Code of Ethics
Desired OutcomeA fire and rescue service which has embedded and is committed to the ethical principles and professional behaviours contained in the Core Code of Ethics (Core Code) and in so doing generates a more positive working culture and continuously improves the quality of service to the public.
This is evidenced by the attitudes and conduct of those who lead and all who work for, or on behalf of, the service and that the service operates according to corporate ethical business practices.
| Cultural - Ethics, equality, diversity & inclusion |
Community Risk Management Planning
Desired Outcome
A fire and rescue service that assesses foreseeable community related risks and uses this knowledge to decide how those risks will be mitigated. A service carrying out community risk management planning will:
- Be able to demonstrate how protection, prevention and response activities have and will be used collectively to prevent and/or mitigate fires and other incidents to reduce the impact on its communities (including Business), firefighters and to promote economic wellbeing;
- Effectively consult and engage (in line with its governance arrangements) with communities, FRS staff and stakeholders at appropriate stages of the community risk management planning process;
- Use a robust risk analysis process (giving due regard to existing and emerging local, regional and national hazards) to support evidenced, transparent and inclusive decision-making regarding resource deployment;
- Ensure resource deployment decisions are balanced against an assessment of internal and external resource availability (including collaborative and cross-border working opportunities and via national resilience) and other key organisational influences that inform the overall strategic planning process; and
- Create, and be able to evidence, its community risk management plan in line with a nationally approved structure which involves the key components detailed within this standard.
| Strategic - Risk Management Planning |
Emergency Response Driving
Desired OutcomeFor all employees who drive using blue lights and claim any legal exemptions for a fire and rescue service purpose, to have been trained in a consistent way so that they drive safely, in line with the requirements of their role and in accordance with relevant legislation.
For all response driver training instructors and assessors to be qualified in accordance with the relevant legislation.
| Service Delivery - Response |
Operational Competence
Desired OutcomeA fire and rescue service with competent operational and fire control personnel, who have been trained to use the hazard and control measure approach provided in the National Operational Guidance, applying risk assessment, decision-making and risk management skills.
Operational competence provides the structure for a safe and effective response to emergencies, whether:
- As a single service
- Working with other local or regional fire and rescue services
- Working with the National Resilience capabilities
- Working in a multi-agency structure
The Health and Safety Executive publication, Managing for health and safety, states:
“Competence is the ability to undertake responsibilities and perform activities to a recognised standard on a regular basis. It combines practical and thinking skills, knowledge and experience.”
The same publication also states:
“The competence of individuals is vital, whether they are employers, managers, supervisors, employees or contractors, especially those with safety-critical roles. It ensures they recognise the risks in their activities and can apply the right measures to control and manage those risks.”
| Service Delivery - Response |
Operational Learning
Desired OutcomeA fire and rescue service that has developed a learning culture, acting on learning from operational and non-operational activity as well as external sources, to improve their operational response. The service will have embedded the management of learning into their policies, procedures, tailored guidance and training.
The service will have developed a culture which seeks to share their learning with others to improve operational response within their own service; with other fire and rescue services; and with the wider sector if appropriate.
| Service Delivery - Response |
Operational Preparedness
Desired OutcomeA fire and rescue service that is prepared for responding to emergencies, as identified through its risk management planning. Operational preparedness includes having in place:
- Competent operational and fire control personnel
- Appropriate resources, vehicles, equipment and systems
- Comprehensive operational policies, procedures, tailored guidance and training
Operational preparedness includes being able to safely and effectively respond to emergencies, whether:
- As a single service
- Working with other local or regional fire and rescue services
- Working with the National Resilience capabilities
- Working in a multi-agency structure
| Service Delivery - Response |
