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Norfolk County Council's fire and rescue service is celebrating after being rated as 'good' by inspectors in the latest national assessment.
Thursday April 5 the Audit Commission published the results of its national Fire and Rescue Performance Assessments 2006.
Inspectors concluded Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service is performing well in most areas of service delivery. Singled out for particular praise were:
* Call handling and incident support – the service received high praise for its use of technology to ensure the nearest fire appliances and officers attended incidents.
* Flexible working - arrangements in the Control Room were regarded as notable national best practice, as was the use of a text messaging system for Retained firefighters to indicate their availability to respond to fire calls.
* Partnership working – the service works well with partners to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on Norfolk’s roads; to reduce the number of young people reoffending from arson activities; and to increase the number of home fire risk checks and smoke detectors fitted.
* Value for money – the service has a strong value for money culture and at £36.32 per head of population is comparatively low cost compared to other fire and rescue authorities in the country.
* Absence management – the service has implemented a new policy, which has led to a significant reduction in staff absence
Areas for improvement were identified as:
* Sharing best practice within the service
* Improving performance monitoring, audit and review
* Developing equality impact assessments against all the service policies and functions
In 2005 the service was rated 'Good' (4 out of 5 if you prefer) in its Comprehensive Performance Assessment, which assessed how it is managed strategically and evaluated its impact on the community. Part of the 2006 assessment was a review of the operational side of the service's work. This included risk analysis, prevention and protection services, operational preparedness, call management and incident support and emergency response. Once again the score was 'Good'.
Norfolk's Chief Fire Officer, Richard Elliott, said: "In 2005 we were classed as 'Good' in our Comprehensive Performance Assessment and this latest performance assessment result is further evidence that we are making excellent progress. I would like to offer my personal thanks to all staff at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and it is good to see their continued efforts recognised.
"While we can take a great deal of satisfaction from the final score we do acknowledge the assessment highlights a couple of areas where we can improve. Norfolk is already a safe county but we are always striving to make it even safer"
County Council Director of Corporate Resources and Cultural Services Paul Adams said: "This assessment represents more good news for Norfolk County Council and I am pleased to see our fire and rescue service receive this recognition."
For the full report and a list of CPA results visit www.audit-commission.gov.uk
For further information please contact:
Martin Barsby, Communications Officer
Norfolk County Council Fire Service
Tel: 01603 819759
Email : martin.barsby@fire.norfolk.gov.uk
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