FRS Equality Framework consultation

A draft version of the new Fire and Rescue Service Equality Framework (FRSEF) for consultation is available via the RFU website, we would recommend that you view the documentation and where appropriate provide your comments and observations. The consultation period will run until the 21 August 2009.

In developing the new Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has been consulting with representatives of the Fire and Rescue Services to develop a bespoke equality performance and improvement framework for the Fire and Rescue Service. The FRSEF has been drafted by a small joint working group representing the IDeA and the Chief Fire Officers' Association’s equality and diversity professional group.

It is based upon the five themes in the Fire and Rescue Service Equality and Diversity Strategy 2008-2018 but is strongly linked to the Equality Framework for Local Government. For information on the key principles of the Equality Framework for Local Government go to www.idea.gov.uk/equalityframework. This will enable application across all the governance arrangements, including county based services as well as
facilitating equality and diversity partnership arrangements established by Fire and Rescue Services with local authorities and other partnerships.

The FRSEF uses the same three benchmarking levels (developing, achieving and excellent) as the local government framework and is similarly outcome focused. It will require significant evidence based results before individual services can realistically claim to be at the excellent level. Separate documents are being prepared to provide guidance on the types of evidence that will be required for each level of performance.

It is proposed that services wishing to measure their achievement will also use the Diversity Peer Challenge process developed by the IDeA. The IDeA has already recruited a number of specialist FRS peers who will undertake peer challenges for the Fire and Rescue Services.

Nine Fire and Rescue Services representing three different governance arrangements (combined, county and metropolitan) have agreed to pilot the new Framework with assistance from the IDeA where necessary. These are Hereford and Worcester, Lancashire, Wiltshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Surrey, London, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.

Following any amendments made as a result of the pilots and consultations and subject to ‘sign off’ by the National Equality and Diversity Delivery Partnership, it is intended to launch the new FRSEF at the CFOA Innovations Conference programmed for the 7th and 8th December 2009 in Leicester.

NEC meeting 30 May 2009

The RFU recently held within its NEC meeting a workshop based on Discipline and Grievance procedures. The reason for the session was around the recent changes whereby the statutory procedure was repealed and replaced by a detailed ACAS Code of Practice.

Something that was recognised within the session was that the majority of RDS Junior Officers had not been provided with any D&G mgt training even though these duties are contained within their relevant role maps.

We would be grateful for any feedback you can provide on this matter by contacting RFU HQ with details of your FRS and whether you have been provided with the aforementioned training.

Co-Responder Schemes

These life saving initiatives continue to grow within the UK FRS and the RFU has been keen to embrace this extra duty with the support of local FRS and Ambulance Trusts to the point that our membership offers specific support and representation should the unthinkable happen when performing this role.

Whilst the FBU continue to oppose such schemes they also state nationally that their members will not be protected by the FBU and their solicitors when undertaking this role.

As there is a clear distinction between us and the FBU on this particular point we would suggest that for the peace of mind of individuals and their families that any operational RDS employee who undertakes Co-Responding duties joins the RFU – don’t gamble with your fire service career!

New 'Fit Note' Unveiled

The government has announced details of its new 'Fit Note', to replace the MED3 sicknote.

There is currently a 12-week consultation on the design of the Fit Notes, and it is intended that they will come into use in Spring 2010.

Rather than just having a binary 'fit / unfit' to work choice, as per the current forms, the new 'Fit Note' will contain suggestions as to how an unwell individual can be eased back into work.

Further details can be found here.

Latest FRS Circular

Fire & Resilience Programme Highlights – May 2009
On 12 March 2009 the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published their report on the New Dimension Programme, with eight conclusions and recommendations for the Department to consider. This followed publication of the National Audit Office's value for money review on 31 October 2008 and the subsequent PAC Hearing of 10 November 2008.

Following careful consideration of the Committee's recommendations, the FRS Development Division published its formal response, via Treasury Minutes on 20 May 2009. This can be found on The Stationery Office (TSO) web-site at the web-link below. The New Dimension response is the Tenth Report and can be found between pages 41-48.

John Barton
National General Secretary