Fire Authority agrees two further service reviews written by
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue 1416417742
on the 19
th November 2014 at 17:22
- Posted in Fire Blog
At its meeting on 17 November 2014, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority gave the go-ahead for two further service reviews to be carried out; this was following a period of consultation with staff and partners. These are part of an ongoing programme of work to ensure the Fire Authority continues to keep the community safe while managing with reduced resources. The new reviews are to:
• Carry out an organisational review (excluding frontline operational activities), and
• Explore further joint working with other emergency services and key partners.
Chairman of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority Cllr Tom Wright said: “The Service continues to face challenges due to the reduction in funding from Central Government. However we will continue to carry out any changes in a planned way and by balancing the risk to the community with the resources available.”
Following the meeting Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service will begin planning the reviews, including deciding the timescales. Detailed consultation will take place as required on any proposals arising from the reviews.
The organisational review is a review of the whole organisation, the services provided and the way the Service works; it excludes frontline operational activities, as changes to these are being implemented following a review last year, and this will be done over a four year period.
The joint working with other emergency services and key partners review will explore further opportunities for more collaboration with local authorities and other emergency services. It will build on existing arrangements and explore what further efficiencies can be made from collaborative relations, including:
• Co-location/sharing facilities with trusted partners
• Exploring the potential for operational collaboration
• Blue light collaboration, regarding specialist skills and resources to build a clear picture regarding need and risk to establish if efficiencies can be made.