cheshire fire authority incident command training 5_tender... · 2016-11-09 · 2a. delivery of...
TRANSCRIPT
Cheshire Fire Authority Incident Command Training
Fire Service College Ltd
10th June 2016
© Fire Service College Commercial in Confidence
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Foreword
The Fire Service College Ltd is pleased to present our proposal to Cheshire Fire Authority in response to
ITT 334 Incident Command Training for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. Our comprehensive
submission is supported by the following:
Online responses to Selection Criteria Questions (section 4)
FSC Standard Terms and Conditions for CFA consideration (section 7)
Completed Pricing and Payment (section 9)
Signed Confidentiality and Non Disclosure Agreement (section 10)
Completed Form of Tender (section 11)
FSC contact details
Please note below relevant FSC contact details in relation to this tender:
Bid Manager Kimberley Seville [email protected]
Sales Account Manager Matt Wroughton [email protected]
Business Development Director
Paul Crowe [email protected]
Training Manager Robin Whittington [email protected]
© Fire Service College Commercial in Confidence
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Contents
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................... 2
Contents................................................................................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 4
Our solution .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Section 5: Tender Criteria Evaluation Methodology .............................................................................. 6
Question 1: Tendered Price....................................................................................................................... 6
Question 2: Quality and Delivery ............................................................................................................... 7
Question 3: Service Level Indicators (SLI’s) .............................................................................................. 9
Question 4: Management Information (MI) .............................................................................................. 10
Section 7: Terms and Conditions .......................................................................................................... 11
Section 9: Pricing and Payments .......................................................................................................... 11
Pricing proposal (excl. VAT) ................................................................................................................... 12
Course specification .............................................................................................................................. 13
Course Description .................................................................................................................................. 13
Delegate Numbers .................................................................................................................................. 13
Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................................................. 14
Assessment Criteria ................................................................................................................................ 14
Kit and Equipment ................................................................................................................................... 16
Health, Safety and Welfare ..................................................................................................................... 17
Accommodation and Catering ................................................................................................................. 17
Case study experience ........................................................................................................................... 19
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS) ....................................................................................................... 19
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS) ......................................................................................... 20
Tri-Service Training Event ....................................................................................................................... 20
Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) .............................................................................................. 21
Appendices
Appendix A: Sample Course Timetable
Appendix B: Sample TG4
Appendix C: Sample Risk Assessment
Appendix D: Sample Safety Brief Declaration Form
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Executive Summary
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Section 5: Tender Criteria Evaluation Methodology
Question 1: Tendered Price
The prices quoted at Section 9 of this document are based on the following requirements as specified by
the Authority and examined by the FSC:
Delivery of 4 courses per year of contract with a maximum of 30 attendees per course and a minimum
of 24 attendees
Provision of single occupancy ensuite accommodation for 2 nights per course for a maximum of 30
attendees and a minimum of 24 attendees
Provision of meals, packed lunches and mid-morning snacks as specified Friday – Sunday of each
course for a maximum of 30 attendees
6 fully equipped appliances to the standard required to complete the training
Provision of all Road Traffic Collision and other equipment necessary for each element of the training
programme
Provision of 4 breathing apparatus sets on each appliance and other associated equipment including
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Provision of 6 appliances, 3 minibuses and 2 BA trailers for the duration of each course to facilitate the
timely movement of personnel and equipment
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Question 2: Quality and Delivery
2A. Delivery of Incident Command Training
The Fire Service College (FSC), with our proven capability in designing, delivering and assessing dynamic
Incident Command courses for a range of Fire and Rescue Services is uniquely placed to meet the
Authority’s specification and requirements. Our capability is evidenced in Case Studies of our past
experience and the Course Specification within this document.
The FSC will appoint a qualified and experienced Course Director to coordinate the smooth and successful
implementation of the training requirement, responsible for:
Maintaining close liaison with Cheshire FRS and the Authority’s Group Manager for Operational
Assurance.
Review and adapt, where necessary, training scenarios in consultation with Cheshire FRS to facilitate
timely rotation and rejuvenation of exercises.
Collaboratively designing new scenarios targeting emerging trends and new threats
Chair an annual Review Meeting with Cheshire FRS to formally review the performance of the Contract
and identify any opportunities for improvement and cost savings.
Liaise with all appropriate FSC departments to ensure:
─ Qualified Assessors and Role Players are allocated to the courses
─ Appropriate training venues are secured to meet Learning Outcomes
─ Course material is provided
─ Appliances and equipment are secured for deployment
─ Risk Assessments and Safety Briefing documentation is current
─ Accommodation, catering and transport requirements are satisfied
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─ Contingency plans are in place to ensure training requirements are met, e.g. access to alternative
venues, replacement appliances and equipment etc.
We recognise the value to providing consistency amongst our Incident Command delivery team. Continuity
and resilience is assured through the utilisation of a Course Directors Aide Memoire to ensure agreed
delivery standards are maintained. This enables any one of a number of staff, experienced in the role to act
as Course Director if succession is required.
Training will be delivered through a series of practical exercises utilising our range of Incident Ground
facilities. This will provide immersive and realistic learning and development opportunities for Commanders
across a range of incidents. For example:
Carbonaceous fires - domestic, commercial and transport (road, rail, air, marine)
Flammable liquid fires - oil, petrol, LPG, foam attack
Hazardous materials - simulated leaks of gases, liquids and solids including radiation
Technical rescue - working at height/line rescue, RTC, confined space
Our scenarios are designed to enable Commanders to practise and develop decision making skills in a
challenging environment with competing demands. The use of experienced Role Players enhances the
realism of the learning experience giving the Commanders a wide range of ‘characters’ to interact with.
Commanders will be assessed against National Occupational Standards WM.7 on four occasions; twice as
Incident Commander (ICL1) and twice as supporting Appliance/Sector Commander (ICL2). Our Assessors
will hold a professional discussion with the delegate and provide constructive feedback to assist them in
their development.
Every assessment will be recorded and each delegate will be rated in accordance with Cheshire FRS
methodology. The outcomes of each course will be discussed with the Authority’s Group Manager for
Operational Assurance to ensure desired Learning Outcomes are achieved.
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2B. Contractual Compliance
We would like to discuss with the Authority the appropriate terms and conditions to utilise under this
proposed Contract. In view of the nature of the services we are providing, we would propose that it would
be more appropriate to utilise the FSC standard terms address which reflect issues relevant to both parties
including health and safety, accommodation and conduct of attendees. A copy is attached for the
Authority’s consideration.
Question 3: Service Level Indicators (SLI’s)
The Fire Service College (FSC) operates an ISO certified Quality Management System which incorporates
the reporting and monitoring of delegate feedback and performance. The process is managed by our
Business Assurance Team consistently across our Contracts. On occasions, where clients require a more
tailored reporting approach, we adapt our existing indicator system to align more closely with their
requirements.
Typically, delegates complete an online questionnaire through our ‘My Learning Portal’ before departing the
College. Feedback is measured on a 5-point scale of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor and Very Poor.
Data collected informs our monthly management reporting KPI’s and is subject to an automated Red,
Amber, Green (RAG) indicator system which visually displays our performance across a standard set of
criteria, namely:
Training delivery including overall learning experience, assessment performance, scenarios, equality
and diversity
Guest services including accommodation and catering
Facilities and infrastructure including internet connectivity, security, sports and welfare
In order to achieve Green status at least 80% of delegates must rate the FSC as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’
against all of the above criteria. Client-specific summary reports can be provided on completion of the
reporting process by agreed timescales.
We recommend that this process is adopted by Cheshire FRS in order to benefit from the Management
Information which can be provided, should delegates complete their feedback through our online reporting
system. A summary report can be provided to the Authority’s Group Manager for Operational Assurance
after each course including statistics, graphs and commentary, to be agreed.
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Question 4: Management Information (MI)
Key to our Management Information System (MIS) is the collation and analysis of qualitative and
quantitative data driven by KPIs which reflect service quality and delegate satisfaction. Course feedback
forms a cornerstone of the system, all information being managed in accordance with Data Protection
legislation and best practice. System flexibility enables adaptation to meet specific client requirements.
Tools used include:
Statement of Works - summarising contractual requirements and agreed delivery methods
Delegate Feedback - consolidated performance reports
Issue Log - identifying trends to improve service quality
Course Review documentation - including tutor observations (internal only)
For larger contracts, or on specific request, we also provide a tailored Balanced Scorecard recording
monthly and year to date performance in areas of service delivery defined by the client.
Examples include:
Customer Perspective - satisfaction with all aspects of the learning experience
Internal Processes - e.g. delegate feedback completion rates, timely dispatch of Learner Performance
Reports and certificates, etc.
Learning and Growth - e.g. assessment results (pass rates)
Finance / Business Results - including delegate attendance (course fill rates)
Openness and transparency is part of our methodology and the Authority can be assured that our
appointed Contract Manager will meet with your Group Manager of Operational Assurance to review the
performance of the Contract. All relevant MI in will be provided in agreed timescales and, where possible, a
format compatible with PDR Pro. Minutes from these annual meetings will be circulated in agreed
timescales.
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Section 7: Terms and Conditions
As expressed in response to Question 2B we would like to discuss with the Authority the appropriate terms
and conditions to utilise under this proposed Contract. A copy of our standard terms and conditions has
been provided for the Authority’s consideration.
Section 9: Pricing and Payments
In line with the contractual requirements outlined within the specification i.e. 2 years + 1 year + 1 year, we
are proposing the following approach:
First two years 2017 -18 & 2018 -19 are delivered at a fixed rate of XXXX per weekend training course.
Total of XXXX over two years (8 courses)
Prior to the second anniversary of the contract, the FSC in collaboration with Cheshire FRS and the
Authority will review and agree the training requirements for years 3 and 4, which will be priced
accordingly
In the spirit of partnership, we will commit that any price inflation applied to years 3 and 4, for the same
requirement, will not exceed a total maximum spend of XXXX over the life of the contract, including the
retrospective cost for years 1 and 2.
This will enable Cheshire FRS to budget and impose changes required to meet new development needs
but will enable the FSC to protect against rises in our delivery costs, inflation over the four years or
unprecedented or unforeseeable costs. This also allows both parties to engage in the progressive
development of the Incident Command training courses under the terms and conditions of the Contract.
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Pricing proposal (excl. VAT)
Year Price Per Person
£ Price Per Group of
30 £ Price of 4 Courses For a Group of 30 £
1 £XXX(min 24
attendees per course)
£XXXX £XXXX
2 £XXX(min 24
attendees per course)
£XXXX £XXXX
3 £XXX + / - £XXXX + / - £XXXX+ / -
4 £XXX+/ - £XXXX + / - £XXXX+ / -
Total Cost
Years 1 & 2 £XXXX
Years 3 & 4 £XXXX + / -
4 years to a maximum of £XXXX by mutual review and agreement
Payment Terms
Payment terms will be agreed subject to further discussions over the terms and conditions to be applied.
The FSC standard terms and conditions at section 4.3 state that invoices will be raised in advance of the
delivery of the Service and paid in full, in UK Sterling within 30 days of the date of the invoice. We
recognise that there may be some benefit to the Authority in adopting these terms. Should the Authority
prefer however to pay 12 monthly in advance as per section C of the procurement contract our terms can
be amended accordingly. For our cancellation clause, please refer to Section 5.
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Course Specification
The Fire Service College (FSC) confirms its understanding of the Authority’s specification and associated
requirements. The following course specification is provided in response to the requirement on
page 6 for a “full description of services that we would provide”.
Course Description
Our Incident Command courses are designed in accordance with National Operational Standards and
delivered by a talented team of Role Players, Instructors and Assessors. Our systematic approach to
training ensures that professional competencies and operational capabilities are developed in an assured
manner to recognised industry standards and in line with best practice guidance.
The specification states that courses will take place 4 times per year over a weekend period from 1300hrs
on a Friday to 1700hrs on a Sunday. A sample course timetable is attached at Appendix A. Exercises are
timetabled to ensure that sufficient time for recovery, re-hydration and comfort breaks is provided.
The FSC recognises that a degree of flexibility is required and understands that the course may commence
earlier on a Friday depending upon arrival times. A total of 4 Incident Command Courses will be delivered
per year for the duration of the Contract period at the following intervals:
1. One mid April each year
2. One mid May each year
3. One early September each year
4. One Late September each year
The FSC will provide all course material. A list of scenarios will be provided for approval by the Group
Manager of Cheshire’s Fire Authority.
Delegate Numbers
A maximum of 30 attendees will be involved in each course. 16 Commanders and 8 crew members will
participate in the training and a further 6 places will be available to Cheshire FRS training staff or
Observers/Assessors. A minimum of 24 attendees are required per course.
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The existing Incident Command courses operate successfully with delegates divided into two syndicates or
Watches e.g. Red and White Watch. Each Watch comprises 12 delegates sub-divided into three crews of
four Firefighters. Each crew will staff a fully equipped fire appliance for the duration of the weekend. An
assessment matrix will be generated to ensure that each Commander is observed and assessed in
accordance with the specification.
Learning Outcomes
The FSC acknowledges from Cheshire FRS response to Clarification Question 8 that the desired Learning
Outcomes for the Incident Command training courses will be defined on a course by course basis
dependent on the exercise scenarios employed. Currently, the standard Learning Outcomes which can be
developed are as follows:
1. Plan an initial response to an operational incident
2. Implement actions to meet planned objectives
3. Close down the operational phase of the incident
4. Debrief people following incident
Assessment Criteria
Cheshire FRS Commanders will be assessed against National Occupational Standards WM.7 on four
occasions by FSC experienced Assessors. They will be assessed twice as an Incident Commander (ICL1)
and twice as a supporting Appliance/Sector Commander (ICL2). On each occasion the Assessor will hold a
professional discussion with the delegate during which they will receive constructive feedback to assist
them in their development.
The FSC will provide written feedback for every exercise assessment in respect of the performance of each
Cheshire FRS Incident Commander undergoing training in a format to be agreed. The existing Assessment
Criteria which we can develop in collaboration with Cheshire FRS is tabularised overleaf against the current
Learning Outcomes.
“The Fire Service College was chosen
due to the unique range and number of
operational training facilities on one site.
This supported our need to expose our
crews to more realistic scenarios to
better prepare them for their operational
role.” – Buckinghamshire FRS
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Learning outcome Assessment Criteria
Plan an initial response to an operational incident
Collect information about risks to people, property and
environment
An appropriate command structure is in place
Initial action reflects available resources
Develop objectives following a DRA
Apply tactical considerations and objectives to the
incident
Implement actions to meet planned objectives
Significant hazards identified on ARA
Control measures in place and recorded
Maintained communication with crews
Appropriately deploys resources
Re-evaluate the plan and adjust as appropriate
Identify signs of stress in relation to trauma and/or
work-based activity
Implement actions to reduce the exposure to and
impact on personnel and casualties
Ensures contingency measures to control unplanned or
uncontrolled events are in place
Close down the operational phase of the incident
Confirm achievement of objectives
Confirm status of incident and any further actions by
others
Identifies unresolved hazards
Complete accurate records about the incident
Complete handover form and confirm understanding
Supports others
Makes resources available as soon as reasonably
practicable
Confirms resource availability
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Accurate records
Debrief people following incident Measure performance against role
Identifies area for improvement
Constructive, open and supportive
Acknowledges good performance
Addresses risk critical events
Identify and record significant learning points
Agree actions to address learning points
All records are completed
Over the duration of the existing Incident Command course 60 assessments are conducted by FSC
Assessors. In addition to the stipulated Assessments, FSC offer the opportunity for delegates to be
observed and assessed performing various operational and functional roles during a larger scale, six pump
exercise. Coupled with an extensive suite of scenarios, this provides Cheshire FRS and its Level 1
Incident Commanders with:
Enhanced assurance of its Commanders’ competencies
Broader experience of operating within the Incident Command Structure (ICS)
Greater opportunities to practice and develop command skills across the full range of operational
environments
Maximum exposure to expert, critical feedback from experienced Assessors
Kit and Equipment
The FSC will supply the following equipment as required:
6 appliances equipped to our standard specification including GTS, Hose, small gear and PPV.
Appliances will be mobilised to all exercises by ‘Fire Control’ via radio. An experienced Course
Facilitator is appointed to provide this service.
All Road Traffic Collision and other equipment necessary for each element of the training course
4 Breathing Apparatus sets per appliance and other associated equipment including Thermal Imaging
Cameras
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TG4 control documents will ensure that our Incident Ground Support Team is fully briefed in the
requirements of the course. A sample TG4 currently employed on the Cheshire FRS Incident Command
courses is attached at Appendix B for reference. These will be completed prior to training commencement
in liaison with Cheshire FRS.
Transport
The FSC notes from the response to Clarification Question 5 that Cheshire FRS requires three vehicles.
We will provide 3 minibuses and 2 trailers for the duration of each course to facilitate the timely movement
of personnel and equipment around the site in accordance with the training programme.
Health, Safety and Welfare
All safety related documentation will be reviewed and maintained by the Course Director. A sample Risk
Assessment is attached at Appendix C for information. Safety checks will be completed and briefings
delivered in accordance with FSC Health and Safety Policy. All delegates will be required to sign a
declaration form, attached at Appendix D, on completion of the briefing to confirm their understanding.
Training delivery will be supported by our on-site Health and Safety Technicians and First Aid responders
as required. A comprehensive injury reporting and recording system is in place and delegates will be
briefed on associated procedures.
Structural firefighting PPE can be supplied, if required during training. Drying room and shower facilities will
be provided in our state of the art BA School. Access to drinking water, barrier cream and sun protection
cream will also be available. Relaxation and mess facilities are provided at the BA School.
Accommodation and Catering
Accommodation and meals will be provided as stipulated for up to 30 attendees per weekend. All Cheshire
FRS personnel on each and every course will be allocated single occupancy ensuite accommodation. The
following meals will be provided to each and every officer/other staff of Cheshire FRS on each and every
course:
Friday Lunch and dinner
Saturday Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Sunday Breakfast, lunch and packed lunch for return journey
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Meals will be served in our recently refurbished Connections Restaurant which offers a variety of hot and
cold options. A mid-morning snack of fruit and a chocolate bar will be provided for Saturday and Sunday
mornings.
All meals will be provided according to pre-informed dietary requirements of Cheshire FRS personnel, to be
notified a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. All meals shall provide a healthy, balanced diet within the
constraints identified by individual dietary requirements (as described above).
Cheshire FRS Course Images
“This is a real ‘must’ for any
potential Commander or
Commander who is already in role.
The training facility is the best in
the country” – Cheshire FRS
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Case Study Experience
The Fire Service College (FSC) has successfully delivered Incident Command training courses of a tailored
nature to a number of UKFRS and other clients. The following case studies are provided in response
to the requirement on page 6 for “evidence of experience of projects of a similar nature”.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS)
One day course in initial Incident Command
FSC provides 8 training scenarios against which each Commander is assessed on 2 occasions during the
course as first in attendance Incident Commander. Assessments are carried out by FSC qualified
Assessors up to Level 2 intermediate Tactical Commanders based on a pass / fail criteria.
As part of the Assessment process, delegates are provided with 1:1 feedback on their performance against
each of the Learning Outcomes to assist their personal development. Feedback is captured on FSC
Assessment Forms and the delegate is provided a copy of these for their records. A collaborative debrief is
also delivered to all crew members at the conclusion of each training exercise providing holistic feedback
on team performance. Delegate feedback is collated at the end of the course and to date remains
extremely positive.
At AFRS request, FSC ensures a basement fire scenario is included in each course in response to
development requirements identified by the Service. Similarly, we have provided scenarios to Cheshire
FRS involving Methanol and Radiation incidents as a specifically requested focus area.
During the course a number of practical exercises are conducted based on a core selection of scenarios,
with alterations made in order to maintain the element of surprise and variety.
Such scenarios include:
Road Traffic Collisions (including car fires)
Basement fire
Workshop fire
Railway incidents
HazMat incident (using overturned tanker)
“The chance to be exposed to various
very realistic scenarios was a great
opportunity and as they were technically
correct and professionally presented this
lessened the need to visualise any aspects
that may be ambiguous” – Avon FRS
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Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service (WFRS)
Three day course in initial Incident Command
Day 1 FSC provides classroom based theoretical training delivered by FSC Instructors. This session
covers National Operational Guidance (NOG), the role of an Incident Commander, legislations and health
and safety. Over the following 2 days FSC deliver a total of 8 practical exercises with 2 pump attendance
and a 4 pump incident on the final day. The 2 pump incidents are similar to those scenarios used in the
training of both AFRS and CFRS.
The 4 pump incident simulates a large scale fire at a shopping mall, for example, and enables Incident
Commanders to demonstrate their knowledge and application of the Incident Command structure (ICS).
Each Commander is assessed on 1 occasion during the course as first in attendance Incident Commander
(IC1) and on 1 occasion as second in attendance Commander (IC2). In addition, on the final 4 pump
exercise 4 Commanders are given the opportunity to attend a large scale incident supporting their
development within the ICS.
Delegates are provided constructive feedback through FSC Assessment Forms on a 1:1 basis and a
collaborative debrief to the team. In addition, FSC Assessors summarise key performance indicators
against desired Learning Outcomes in the form of a Learner Performance Report (LPR). These reports are
completed on conclusion of the course and sent to the Training Manager within WFRS to be registered on
delegates’ IPDS.
Tri-Service Training Event
The FSC has recently delivered a tri-service training event including Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcester
and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Services. A formal assessment of Warwickshire’s Commanders was
conducted by FSCs qualified Assessors to provide a pass / fail result on request of the Service. Hereford
and Worcester and Shropshire Commanders were provided development feedback, support and guidance
during the training exercises upon request, demonstrating our ability to provide assessment and feedback
in varying capacities.
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Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS)
3 day course in initial Incident Command
12 incidents requiring 1 pump attendance and 12 2 pump incidents over the duration of the course.
WFRS supply their own Assessors and the FSC provides facilitators, role players and health and safety
officers for each exercise. The course was designed in collaboration with WFRS and as such their specific
requirements have been catered for, for example, in the number and range of scenarios and assessment
programme.
Typical scenarios include:
Rescue at height
Simulated large animal rescue
Chemical suicide
Aircraft and rail disasters
RTC and car fires
Exercises involving powerlines
The Incident Command Team have worked closely with WFRS Training Team to establish achievable
Learning Outcomes to ensure training exercises provide opportunities to demonstrate knowledge and
understanding against WFRS defined assessment criteria.
“The course has been a great success
from the aspect of individual learning
and an invaluable experience for all
those involved” – Wiltshire FRS