Alerter Inside this issue > Transferring to wholetime > FBU attracts more RDS firefighters The magazine of the Fire Brigades Union Retained Members > www.fbu.org.uk Winter 2007 Good practice How do full‑time employers approach RDS firefighters on their payroll? 3121_24FBU RDS leaflet 13/7/07 08:09 Page 1 Editorial FWBUh Maemtb’esrs hiipn: L� o cEstheanarsvltui cpriieennsrg si ktotehineaanptet tbli ovrri egnecaaesdtiiv eoiesnn atahcnlleydl u cafoigdrrerre eeaecn:dtd rh aroteeussrcl uyo efr aptaey f oarn d dootbrifueasfr scdd tisep uoa ltuidlynincv aiiiinotcroycen ri hdsawe,ev oaTnarrhitklisano,. bg mwWsleep ir. tsechosa nutnhsl tee,i n nwrgseh usforore ous mprtche eabcstoi a mtalhinse deom neibn xde pduresetr yagt lieaisntne g dtohfe TppFwhoeawerrrst wf Fouo.BnfrfbUt aahlu newi.nyroi ljdrlcu georrey.tmuap ckiprllesaeas inpmneslndesat ,atc isbcoliehocn aktv hra igos wyiintnao gortud hu n.aer o n wL dfeee gybeoa salui tnrSe dfe artmavikiclieyns go lninnok. iTunaEhnnenteigdgo o lFnae tin miraredetfe ec,B ro Sgrwoigecgonnoarictdsklyaeein nrsdcg d oU a,cn t noW tinronaoaydnllte i irtsoiosi on aootnanhmslde a foNoonpundro el frylirtor ahetctref?oaaigrldrn hsle e tIiervnereslla tnod ��� aSNSNDoNwwlayleueuo ehfsgatgetgtrosoyceoktoi yttmidatStnii iavietdaya gtitp tstuet ioinioetitnennfegirn sgedsgm t esoi sepmbp. xnt.watraagenriiay.tgadse imtau o lcda adnnaehaldeldbsn oym m eotsmco r viaafnatnaeoatnn in erstktan hadthiFgunrge eBaeafge otrURl‘ ms iGCrole e broaettnaerarnnm vayaitdtne iinm nmB aeccfioundonehroend rg D fkowi Rotnu’ufy erfnimpt igtcRFyiarhoaoi ieiarSntnnvteslyeaais .ssdiginto eeDenrmdsu.ty OttwwIsfffooniooanoar l uceerslrl2yekkonfn f0iteewdrfigitdoed0r i heci nr e5tnv‘c engSoe ee nwo rfntr otasyoaue lu gv yr g ih,fronran iho artuoc ae hruShtrwdfpeo niicag po e dotFrhyfevotes Beat lt me8aUdehol rn’n e aft oa wd osi–inF lvu . olrt eBarehohTrerlksUetpel hiou ta ne.eRhuSr lgrynta neae h etttdtca. hadi rtiolTeienh lnnah t eggRa eaey modelrv .utypt ia acDn rnttoiohinouaofvere gtneSiyyder’d t sm fSaD j ooooetyurbuefns tf rstiyttw c h em bdiShemaaeeyolsccsmkitsebimoenr AIAbfDuafi crerpeyceicnsooa iceeadtnuhf nie ifts tddrnbhsou t eeerfm oefan endns neroc e dfttnauiaot n-etI pandhe sajqu onuoecturfrfycd yi vtv ia daihaFc ceomluIeetnsnn.ine vetd m tji at wut(ytbAo.e rew I Fayrho ) aw yrpvFkehe raiouo crnrvh’n seie d dgdlpesooaes:tey wigsa ih etsneen opdreet ar w,oyh tiauathbshve l ece t FhatBoseUh – whatever their duty system. mpleaecetisn gssu cohn obfefihcaialfls o af rteh neior wm peamidb eforsr. mIni smseadny Winning accident claims: fire calls. We have been particularly successful in winning N� aShtRtfaoihetoegr eeicturfoaefiuurriiesgr lnnlri dh neaer taget dpewa t erlaaiDe n r ilercneiuienknevitndg ynecig u ltfSot. ace fiyvAgteeaseienesotr stden pgr.im eoatvfAhqry oeusp aur pmetiaisrs’ r se bse r1 meoisyi7nns nea8£ unancn 6lhetdtd2l, lod 5u tvchuoi.teo0dar irsbo0nvy eene s tam o i :des t yoeane1enert2aainy0trbl ealedt �� EDuSpmfonnuurearsdct mcuycleit rekrbSii censteye shgsrffsos etut e’ rthl n lmhwylaeia okt wfti eirsn g k w powhainoa tdomgiuyvnr mlkeecgd.rmo e solnneebfdtafley sdicrt as hiwotyfaofnsoen tsrtcgekh teamieensn ds gwdi. n botc hyrwuse taoe sRnrn keiyinin tnp agtgia hnoyeef i rdroa ptuearsy pf��ae m r SaswmbSio lerauifeeicnisgcrmsua eaci.rlfnb ed iiEnagsjeeuxcsghr raa fc tebu£mneiddle2rdlp ey i5a nw nlf0ertguote ,s la0rpmlc k-n0irlntiae 0eniicmidsn gmlceuic ecotnsid ahdm etefleeimlon:py nrRg ep tr em nelawotts eayihmarmimeintceideboehm denn fhbr r tDosa.ae nmudra dt nw ryb dea ooSs rtputykhhselietn tnetiegrhsdm iet oih nnwe htfhooirs T back pay. Retained Duty System, who was injured on the htRchoeeem tr alepaisnslpietco daisn tdsesuudeet tay oo ns ftdy hA sfieltere aermtr aet i(nrcR dhleD ar Sose n)sb c pepuaeaeyny a iopsu vrvtoehetrorewyrc ihttieioelnms aiinnr eg . � AaRcccooe vctmniaegcmisonlsurei sottdtiouoe sDdnt h u.atetnoy d F pS isruyeursfsstiutgeaehmi tnt eehprdiess r Pcsteaoonmn asnp iseoaulni.gc TnSche ctesho se FfwmuBilUne fisor RIaRInnfe te mteaaprlali ndnbreayredyi gb satDroediug endtaysda t yaeSa nsyi sstdtstih eufoeimer ensm. a:aanfjfoder cirtteyins ocguf feFir BesUfeirg vwhicoteerrkss iaswc olrooroksiskn ignth gtehe shtsFthehuaBceepdUo pFc nnooBaodursUtt re d , et .mathvhyiees enmo f ufibp rnieeaniforiiid tgnwi aht oilhtn eutevrrl .adef iiWs rnntsiieottn hdtgm o .h£ ouAa7tnvl0 ttte,hhh0 oble0yue 0 hsge euihnnlb p taslh ebcoegrlfe ia pmt lth tfoeieeom efnisbg thetoort what shoulu2d0n b0we3i li lniinn t gfhu etloli.r iBpmuapty l oepumarc emkneett msth. bee dres taariele md ochrea anwgeasr efr oofm � Wda iofffirrekerifinnigggh ttdoeu rbt yirs e saay ksf itdreeomfwigsnh. t teAhrfe!te br aarlrli,e ars f ibreeftiwgheteenr is ctinhocouluunsdtariynn, gdw sme o ehfd amivceea mls aubpcecpreess aoslsfnu, leplyme nrpeslpoioryenms aeepnnptte eidsa slosu rea asn,ddvised � Pwwuoerrrseku insinuggs t tahanein iReneddt uainsin ttrehiadisl D amcuectyimd Sebynestrt ’ecslm api,rm iwm hfaoorrys aee mfiinrpejuflorigiyehmsteernt. ©Edition Periodicals Following the spate of flooding incidents that many regions have experienced, demands on RDS crews have often meant that members have been required to work for unusually prolonged periods that, in some cases, have taken them past 42 hours of work in a seven day period. In such a case, any additional hours worked would need to be paid at U FBU WELCOME FOR EVERYONE overtime rates of time and a half. If you believe you may have qualified for overtime payments or any other aspect of your pay is incorrect, get in touch with your FBU officials. The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme is now in place B The FBU is the only and there has been a healthy uptake by RDS firefighters. Our members have been informed of a number of related issues including contribution rates, pensionable pay, the J4 F organisation negotiating Rule and the impact on past and future service. But by far the largest number of enquires we have received centre on for RDS firefighters at a RDS membership and activity e national and local level within the FBU is showing h signs of increasing the ongoing legal case to get access to the FPS Pension. Our t The FBU remains the only organisation negotiating on members have been assured that if they join the NFPS they behalf of firefighters working the retained duty system will not be barred from joining the FPS. at a national and local level, following the refusal of the Establishment levels continue to be stretched to the limit d Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) to take up its seat on the because fire authorities are refusing to acknowledge the void National Joint Council after having lobbied so hard for it. The left by the provision of annual leave, 120 hours availability requirement for this organisation to have a seat was that it and 48 hours free from duty. There needs to be a massive n showed that it had a membership of one fourteenth of the increase in establishment levels to support a duty system uniformed fire service – or just 7.1%. suffering from lack of investment and public awareness. If This extremely low threshold was granted – it was the current situation is to improve, a commitment to invest in a previously one twelfth – following heavy lobbying by the the retained duty system is long overdue. RFU and backing for it by employers. The employers also RDS membership and activity within the FBU is demanded that the RFU obtain a seat on the NJC prior to increasing if the current retained regional annual general any count of membership being made. Both demands were meetings are anything to go by. Attendance is increasing, agreed by the FBU. with more members wanting to have their say on the many u The first meeting of the newly constituted NJC took place issues under the spotlight at present. The FBU’s National Friday 28 September. The RFU was invited to attend, subject Retained Committee officials, Pete Preston, Harry Cotter to its agreement that it would submit its membership to a and I have recently attended AGMs in Region 2 (Northern o count by a reputable and independent body. Ireland), Region 3 (North East), Region 8 (Wales) and Region The RFU informed the employers that it would not be 9 (East Anglia) and were pleased to have the opportunity Y attending as it wished to concentrate instead on “organising to speak to members directly. It was pleasing to note an brigade and regional structures”. increase in RDS officials from branch level upwards. But the Union believes the RFU did not attend because it Tam Mitchell, Executive Council Member, Retained 2 Alerter Winter 2007 3121_24FBU RDS leaflet 13/7/07 08:09 Page 1 FWBUh Maemtb’esrs hiipn: L� o cEstheanarsvltui cpriieennsrg si ktotehineaanptet tbli ovrri egnecaaesdtiiv eoiesnn atahcnlleydl u cafoigdrrerre eeaecn:dtd rh aroteeussrcl uyo efr aptaey f oarn d dootbrifueasfr scdd tisep uoa ltuidlynincv aiiiinotcroycen ri hdsawe,ev oaTnarrhitklisano,. bg mwWsleep ir. tsechosa nutnhsl tee,i n nwrgseh usforore ous mprtche eabcstoi a mtalhinse deom neibn xde pduresetr yagt lieaisntne g dtohfe TppFwhoeawerrrst wf Fouo.BnfrfbUt aahlu newi.nyroi ljdrlcu georrey.tmuap ckiprllesaeas inpmneslndesat ,atc isbcoliehocn aktv hra igos wyiintnao gortud hu n.aer o n wL dfeee gybeoa salui tnrSe dfe artmavikiclieyns go lninnok. ts 4Bi gC ainmcrpeaasieg inn RnDeSw s iTunaEhnnenteigdgo o lFnae tin miraredetfe ec,B ro Sgrwoigecgonnoarictdsklyaeein nrsdcg d oU a,cn t noW tinronaoaydnllte i irtsoiosi on aootnanhmslde a foNoonpundro el frylirtor ahetctref?oaaigrldrn hsle e tIiervnereslla tnod ��� aSNSNDoNwwlayleueuo ehfsgatgetgtrosoyceoktoi yttmidatStnii iavietdaya gtitp tstuet ioinioetitnennfegirn sgedsgm t esoi sepmbp. xnt.watraagenriiay.tgadse imtau o lcda adnnaehaldeldbsn oym m eotsmco r viaafnatnaeoatnn in erstktan hadthiFgunrge eBaeafge otrURl‘ ms iGCrole e broaettnaerarnnm vayaitdtne iinm nmB aeccfioundonehroend rg D fkowi Rotnu’ufy erfnimpt igtcRFyiarhoaoi ieiarSntnnvteslyeaais .ssdiginto eeDenrmdsu.ty OttwwIsfffooniooanoar l uceerslrl2yekkonfn f0iteewdrfigitdoed0r i heci nre 5tnv‘c engSoe ee nwo rfntr otasyoaue lu gv yr g ih,fronran iho artuoc ae hruShtrwdfpeo niicag po e dotFrhyfevotes Beat lt me8aUdehol rn’n e aft oa wd osi–inF lvu . lort eBarehohTrerlksUetpel hiou ta ne.eRhuSr lgrynta neaeh etttdtca. hadi rtiolTeienh lnnah t eggRa eaey modelrv .utypt ia acDn rnttoiohinouaofvere gtneSiyyder’d t sm fSaD j ooooetyurbuefns tf rstiyttw c h em bdiShemaaeeyolsccsmkitsebimoenr AIAbfDuafi crerpeyceicnsooa iceeadtnuhf nie ifts tddrnbhsou t eeerfm oefan endns neroc e dfttnauiaot n-etI pandhe sajqu onuoecturfrfycd yi vtv ia daihaFc ceomluIeetnsnn.ine vetd m tji at wut(ytbAo.e rew I Fayrho ) aw yrpvFkehe raiouo crnrvh’n seie d dgdlpesooaes:tey wigsa ih etsneen opdreet ar w,oyh tiauathbshve l ece t FhatBoseUh ten m5Nnreo eTectwrmr aua sbpinteepsslr,re sofschepatiiryrpoi satn otN ep aw rftooihocr eonRsalDsel S t ime – whatever their duty system. mpleaecetisn gssu cohn obfefihcaialfls o af rteh neior wm peamidb eforsr. mIni smseadny Winning accident claims: n Assessment Unit fire calls. We have been particularly successful in winning N� aShtRtfaoihetoegr eeicturfoaefiuurriiesgr lnnlri dh neaer taget dpewa t erlaaiDe n r ilercneiuienknevitndg ynecig u ltfSot. ace fiyvAgteeaseienesotr stden pgr.im eoatvfAhqry oeusp aur pmetiaisrs’ r se bse r1 meoisyi7nns nea8£ unancn 6lhetdtd2l, lod 5u tvchuoi.teo0dar irsbo0nvy eene s tam o i :des t yoeane1enert2aainy0trbl ealedt �� EDuSpmfonnuurearsdct mcuycleit rekrbSii censteye shgsrffsos etut e’ rthl n lmhwylaeia okt wfti eirsn g k w powhainoa tdomgiuyvnr mlkeecgd.rmo e solnneebfdtafley sdicrt as hiwotyfaofnsoen tsrtcgekh teamieensn ds gwdi. n botc hyrwuse taoe sRnrn keiyinin tnp agtgia hnoyeef i rdroa ptuearsy pf��ae m r SaswmbSio lerauifeeicnisgcrmsua eaci.rlfnb ed iiEnagsjeeuxcsghr raa fc tebu£mneiddle2rdlp ey i5a nw nlf0ertguote ,s la0rpmlc k-n0irlntiae 0eniicmidsn gmlceuic ecotnsid ahdm etefleeimlon:py nrRg ep tr em nelawotts eayihmarmimeintceideboehm denn fhbr r tDosa.ae nmudra dt nw ryb dea ooSs rtputykhhselietn tnetiegrhsdm iet oih nnwe htfhooirs Co 6Shtoao GvRmeDoe aSo f udvfiel rlpre-ytfri imapgochestt eeiitcmrisvep eol nao tyttehitreusid r e back pay. Retained Duty System, who was injured on the � AaRcccooe vctmniaegcmisonlsurei sottdtiouoe sDdnt h u.atetnoy d F pS isruyeursfsstiutgeaehmi tnt eehprdiess r Pcsteaoonmn asnp iseoaulni.gc TnSche ctesho se FfwmuBilUne fisor RIaRnfe temteaprai ndnreayedy b stDroeiug ndtaydat yeSa syi ssttstiheuoeme nsm. :aafjfoercittyin ogf fFirBeUfig whoterrks isw olorokiknign gthe shtsFheuaBcepdUo pF nnooBodurUtt r d , et mathvhyiees enmo f ufibp rnieeaniforiiid tgnwi aht oilhtn eutevrrl .adef iiWs rnntsiieottn hdtgm o .h£ ouAa7tnvl0 ttte,hhh0 oble0yue 0 hsge euihnnlb p taslh ebcoegrlfe ia pmt lth tfoeieeom efnisbg thetoort pita syprooklle, Atole trhteerm fo und when In all brigades and fire and rescue services across the the case. � Wda iofffirrekerifinnigggh ttdoeu rbt yirs e saay ksf itdreeomfwigsnh. t teAhrfe!te br aarlrli,e ars f ibreeftiwgheteenr is ctinhocouluunsdtariynn, gdw sme o ehfd amivceea mls aubpcecpreess aoslsfnu, leplyme nrpeslpoioryenms aeepnnptte eidsa slosu rea asn,ddvised � Pwwuoerrrseku insinuggs t tahanein iReneddt uainsin ttrehiadisl D amcuectyimd Sebynestrt ’ecslm api,rm iwm hfaoorrys aee mfiinrpejuflorigiyehmsteernt. ©Edition Periodicals justin tallis/r epo A new leaflet shows benefits r td of being an FBU member ig ital.c o FBU WELCOME FOR EVERYONE .u k cannot prove that it has even the extremely low number of members now required to have a seat. Firefighters working the retained duty system have rejected the RFU because they know that it is an extremely divisive organisation that does not represent their best interests. Following the 2002/2003 pay dispute, senior figures in Government and the fire service were determined to 8 Frontline view undermine the FBU’s negotiating role by ensuring that other organisations were represented on the NJC. Retained crews put in This included the demand that the RFU be given a seat. 40-hour weekends as the It has always been the view of the FBU that workers should have the right to choose their own unions and that it is a floods hit this summer. And matter for the workforce, not the employers, to decide who they learned the hard way represents them. Therefore any organisation seeking a place about the need for better kit on the NJC would need to demonstrate that it represented a viable section of the workforce. – from waders and boats to The FBU has consistently said to the employers that it radios has nothing to fear from a full audit of members and that it was not convinced the RFU would ever be able to meet the requirements for joining the NJC. Whatever the reason given, Cover picture: Colin McPherson we feel certain that we have been proved correct again. This latest development brings to an end the attempt to undermine the FBU and the unity of firefighters to defend and improve our service and an end to this effort to create divisions between wholetime and retained firefighters. Published by the Fire Brigades Union, We are stronger when we work together, regardless of duty Bradley House, 68 Coombe Road, system. Most people working within our service understand Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7AE that. That is why the vast majority of firefighters– wholetime Tel: 020 8541 1765, fax: 020 8546 5187 and retained – are members of the FBU. Design by Edition Periodicals, 241-251 The FBU is against divisions created on the basis of Ferndale Road, London SW9 8BJ where people work or on what duty system. Every firefighter www.editionperiodicals.co.uk – wholetime, retained, officer, control – who wants to defend Printed by Blackmore Ltd, our service and work within our democratic structures, is Longmead, Shaftesbury welcome in the FBU. Dorset SP7 8PX Winter 2007 Alerter 3 ccaammppaaiiGGnn nneewwss r In short og er sc r u • A detailed report by Warwickshire tin chief fire officer William Brown on the implications for services of a possible merger with Hereford and Worcester fire and rescue service is expected to completed by December 6. Any merger could potentially lead to station closures – particularly along the borders – in the two brigades. Both fire and rescue authorities have a substantial number of retained duty system firefighters. The FBU has said that it will not accept any job losses or cuts to services. A thousand names have been collected in a petition against any cuts to services by Conservative-controlled Warwickshire 100 per cent – (l to r) Firefighters Mark Jones, Stuart Parker, David Elliott, watch manager Keith Harrison, crew county council. manager Steve Tyler, and firefighters Martin Cook and John Wilson at Pickering fire station in North Yorkshire Big increase in • FBU reps began a tour of the 60-plus newly created retained duty system fire stations in the Highlands and Islands in October. There have been a number of requests for the FBU to visit from firefighters at the stations, which were RDS members previously volunteer. “Following the change in their status to retained, the Union will be campaigning to ensure they get proper facilities, appliances and equipment,” said brigade chair Fraser Parr, who will be visiting stations along with Billy Sanderson, an FBU officers rep. BUILDINg ThE UNION Crew Manager Stephen Tyler says: “We The upgrading of the stations has been took advice from him on local issues, but after welcomed by the FBU as boosting the F irefighters working the retained duty a presentation on the benefits of being an FBU safety of local communities. system (RDS) are joining the Union in member by the brigade membership secretary, growing numbers in a number of brigades we all joined as we hadn’t realised how many across the country. benefits there are.” In North Wales membership has topped 800, Pickering crew manager and control a rise of 300 compared to 10 years ago and the operator Stuart Moss says his main reason for highest proportion of total RDS establishment joining the FBU was after he got the job in in the country. control. “With all the uncertainty going on with Brigade official John Purser said the increase regional control centres, I needed someone that follows a concerted effort by local officials to would watch my back and give me advice and visit retained stations to highlight the benefits support when required. The other benefits were of membership and to encourage the maximum the free will service and the legal helpline.” involvement of RDS members in the Union’s Watch manager Keith Harrison, speaking on democratic decision-making processes. behalf of the Pickering crew, said: “We all joined • Courses for firefighters working the “We take retained issues as seriously as because we all felt that we needed support.” retained duty system and other staff those affecting all our other members be they of Yorkshire and Humberside Fire and Rescue Service will start on 16 October. wholetime firefighters, officers or emergency They include the iTQ computer skills fire control staff,” he says. qualification. RDS learners are already “Open” brigade committee meetings are part signed up with East Riding College and of the success story. All members are invited to ready to start at Bridlington, Hornsea, join in the discussions at them. Goole, Driffield and Beverley fire In North Yorkshire, the Union has seen over stations and many more will follow. CFO 60 RDS firefighters join since April thanks to an Frank Duffield recently signed a learning ongoing tour by brigade membership secretary agreement with the FBU, Unison and Bryan Barrett explaining why it’s good to be Amicus representatives (pictured above in the FBU. As Alerter went to press Bryan with Hull MP Alan Johnson (centre), then Secretary of State for Education) to had visited half of the 30-odd stations where ensure that all personnel get access to he plans to talk to firefighters. Pickering fire FBU North Yorkshire membership secretary Bryan the learning opportunities offered by the station, for example, had just one member and Barrett (left) and Keith Harrison, Pickering watch FBU Union Learning Fund Project. is now 100% FBU. manager. 4 Alerter Winter 2007 ccaammppaaiiGGnn nneewwss New selection process ‘not appropriate’ for RDS recruits – NAU TRANSFER TO WhOLETIME firefighters. In the latest available figures they were scoring 5 to 10% T he new national selection process higher than wholetime colleagues. PeTe PReSTon of applying for wholetime Sue Evans’ remarks got a mixed Secretary, NRC firefighter posts is not the correct response from the senior managers at or appropriate way to bring RDS the seminar organised by Shropshire Recruitment and retention firefighters into full-time positions, FRS at RAF Cosford in July. The recent seminar in Shropshire (see according to the fire service’s National Those who claimed that her left) did manage to highlight and share Assessment Unit (NAU). conclusions did not reflect the some instances of good practice. What Sue Evans, head of the unit, said performance within their own service it failed to highlight, though, was the that there was no need or require- conceded this could be because it was absence of a national coordinated ment for RDS firefighters to sit initial the first time they had run the ADC campaign to promote the role of RDS selection tests. She also said that the process. firefighters in their communities, the application form should not need to Some brigades, such as North difficulties of attracting people to the role and the difficulties in retaining many of be completed in its entirety because Wales, reported very positive those who do join. Nor did it make any any RDS firefighter employed by a progress. It had seen a number of efforts to address these issues. sim fire and rescue RDS personnel The current situation in many on g service was already come through the brigades is that often as many as 50% reen dtheamt tohnesytr haatidn gth e AtoD asCs upmroec ecdreuwre othf eR rDuSn- cdruerwinegd w aepepklidaanyc enso armrea sl twillo orkffi ng qualities required manager positions hours. And with many people now to be a firefighter. on both RDS and demanding a degree of quality time for What was wholetime watches. family commitments and other work-life required instead Positive balance issues, a growing number of RDS stations are also experiencing difficulties was the comple- progress on recruit- maintaining weekend cover. tion of an abridged ment and retention This is not due to a decrease in version of the form was reported commitment by RDS firefighters but, that focused on the by Oxfordshire, in most cases, due to brigades only personal qualities Shropshire and recruiting at stations when they go off the and attributes South Wales. run due to RDS staff leaving. (PQAs) required by In Shropshire It is also apparent that the change the role applied for, and South Wales to the requirement for RDS firefighters t she said. Applicants this was attrib- classed as fully retained to only provide should then pass Windsor, Berks, firefighter Mark Jones uted, in part, to n 120 hours of availability – as opposed to 168 – has been completely overlooked or straight to the PQA is now full-time but he had to apply a focus on pay, ignored by brigades. This change in itself interview stage of ‘as if I was a member of the public’ even though two the process along entirely different e has produced a shortfall in establishment of 28.5% and, coupled with the existing with external applicants who had approaches had been adopted. shortfall, has done little to help the passed the selection process for non- South Wales is using a salary m situation. FRS employees. scheme of payment, while Shropshire Also of concern is the apparent Sue Evans was speaking at a recent has continued with the nation- absence of any serious effort to address seminar to share examples of good ally agreed payment system but diversity issues in areas with large RDS practice in the recruitment retention has focused on other changes such establishments. In many brigades, the m and management of firefighters as additional training time and demographic make-up of women to men, for example, is at least 50/50. But working the retained duty system. community fire safety activities. attempts at recruitment seem to be fall She also discussed the new FBU Executive Council Member way short of coming any where near to promotion process using assess- for RDS Tam Mitchell and NRC o addressing this. ment and development centres Secretary Pete Preston attended the Unless some form of national funding (ADCs). She said both the initial event, which was a follow up to the and coordinated effort is forthcoming, test of potential and further ADC practitioners forum in Leicestershire C then any progress on these issues will be, assessments had, so far, proved in September last year. (See at best, very slow. This will ultimately put very positive with respect to RDS Comment, right) lives at risk in many rural communities. Winter 2007 Alerter 5 DEALING WITH THE DAY JOB How do full- time employers approach RDS firefighters on their payroll? Alerter reports Supportive: Gwyn Williams, RDS firefighter at his workplace at Hotpoint/Indesit, with Will Pritchard, a Health and Safety Officer, who was his line manager for a long time Good pra ctice T here are many challenges for retained to calls. The perception is that they will be “There’s quite a few times I’ve been out all firefighters but one of the hardest is away all day. The reality is that it will be only night and seen fatalities and we come back to undoubtedly the constant tension an hour or so and often will be less. A lot of the station and we talk about it and I haven’t between the day job and the other the resistance is down to the ignorance of gone into work and my boss understands. job of being a firefighter. In the same employers of the benefits of having firefighters “One of the managers has a son who’s way that the families of RDS firefighters are on their staff.” a retained firefighter at another station and alternately proud and understanding – while Yet there are exceptions. 54-year-old he’s been very good with me. Recently the sometimes feeling neglected – employers, too, Gwyn Williams, from Colwyn Bay station, is company have been after me to join their own can he hesitant about employing someone a driver. His day job is making metal drums fire crew, which makes sure everyone is out of who can be whisked away at a moment’s notice for washing machines. He says his employer, the building if the fire alarm goes off.” with no fixed time of return. the multinational company Hotpoint/Indesit, Will Pritchard, a Health and Safety Officer It’s a growing concern for retained fire- has been brilliant with him. for Hotpoint/Indesit, who for a long time fighters as society changes and employers was Gwyn’s line manager, could not be more become less local and more global in their everyone was quite receptive supportive. “We understand we have a respon- priorities. “I came to the service late,” he says. “I was sibility to the community. You never know Pete Preston, Secretary of the FBU National 46 when I joined and I’ve been working for when you’re going to need the fire service, Retained Committee, says employers often Hotpoint for over 22 years now. I talked to so we give the retained firefighters great think that when a retained firefighter goes on them before I started the training and I think respect. It’s about team working. We respect a shout he or she will be gone for hours. that, because they knew me well, they were what Gwyn does and I got more out of him “Overall there’s a general reluctance to fine with it. I went to my immediate boss and at work.” release employees who are retained to respond everyone was quite receptive to the idea. Gwyn, too, acknowledges that being a fire- 6 Alerter Winter 2007 Co production store supervisor at Morgan, says: lin M “We don’t mind about the time – one day it cPh could be you needing help. It’s a community er so thing. Morgan don’t have to do it, but they do. n Everyone appreciates that one day they may have to call on the fire service.” But not everyone is quite so lucky. Geoff Lennon, a facilities officer for an outdoor education centre run by Conwy County Borough Council in Wales, is allowed to go on shouts, but with a totally different modus operandi. Constant and difficult balance He’s been a retained firefighter for over 20 years and worked for the same employer all that time. His experience is slightly different. “It’s a constant and difficult balance, juggling two jobs and a family and my line manager is pretty tolerant. “The council releases employees for fire calls, however it never comes up in conver- sation. I just get on with it. My line manager trusts me to be sensible, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the running of the centre.” Geoff is obviously highly trusted. But within the council there is little or no discus- sion of his role, as he fears others may become resentful of the time he has away from his job. He says everything is fine – but no one talks about what he does. “Some of my colleagues take an interest in what I do but it’s a very delicate balance and my role outside my job Good pra ctice goes almost unregistered in many ways.” Consequently, he asked Alerter not to talk to his line manager. Yet, in spite of some positive stories of aware and considerate employers, Pete Preston says the last 30 years have seen a marked decline in the number of employers willing to release fire- fighters to help their community. But he says that if the positive benefits can be explained, employers might be more receptive. fighter has developed him as human being: ago,” he says. “I told them at the interview and “Employers don’t appreciate the advantages “I feel more confident now I’m a firefighter. asked if it was a problem and they said no. of having firefighters on the staff, so we need It’s developed me as a person. My family have It was a major factor for me. I wouldn’t have to communicate with them. Shropshire fire noticed the difference.” moved to Morgan without that attitude. service are putting up statistics on their website “They asked questions about how long I’d revealing the amount of time, on average, a equally harmonious be out on a shout and about the number of retained firefighter is away from their job. This Nick Robinson, 36, based at Malvern station in brush fires we have in the summer here. But is good as it is exploding myths. Worcestershire has had an equally harmonious they’ve got no problems with it. Lots of guys at relationship with his employer, Morgan, the my station get docked time but I don’t. I’m one engage with employers family-owned iconic UK car manufacturer. of the fortunate ones.” “We need to engage with local employers, “It was a factor when I took the job six years Nick’s immediate boss, Stuart Webb, the particularly those with variable shift patterns. Centralisation of labour and its inevitable GooD PRACTiCE PoinTs insensitivity to local issues and people, is a • Good communication is key to getting a good employer feature of our age and presents very real chal- • Flexibility on both sides is the key to building a good relationship lenges for retained firefighters, the fire service • Work colleagues can provide valuable support in getting the message across and the FBU. • Myths about the number of hours spent on shouts should be demystified “A national campaign – like the Territorial • Retained firefighters bring unseen benefits to any organisation Army had – to highlight the vital role of the • Employers need to be made aware of their role in the community RDS firefighter would help raise the public awareness and educate potentially supportive • Fire stations’ work in the community can help explain the role of the RDS firefighter full-time employers.” Winter 2007 Alerter 7 FBU Contacts executive Council member Tam Mitchell [email protected] 07715 994200 Secretary Pete Preston [email protected] 07971 086990 Chair Harry Cotter JUSTIn CRImPlIn, malveRn FIRe STaTIon [email protected] Retained crews put in 40-hour weekends as 07718 637251 the floods hit this summer. And they learned Region 1 Contact Executive Council Member the hard way about the need for better kit Tam Mitchell Retained crews proved invaluable in idea – and it would be good to have Region 2 the second wave of summer floods had waterproof clothing,” says Justin. Noel Jordan that inundated parts of Britain. “By the time the oil job had finished, [email protected] Justin Crimplin, 27, has notched my boots and suit were wringing 07775 633391 up ten years as a retained firefighter wet and really heavy. Firefighting kit Region 3: at Malvern station. He had an holds water – so it soon gets soaked. Mick Jones exhausting three days as the floods “On the way back to the station [email protected] struck his part of the world. we got called to rescue a woman and 07734 871049 He found himself working more some children from a car stuck on an than 40 hours over one hectic A road in a torrent of water. But there Region 4 weekend alongside other Malvern were so many cars parked up that we Rick Arrand retained members. First he was couldn’t get to it, so another appliance [email protected] involved in frontline flood rescue approached from a different direction. 07970 010275 work in the Malvern area. He was It was all very manic.” Region 5 then co-opted to help as Gold Justin and his colleagues then Miles Parkinson Command swung into action at moved on to the next job, soaked yet [email protected] w Malvern station and floods struck intent on rescuing people marooned 07834 465107 Upton upon Severn. in their vans in a water-logged “It was pretty tiring,” says Justin, caravan park. Engines were no good Region 6 who was first called out on Friday 20 for this job: the crew had to use Contact Harry Cotter/Pete Preston e July to a garage where flood water trailers and tractors to rescue people Region 7 (acting) was threatening to disperse 100 – a brook had burst its banks and the Paul Brownhill i A mini-disaster was water was up to six feet high. [email protected] “A member of the public offered v 07764 155 658 averted because the crew to lend us a small motor boat, which helped as the fire engines couldn’t get Region 8 members acted speedily through. The rescue went well. We Lyndon Jones e litres of oil stored in open-topped got dozens of people out using the [email protected] containers in a garage pit. “The water trailers, tractors and boat and there 07952 451 983 was flooding down the driveway and were no casualties.” Region 9 n we had to act fast otherwise the oil At the end of a hectic weekend, Kevin Kiddell would have got into the drains and the call came for all retained crew [email protected] water system. members to get themselves down i 07967 041013 “We managed to put an environ- to Malvern station, where Gold l mental boom across the garage front Command was now based, busy Region 11 t to stop the water creeping into the dispersing appliances, crews and John Haizelden garage and reaching all that oil.” An boats to Upton upon Severn where [email protected] n environmental mini-disaster was the floods were teeming. 07717 571726 averted because the crew members Justin’s colleague, Paul Brownhill, Region 12 acted speedily. Malvern retained crew manager for o Bob Dewis But firefighting kit is not water- the West Midlands, points out the [email protected] proof – Justin and his fellow crew floods highlighted not only the lack 07966 754522 r members got pretty wet and the water of waterproof clothing and footwear was soon filling their fire boots and for fire crews but also that radios from Region 13 F drenching their clothes. different emergency services involved Leigh Redman “Waders would have been a good in rescue did not “cross match”. [email protected] 07971 484039 8 Alerter Winter 2007