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FIREFIGHTERS NEWS
Sir Ken Knight to lead review into operational efficiency of Firefighters
An expert led review into the operational efficiency of the services delivered by fire and rescue authorities in England was announced on the 14th December 2012 by Brandon Lewis MP, Minister for the Department for Communities and Local Government. It comes as part of a broad policy to support fire and rescue authorities in reducing the number and impact of fires.
The statement from the department said that the review was to be conducted by former firefighter and out going government Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser, Sir Ken Knight, starting early 2013. The review will seek to identify ways fire and rescue authorities can pinpoint savings and improvements without reducing the quality life-saving services that the country’s fire firefighters are known for.
The statement said that fire deaths and incidents are at an all time low. Over the last decade attendance at incidents has fallen by 39% and attendance at fires by 48%. The review will help today’s fire service reflect that change.
In conducting the review, Sir Ken Knight will talk to key partners to help develop his findings including the Local Government Association, Fire Sector Federation, the Chief Fire Officers’ Association and the Fire Brigades Union, as well as individual authorities and other emergency services. The report is expected to be completed in the spring of 2013.
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said:
“We all recognise our firefighters perform an incredibly important public service. That is why spending for fire and rescue authorities, like other blue light services, has been protected. But we cannot escape the reality that every bit of the public sector has to help reduce the deficit we inherited.
“Public safety is always our first concern and this review will make sure no stone has been left unturned in the quest for the most efficient and effective front-line fire service there can be. I know Sir Ken is passionate about the quality of fire and rescue services and he will bring an enormous amount of experience and knowledge to the task.”
Sir Ken Knight said:
“With over 40 years in the fire service, I know firefighters care deeply about public safety and
want to provide the best possible service, but we need to make sure that service is as effective and efficient as possible. Many authorities have made great strides already, but there is much more that can be done.
“This review is a real opportunity to get to grips with what is happening on the ground, to highlight best practice and make sure that every option for efficient working is being explored. I will be talking to firefighters, fire authorities and union reps about how we can get there.”
Peter Holland Succeeds Sir Ken Knight as Chief Fire & Rescue Adviser
On 23 Jan 2013, the government announced the appointment of Peter Holland CBE as the UK's new chief fire and rescue advisor. Mr Holland, who will succeed Sir Ken Knight will be in charge of delivering professional support and advice to senior officials and government ministers on fire policy. Additionally, he will be giving his opinion on fire safety, national resilience and the inspection of Crown premises, while providing additional support in the event of national emergencies.
Mr Holland has had a successful career in the fire industry, starting out as a front-line firefighter and working his way up to senior management. He held the position of chief fire officer at the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Authority and was also the international president of the Institution of Fire Engineers. He will join the Department for Communities and Local Government, which is in charge of fire and rescue affairs.
Speaking about Mr Holland's appointment, fire minister Brandon Lewis said that he is delighted that the government could call upon experience for a “vital role in national resilience”. He noted that “Peter's appointment is crucial to helping them do this as well as supporting key policies such as the decentralisation of power from Whitehall, promoting local accountability and transparency and helping fire and rescue authorities be as efficient as possible.”
Peter has recently joined the Worshipful Company of Firefighters and took part in the City dinner debate.
Peter Holland
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