative roles of agencies involved in water related resue and to improved safey for the public and rescue workers.

A copy of the report is available HERE

Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration: BD 2551
The CLG commissioned this project to provide new guidance on safe installation practices of residential sprinklers for installers, building control bodies and fire and rescue services. The documents can be downloaded from the links below
Chapter 1 - Appendix B: Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration

Appendix C: Residential sprinkler installation practice to maximise functionality and to prevent possible fire penetration
More infomation is available from the CLG website at
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/residentialsprinklerinstallation

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 65/2009: Retained Duty System Employers’ Information Toolkit
FRSC 65/2009 This circular introducea tollkit prodeced by CLG to assist fire and rescue authorities with the recruitment of RDS firefighters by promoting the RDS and its benefits to employers.
Copies of the leaflets can be obtained from the link below: -
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/oncallfirefighters

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Guidance Document: Avoiding & Resolving Discipline & Grievance Issues at Work
A leaflet has been jointly produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (the CIPD) and Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to inform employers about dealing with workplace disputes in Great Britain. A copy is available from the following link -
Avoiding and Resolving Discipline and Grievance Isues at Work

Fire Performance of Escape Stairs
The Department for Communities and Local Government has issued two documents relating to escape stairs. These are available online from the CLG wibsite via the links below: -

Fire Performance of Escape Stairs: BC2569, and

Fire Performance of Escape Stairs Guidance Document: BD 2569

CLG briefing paper for Fire and Rescue Authorities background to New Dimension
A copy of this paper is available HERE

Fire & Rescue Service Circulars (England): Coroners Rules 1984 - Rule 43
FRSC 49/2009 This Circular gives guidanceon good practice in the sharing of information between key stakeholders on issues concerning fire and rescue service activities identified within the Coroners Rules 1984 – Rule 43 process.
FRSC 50/2009 Guidance on Multi-Agency Interoperability
Provides direction on interoperability across blue light services
FRSC 51/2009 Launch of BREEAM rating system for the Construction of Fire and Rescue Buildings
Thsi Circular announces the launch of the BREEAM rating system for the Construction of Fire and Rescue Buildings

Dear Chief Officer Letter 10/09 (Scotland): Building Construction Information
DCOL 10/09 This letter seeks to raise awareness of problems associated with modern building construction techniques and the need for effective risk information systems.

2009 PAY SETTLEMENT: NJC Joint Circulars 7/2009 and 8/2009
The national employers offer of a 1.25% pay increase, effective from 1st July 2009, has been accepted by the staff side of the MMNB and NJC. Details of the revised pay scales and the impact on CPD payments can be found in the following Joint Circulars.
Joint Circular 7/2009 and Joint Circular 8/2009

Dear Chief Officer Letter 08/09 (Scotland): Fire at Camberwell, South London and 09/09 Timber Framed Buildings
DCOL 08/09 This letter provides the Scottish FRS with information about the recent fatal fire at Camberwell, London
DCOL 09/09 This letter highlights the dangers associated with firefighting in timber framed buildings

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 41/2009: New Dimension Enhanced Command Support Capability Interim Operating Procedure
FRS Circular 41/2009 - This circular informs the service of the operating procedures for the interim enhanced command support capability.

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 40/2009: Consultation on Fire & Resilience Programme In-Service Management
FRS Circular 40/2009 - highlights a consultation paper setting out CLG’s proposals for in-service management of the Fire & Resilience Programme. The closing date for responses is midday on 5 October 2009. The paper is available from the CLG website at: -
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/ConsultationProgrammeISM.pdf

TRAGIC LOSS OF A COLLEAGUE
On behalf of all members and officers of the Fire Officers' Association, we extend deepest sympathy to family, friends and colleagues of Lothian and Borders Firefighter Ewan Williamson who tragically lost his life, on 12th July, in service of the people of Edinburgh.

This loss is a stark reminder the of the dangers faced by firefighters and the ongoing need to protect both members of the public and firefighters from fire and its effects.

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 39/2009: Consultation on the transposition of the Framework Directive on Health and Safety of Workers into the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
FRS Circular 39/2009 - This circular advises of the above consultation which closes on 6th October 2009. A of the consultation document can be obtained from: -
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/fire/pdf/1276413.pdf

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 38/2009: Timber Framed Buildings
FRS Circular 38/2009 - This circular provides information on managing the risk associated with fire in timber framed buildings, and on further guidance that will be issued on this subject.

Dear Chief Officer Letter 07/09 (Scotland): Changes to building Legislation in Scotland
DCOL 07/09 This letter highlights changes to Scottish building legislation that came into effect on 1st May 2009. More information on these changes is available from http://www.sbsa.gov.uk/pdfs/Procedural_Guidance_Crown_Buildings.pdf

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 37/2009: Resilience Programme Highlights - June 2009
FRS Circular 37/2009 - CLG's monthly update on prgress with the English resilience programme.

Incident Recording System – Questions and Lists
Incident Recording System – Questions and Lists - Version 1.2 – (XML Schemas v1-0l) - This document describes the questions and options that will be asked for each type of incident for the new Incident Recording System (IRS) that Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) will use to submiincident data to Communities and Local Government. The publication should be of interest to staff and managers involved in performance management and reporting.

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 36/2009: Written Ministerial Statement on the future of national procurement for the FRS
FRS Circular 36/2009 - This document refers to a Written Ministerial Statement on future arrangements for national FRS procurement and Firebuy Ltd. It describes the next steps to be taken relating to this and concludes that a national procurement body represents the best way to deliver fire-specific collaborative procurement. It proposes that for larger organisation should discharge these functions and be responsible for the management of the service contracts for the Fire and Resilience Programme.
The Minsterial Statement is available from the CLG website - http://www.communities.gov.uk/statements/corporate/firebuyltd

NJC Update and Joint Circulars
MMNB and NJC meetings were held on 3rd June. The main business scheduled related to the 2009 FRS pay settlement. However both meetings were adjourned after it became apparent that, despite 7 months of work by a Pay Working Party, no offer would be forthcoming from the Employers. Discussions will continue urgently in the hope of acheving a settlement by 1st July 2009.

Despite the lack of business, two agreed Joint Circulars were issued: -
NJC Joint Circular 05/2009: Revised car allowances, and
NJC Joint Circular 06/2009: Retirement and Pension Schemes

Vacancy for secondment within Scottish Government, Scottish Fire and Rescue Advisory Unit: IRMP Review Project Manager
The Scottish Government has issued a vacancy notice for the above position. Reporting directly to the Advisor with responsibility for IRMP and Performance, applications are invited from individuals suitably qualified, at Area Manager A or B level with experience and knowledge of local authority fire and rescue services to fill a secondment position within the Scottish Government.

This secondment offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and experience in the review of Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) in Scottish Fire and Rescue Authorities. The secondment will be for a six month period and is based at St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh. Please contact Head Office if you would like a copy of the vacancy notice. Alternatively contact Brian Fraser on telephone 0131 244 2342 / Andrew Shuttleworth, telephone 0131 244 2432 for more information..

Symposium on Human Behaviour in Fire - Tall Buildings Focus and Analysis of WTC Evacuation
A symposium on human behaviour in fire is being held at the Robinson College Cambridge from 13th - 15th July 2009.

The first day will focus on High-rise buildings and Evacuation – the Symposium will open with presentations on three major World Trade Centre 9/11 research studies under the Chairmanship of James P. Colgate, Assistant Commissioner, New York City Department of Buildings. This is the first time that the outcomes of major research efforts into such a catastrophic fire related event will have been presented and discussed in a symposium environment and this session is expected to generate wide-spread interest and debate.

This is the 4th symposium and the organiserswe would like hear from as may different voices as possible in this debate not just the modellers and researchers who usually form the core audience

More information is available from http://www.intersciencecomms.co.uk/html/events/hb09a1.htm

CLG Publication: FiReControl - An overview
The Department for Communities and Local Government published the above document setting out its view of matters relating to the FiReControl project. A copy of this document, issues 20th May, can be found via the following link to the CGL Website: FiReControl - An Overview

Fire Statistics Monitor
Fire Statistics for Quarter 2: 1 July 2007 - 30 June 2008 are now available from the CLG website - http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/monitorq22008

Dear Chief Officer Letter 05/09 (Scotland): Mexican Influenza Outbreak- Advice to Fire and Rescue Services for Business Continuity Planning
DCOL 05/09 This letter highlights the need for effective business continuity plans in light of the current hightened risk resulting from outbreaks of Swine Flu. It also reminds the FRS of previouisly issued guidance on dealing with Flu Pandemic.
The guidance referred to recognises that fire and rescue services may have to work differently, It is therefore hoped that there will be early consultation with staff with a view to agreeing what variation and flexibility might be required in order to maintain the delivery of emergency fire and rescue functions.

European Working Time Directive
It is reported that the opt-out clause will now be retained within the revised EU Working Time Directive after talks between the EU Commission, MEPs and member states failed to deliver agreement on a way forward. The Commission will now have to decide whether any new legislation will be put forward

This should mean that existing fire and rescue duty systems will be secure insofar as EU action is concerned, provided that the opt-out is exercised via collective agreements.

Scottish Public Pensions Agency: Guaranteed Minimum Pension - Update on Pension Overpayments
The SPPA has issued a letter to interested parties explaining the current situation regarding possible pension overpayments which came to light in December 2008. We are not aware of FRS pensioners who were overpaid but, should any cases be identified: -
- past overpayments will be written-off, rather than recovered;
- affected Fiire pensioners will retain the overpaid amounts
More information can be obtained from the SPPA update letter

Firefighter Pensions: Commutation Factors
Further to our report of 20th March on the matter of Commutation Factors, the Home Office the time limit for a Home Office appeal against the outcome of the Police Judicial Review has passed and it, therefore, appears that Ministers have decided to accept the arguments of the Judge.

We have now contacted Communities and Local Government regrading application to fire and rescue service pensions and received a response hat they are currently considering the read across and will be issuing guidance to FRAs as soon as possible.

Fire & Rescue Service Circular (England) 18/2009: Firefighter Safety at Operational Incidents
FRS Circular 18/2000 This circular clarifies the status of existing advice guidance in relation to: the training, supervision and wearing of Breathing Apparatus and the potential hazards associated with buildings of sandwich panel construction when involved in fire. It also updates the FRS on the review of respiratory protection procedures

Commutation Factors: Result of Police Judicial Review
On 17th March 2009, the High Court released its decision on the Judicial Review taken by the Police Federation in relation to the commencement date of the revised commutation factors introduced last year and applied from October 2007

The court found in favour of the Police Federation and we believe that a new application date of 1st December 2006 will be applied. We consider that the findings should apply equally to members of the Firefighters Pension Scheme and we shall be re-stating this to CLG if the Home Secretary does not lodge an appeal within 14 days of the decision.

Working Time Directive update
The first WTD Conciliation Committee meeting was held on 17th March 2009 and its outcome was inconclusive. It appears that the UK is in a good position although the minority in favour of removing the opt-out is standing firm. A second conciliation meeting will be held on 1 April.

The issue uis discussed in the following 17/03/09 article from the Guardian on-line available at.http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/17/eu-work-and-careers

FRS Circular 09/2009 (England): Research report of response times
FRS Circular 09/2009; announces the publication of a research report on response times which is available form the CLG website

25/02/09

FRS Circular 08/2009 (England): Review of the IRMP Returns and Equality & Diversity in Service Delivery
FRS Circular 08/2009 advises of the rescheduled date for the cancelled Manchester seminar on the review of the IRMP Returns and Equality & Diversity in Service Delivery

20/02/09

Fire & Rescue Service Pensions Circular 04/2009
Fire & Rescue Service Pensions Circular 04/2009: sets out the annual inflationary increase that will apply from 7th April 2009