Grey Book to Green Book Review
Introduction 1. Prior to the 2004 Fire Service Act, any alterations to the grey book operational
establishment had to be approved by the Home Secretary thorough the section 19 process. Since 2004, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) have replaced a number of operational legislative fire safety officers with non-operational fire safety technical officers. The technical officers concerned have been able to fulfill the role effectively. One of the justifications for maintaining a number of grey book operational day related posts has been that as an organisation, we may rely on them in times of pandemic/strike. The 2006 strike and the subsequent resilience strategy that was put into place demonstrated that as a service we could accurately predict the number of staff required and how and where they would be deployed.
2. The Equal Pay Act 1970 provides that contracts of employment incorporate an
equality clause i.e. when a women is employed on ‘like work’ or ‘work related as equivalent’ or ‘work of equal value as a man’, and any terms of her contract (including pay) is less favorable than the mans contract, then the terms are treated as modified so as to be equal
3. The Sex and Race Discrimination legislation also provide that an employer
discriminates against another on the grounds of sex/race if they
� Treat the person less favorably than persons of the other sex/race, or � Apply to one person a requirement or condition which the employer applies
equally to all other persons, but which is such that the proportion of persons of the opposite sex or a different racial group who can comply with it is considerably smaller than the proportion of persons of that sex/race who can comply, and which the employer cannot show to be justified
4 MFRS has undertaken a green book job evaluation process, which included the
fire safety technical officers. This evaluation will provide a bench mark for jobs identified as suitable to be carried out by non-operational green book staff.
In this respect, (MFRS) currently employs staff on ‘grey book’ and ‘green book’ conditions of service. Grey book staff respond, or are competent to respond to fire and rescue emergencies, whilst green book staff provide a wide range of non-firefighting services. The line between the two conditions in terms of roles has become less distinct as the fire and rescue service makes its own risk assessment decisions based around the Authority’s IRMP. MFRS is also now clearer over the likelihood of business interruption and its preparedness for such an event. It is timely therefore to review the current grey book roles and determine which should remain as grey book “operational” roles and which could be re-designated as green book “non operational roles” to ensure that the Authority can continue to comply with legislation in the areas of equal pay: discrimination, and best value.
5 The factors considered that determine whether a posts should remain grey book
are :-
• Whether the post appropriately provides an emergency response element • Whether the post requires a current knowledge or experience of fire
fighting/rescue techniques and practice • How many posts need to be maintained for the organisation to operate a
suitable and sufficient operational resilience capability to enable the service to provide a minimum service in the event of significant business interruption such as industrial action or flu pandemic
6 There are currently 76 day related operational grey book posts and to determine
whether a post needs to be ‘grey book’ two questions were posed;
1. Is an element of emergency response appropriate for the role? 2. Is having a recent fire fighting background essential for effective service
delivery; where recent is defined by having responded operationally within the previous three years?
Why recent? Fire fighting methods, including fire behaviour, ventilation, water rescue, urban search and rescue, line rescue, new dimensions etc have developed significantly over the last ten years. A role that requires a current fire fighting background is one that requires a grey book element i.e. someone who regularly provides emergency response and/or someone who is current and up to date with modern response practice. If the post can be successfully undertaken by someone without that up to date knowledge, then by definition having an emergency response background is not essential as the knowledge is more general and can be learnt through training and development. As such one that requires a more general knowledge of how buildings, equipment, Fire-fighters behave/operate in fire does not require a grey book post.
7 If the answer to both the above questions is no, unless there is any other
justification, the post does not need to be held by a ‘grey book’ member of staff. 8 The numbers of posts that have been identified using the criteria above are
• 6 posts have been identified as requiring both Operational Response and Competence (as set out in paragraph 9 below).
• 18 posts that require an Operational Competence (as set out in paragraph 10
below)
• 53 posts that do not require either an operational Response or operational competence (as set out in paragraph 11 below).
9 Positions that require an Operational Response
Emergency Ops Number of Response Competent Posts
Motor Cycle crew manager-crew manager Yes Yes 1 1 post TRG-crew manager B-1 post Yes Yes 1 TRG-Firefighter-1 post Yes Yes 1
TRG- Watch Manager B-3 posts Yes Yes 3 New dimensions – Crew Manager 1 post yes yes 1
Total operational response 7
10 Positions that require current and competent Operational Knowledge
Emergency response Ops Competent Number of posts
Ops planning Watch Manager B-2 posts No Yes 2 Ops A & E Watch Manager B-1 post No Yes 1 H & S Watch Manager B-1 post No Yes 1 Ops performance Watch Manager B-1 post No Yes 1 Prof Dev Watch Manager B 2 post No Yes 2 T & DA Watch Manager B 4 posts No Yes 4 T & DA Watch Manager A 5 posts No Yes 5 T & DA Crew Manager A 2 posts No Yes 2 Total current and competent 18
11 Positions that do not require either Operational Response or Current
Competency
Emergency response Ops Competent No
Ops planning-Watch Manager A 2 posts No No 2
Ops A & E Watch Manager A-1 Post No No 1 Ops A & E Crew Manager 1 post No No 1 Ops performance Watch Manager B-1 post No No 1 T & DA watch Manager B 2 posts No No 2 T & DA watch Manager A 1 posts No No 1 T & DA Crew manager A 4 posts No No 4 IRMP- Watch Manager B 1 post No No 1 Corp Comms-Watch Manager B-1 post No No 1 FS mgt group-Watch Manager B-4 posts No No 4
Petroleum-Watch Manager B-1 post No No 1 Legislative FS-Watch Manager B-10 posts No No 10 Legislative FS-Watch Manager A-11 posts No No 11 Youth Engagement-FS-Watch Manager-1 post No No 1 Community FS Watch Manager B-3 posts No No 3 Community FS Watch Manager A-5 posts No No 5 Community FS Crew Manager-3 posts No No 3
Total not requiring ops response/current competence 52
12 Assessments in respect of individual posts are set out in paragraphs 13 to 23
inclusive. 13 Fire Safety Management
13.1 Legislative Fire Safety (LFS)
LFS has 12 Watch Manager A positions and 15 Watch Manager B positions and these are based in the following locations:
• 11 WMA across the four Fire Safety Districts • 10 WMB across the four Fire Safety Districts and the Special
Projects Team • 4 WMB based at Service Headquarters • 1 WMB based in Petroleum
13.2 The position of WMA provides Grey Book Fire Safety Practitioners who do
not need to have a high level understanding of risk data, such as sites involving COMAH, hazardous materials and other risks.
13.3 WMB post holders are expected to have a high level understanding of risk
data and building features contained within complex and high rise buildings. This understanding requires a greater degree of responsibility and knowledge.
13.4 This greater degree of responsibility is typically reflected in the following
activities:
• Post incident inspections and audits • Providing operational intelligence to update 7(2)(d) records • Inspecting plans for large, complex buildings • Special Projects, which require consideration of FRS communications,
site specific risk information and details relating to Building Disaster Advisory Group (BDAG).
13.5 This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within WM7 of the operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards but requires some technical knowledge that can be developed through training.
13.6 The Legislative Fire Safety Watch Manger does not have to show
competence in the following:-
FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF6 Support the effectiveness of operational response
And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents
No response or operational competence is required.
14 Community Fire Safety
14.1 The Community Fire Safety Crew Manager role is as follows :-
• As part of the Community Safety Management Team, plan, organize and assess the work of staff, providing feedback on performance as necessary, in order to ensure that work objectives are met.
• To deputise as necessary for the District Community Fire Safety Officer.
• Promote safety matters and facilitate learning through demonstration and instruction to educate and inform the community and improve awareness of safety matters.
• Ensure the inspection of premises and report on risks to people, property and the environment to inform the development of safety solutions and minimise risks within the community in line with Service objectives.
• Liaise with external partners to promote methods of reaching those sections of our Community considered to be at high risk from the effects of fire.
• Support community safety events with the provision and presentation of the organizations themed display units.
• Research and produce educational safety presentations to be delivered to the community.
• Delivery of Community Safety Message to those individuals previously identified as vulnerable to the risks of fire.
• Deliver relevant Community Fire Safety Training to staff to ensure individuals are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their experiences
14.2 This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within WM7 of the operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards.
14.3 The Community Safety Manager would not be required to gain or maintain
competence in the following:-
FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:-
WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
14.4 The Community Fire Safety Watch Manager role is as follows :-
• Manage the Community Fire Safety Staff through effective performance management, providing feedback and support to employees with problems affecting their performance and applying internal procedures where appropriate, to ensure optimum performance in support of the delivery of organisational objectives.
• Ensure achievement of performance indicator targets both internal and external to the Service that pertains to the direct areas of responsibility.
• Function as part of the Community Fire Safety Management Team to manage, assess and evaluate work activities, the utilisation of resources and develop proposals for improvement to facilitate station objectives and ensure continuous improvement of Service provision.
• Monitor, control and maintain sufficient supplies of resources in order to support service delivery.
• To assist with the creation and development of innovative and challenging Community Fire Safety Policy and their facilitation and monitoring.
• Take an active involvement in local and regional area partnerships, attend any relevant meetings commensurate with the role and contribute to the reduction of risk within the community.
• Identify opportunities for the station staff and community safety staff to become involved in community initiatives that will support the duties and objectives of the service.
• Promotion and coordination of national and local Community Fire Safety Campaigns.
• Provide coordination and direction for themed groups within the Community fire Safety structure to achieve corporate aims.
• Preparation of reports and memorandums
• Seek and submit funding applications for initiatives within the Community Safety Strategy
• Preparation, design and distribution of publicity and educational material to promote and support improve community safety and health.
14.5 This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific
need to be currently competent within WM7 of the operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards.
14.6 The Community Safety Manager would not be required to gain or maintain
competence in the following:-
FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
15 Youth Engagment-Princes Trust
15.1 An operational grey book member of staff is seconded to the princes trust team program, a twelve week personal development program. The role has been carried out by a firefighter, crew manager and a watch manager. The role includes leading a team of 16-25 year olds who have joined the program because they are unemployed. The member of staff leads the team through the course, during which the young people develop life skills by facing a wide range of challenges. By facing these challenges, the young people develop self esteem, confidence and communication skills. There are currently 6 team leaders, one ‘grey’ book, one seconded police officer and four green book staff
15.2 This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific
need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Fire-fighter, Crew and Watch Manager Standards. These include:-
The Youth Engagement Manager would not be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:-
FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response
And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
16 Threat Response Group
16.1 The role of the Threat Response Group Crew Manager is as follows :-
• Line Manager of 6 Arson Reduction Advocates • Manage the administration of the Arson Reduction Taskforce. • Manage responsibility for the team’s day to day activities. • Manage the leadership, supervision and development needed to
support personnel to perform their roles competently • To work with Fire and Rescue Service personnel to identify arson
trends, and develop appropriate reactive arson intervention measures to minimise the impact of deliberate fires.
• To deliver arson risk assessments within the community and identify control measures appropriate to the risk.
• To strengthen existing partnerships and assist in the development of partnership initiatives that contributes toward community safety as a whole.
• Take responsibility for own workplace performance • To provide regular reports on development of initiatives and their
outcomes. • To identify and implement initiatives that target anti social Behaviour in
Merseyside • To maintain communication between the Advocate teams and your
line Manager. • To be responsible for ensuring that your conduct and behaviour
accords with Service Policies on Equality and Fairness at Work and Ground Rules, and for promoting an environment of dignity and respect amongst colleagues.
This role has an operational response attached to it and requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Threat response Manager would be required to gain and/or maintain competence in the following areas:- FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response FF 8 Drive and deploy fire service vehicles
They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements, maintain this knowledge and actively take responsibility within the WM7.3 and WM7.4 elements.
WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents Response and competence required
16.2 The role of the Threat Response Group Investigation Assistant-
Firefighter is as follows :-
To assist the TRG Manager with tasks associated primarily with investigations and the work of the Threat Response Group.
• To assist the TRG team heads with day-to-day tasks, initiatives and
investigations. • To assist in the monitoring of firework issues around Merseyside. • To assist in the implementation of initiatives that are designed to target
fire related anti-social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks. • To maintain internal and external partnerships and assist with the
maintenance of the FIRST website to ensure clear communication channels between partnerships.
• To assist with the maintenance of the fireworks intelligence system to monitor incidents and activity.
• To be responsible for mobilising to incidents in support of the duty incident investigation officer using the incident investigation vehicle provided.
• To provide an out of hours response to hate crimes including the fitting of letter box plates and bags if so required.
• To be responsible for the retrieval of CCTV hard drives when requested from service vehicles.
• To comply with and maintain the requirements detailed in the role map for Firefighter.
• Any other duty of a similar nature commensurate with the role as directed.
This is a role carried out by a Fire Fighter. The FF was allocated one of the IIT rota groups and as part of his contract was responsible for providing 48 hours out of hours cover. Whenever there was a request for IIT, as well as the on duty IIT officer, MACC would also mobilise the IIT Assistant who would attend in the vehicle taking with him the additional equipment contained on it and would assist the officer. This is an important resource which has proved invaluable to the Threat Response Group as a whole and the Incident Investigation Team in particular. The Assistant is able to complete the investigation the following day and carry out administration tasks using the additional knowledge gained during the attendance.
This role has an operational response attached to it and requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for firefighters. FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response FF 8 Drive and deploy fire service vehicles Response and competence required
16.3 The role of the Threat Response Group Watch Manager is as follows :-
� To lead and manage a section in the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Threat
Response Group (TRG). • To manage and lead personnel within the respective TRG section. • Responsible for the day-to-day activities of the section including
managing attendance, resilience of the section, performance management and the availability and response of the team to relevant incidents.
• To maintain communication between the respective TRG section and the TRG Manager.
• To liaise with Key stakeholders both internal and external to MFRS and to establish and maintain relevant internal and external partnerships.
• To monitor and report on issues relating to the relevant TRG section references.
• To identify and implement initiatives that target TRG priorities. • To monitor, maintain, analyse and review internal systems relevant to
incidents and activity. • To attend incidents to investigate into the cause and the origin of
fire/explosions/accidents/ near misses and other relevant risk critical issues.
• To obtain, record and evaluate evidence and to establish cause, origin, development and circumstances of an incident, utilising where appropriate, specialist resources both internal and external to TRG.
• To manage investigations to enforce relevant legislation as per the TRG remit.
• To attend court as required providing evidence as to findings from investigations.
• To provide specialist advice, training and guidance on TRG issues and expertise to internal and external partners.
• To comply with and maintain the requirements detailed in the role map for Watch Manager.
• Any other duty of a similar nature commensurate with this role as directed.
This role has an operational response attached to it and requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Threat response Manager would be required to gain and/or maintain competence in the following areas:-
FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response FF 8 Drive and deploy fire service vehicles They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements, maintain this knowledge and actively take responsibility within the WM7.3 and WM7.4 elements. WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents Response and competence required
17 Operational Planning
17.1 The role of the Ops. Planning Crew Manager is as follows :-
� Delivery of the Service’s operational objectives through the provisions of operational intelligence, procedures, instructions and guidance in the respect of the new dimensions capability
� Specific Role Responsibilities:-
- Ensure all relevant MFRS personnel are kept informed of risk critical New Dimensions issues
- Write, update and amend standard operational procedures and service instructions in respect of New Dimensions assets
- Support exercises with partner agencies as the operational Fire service expert
The role holder also delivers the role of Search and rescue Dog handler and as such is required to gain and maintain competence in the following
FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And is required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
17.2 The role of the Ops. Planning Watch Manager A is as follows :-
• Delivery of the Service’s operational objectives through the provision of
operational intelligence and guidance. To assist in the Service’s
objectives regarding major development projects in Merseyside from an operational point of view & by undertaking multi-agency work to provide safe and standardised delivery of work streams.
• Specific Role Responsibilities:-
- Disseminate info to the relevant depts./persons as required - Write, update and amend standard operational procedures and
service instructions which quality assured by their line manager. - Maintain the Operational Support Room - Support exercises with partner agencies as the operational Fire
Service expert - Review other agencies emergency plans from an operational
perspective - Plan MFRS multi pump exercises
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. When supervised and managed by an operationally competent line manager The Watch Manager A position would not be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
17.3 The role of the Ops Planning Watch Manager B is as follows :-
As above plus:
• The role of Ops. Planning Watch Manager A, and in addition:- • Deputise for the Operational Planning Manager when necessary • Calculate and submit costs for Fire Service provision at events and Multi
Agency exercises • Work with event planners to devise and deliver event table top exercises • Liaise with internal & external auditors • Work with Multi Agency partners to plan and deliver training scenarios • Updating & amending Incident Command Guides • Represent MFRS on various Sub Groups
• Deal with incoming/outgoing FINDS messages • MFRS Port Liaison Officer
This role has no operational response attached to it but requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards.
The Watch Manager B would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements. WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality assurance when producing, updating and amending standard operational procedures and service instructions. It is also a requirement to have a knowledge and understanding of operational procedures when evaluating plans or creating new plans for use in the operational arena. No response is required but operational competence is required.
18 Operational Equipment
18.1 The role of the Ops Equipment Crew Manager is as follows :-
• To monitor and review individual references/ areas of appliances and equipment as detailed by the Ops Equipment Manager.
• To maintain records of disposition of equipment. • To compile / amend Standard Operating Procedures, temporary
instructions and reports relating to equipment. • To assist in the investigation of accidents near misses and dangerous
occurrences in relation to appliances and equipment. • To monitor the provision of services from Ops Stores. • To action any outcomes following liaison with other service
departments. • To liaise with line managers regarding the procurement of new
equipment. • To liaise with other Fire Services and outside organisations on behalf of
the organisation on operational equipment matters. • To research advances in technology for existing and new equipment. • To attend when necessary, meetings conferences, seminars and
exhibitions etc in the pursuance of the above. • To carry out as necessary any other additional duties commensurate
with crew manager role map.
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards.
The Crew Manager position would not be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
18.2 The role of the Ops Equipment Watch Manager A is as follows :-
• To support the operational requirements of the service. To identify and
research advances in technology in relating to appliances and equipment.
• To monitor and review individual references/areas of appliances and equipment as detailed by the Ops Equipment manager.
• To maintain records of disposition of all equipment • To procure and receipt goods and services utilising the e-procurement
process • To assist in the investigation of accidents, dangerous occurrences, near
misses etc. in relation to the designated appliances and equipment • To monitor the provision of service from Op Stores etc. • To action any outcomes following liaison with other service departments • To liaise with line managers regarding the procurement of new
equipment • To liaise with other departments throughout the service • To attend when necessary meetings, conferences, seminars and
exhibitions in pursuance of the above.
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards when managed by an operationally competent line manager. The Watch Manager A position would not be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
18.3 The role of the Ops Equipment Watch Manager B is as follows :-
• To supervise, control and monitor development of all appliances and
operational equipment in the service. • Produce data to identify the elements of a process leading from
identification of operational requirements through to introduction of appliances and equipment into operational usage.
• To compile or amend standard operating procedures relating to the above appliances and equipment
• To compile temporary instructions and reports relevant to the same. • To identify, research and develop equipment for use in an operational
context. • Supervise and compile equipment specifications. • Produce reports regarding appliances and equipment.
• Supervise the compilation of technical standard operating procedures and temporary instructions for equipment.
• Assist with compilation and control of operational equipment budget requirements.
• To assist in the development of service policy concerning new and existing equipment.
• To procure and receipt goods and services utilising the E procurement process.
• Investigate accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses concerning equipment
• Attend meetings and seminars both internally and externally, relating to appliances and equipment matters.
• Identify and provide instruction or training to operational and support personnel on appliances and equipment.
• To liaise with other fire services and outside organisations on behalf of the organisation on operational and personal protective equipment matters.
• To manage, monitor and review individual areas within appliances and equipment as detailed by the ops equipment manager.
This role has no operational response attached to it but requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards in order to supervise department members The Watch Manager B would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality assurance when producing, updating and amending standard operational procedures and service instructions. It is also a requirement to have a knowledge and understanding of operational equipment when evaluating new or replacement equipment for use in the operational arena. No response is required but operational competence is required.
19 Health & Safety (Watch Manager B)
The role of the WMB position in the Health & Safety department is as follows:-
• Service Risk Assessment officer. This includes writing all risk assessments for large service exercises.
• Ensure all risk assessments for smaller exercises are carried out in accordance with the EN1 procedures and quality assure them. Give guidance and return if necessary.
• Ensure all new equipment and operational procedures have a risk assessment and that they are kept in date
• Meetings with the TDA Manager and Performance and Values manager to review training and opera audits. Identify shortfalls and ensure that these are fed back into the training system.
• Preparing the service for the HSE Operational inspections. This includes collating evidence on BA Procedures, Hot fire training and operational intelligence to the fireground.
• Carry out OPARA inspections with the performance and values team to ensure compliance with health and safety procedures.
• Managing of the Station Manager operational intelligence workshops. • Attend the Health and Safety committee meetings and on occasions chair the
Health and Safety cross management meetings. • Enter into consultation with the representative bodies over various issues
regarding health and safety. • Prepare training packages for crew based training on accident investigation
and assist in the deliver of the packages.
This role has no operational response attached to it but requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Watch Manager B would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality assurance when producing, updating and amending standard operational procedures and service instructions. It is also a requirement to have a knowledge and understanding of operational equipment when evaluating new or replacement equipment for use in the operational arena. No response is required but operational competence is required.
The above competencies are required in this role to allow the identification and assessment of risk and the planning to remove, reduce or protect against risk
when operating within the operational environment. A background knowledge and competence in the workings of all operational procedures is required for Health and Safety Investigations and requires the maintenance of a competent expert with the operational field. No response is required but operational competence is required.
20 Operational Performance
20.1 The seconded Watch Manager post has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Fire Fighter, Crew and Watch Manager Standards. It is being currently filled by a MACC Watch Manager.
The team currently operates with 2 x T/WM’s (1 x seconded from MACC).
20.2 The role of the Ops Performance Watch Manager B is as follows :-
• deputise for the SM, • assist in the provision and inspection of training within the OPARA
process • Take on general admin tasks, research etc.
This role has no operational response attached to it but requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Watch Manager B would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality assurance when assessing during station OPARA visits. No response is required but operational competence is required.
20.3 The current role of the WM seconded from MACC includes:-
• overseeing OWLE and all the analytical data checking and manual
inputting where necessary,
• admin inc handling all the legal requests from solicitors for info or meeting with officers,
• Research and assisting in the OPARA process with the inspection of records, station and appliances, etc.
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The current position of the seconded Watch Manager in operational performance does not require gaining or maintaining competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
21 Training & Development Academy (TDA)
21.1 The role of the Water Skill Manager (Watch Manager B) is as follows :-
• To ensure that MFRS’s marine Search & Rescue capacity is maintained in line with service policy, national agreements and legislative requirement..
• To design and implement a marketing strategy for the water skills centre as a commercial concern and to ensure the delivery of appropriate training solutions and when applicable qualifications, to commercial customers
• To deliver, evaluate and improve training courses (and materials) to meet agreed outcomes
• Continuously review and develop packages and activities that are compliant with national occupational standards
• To design, and facilitate exercises to assess performance against agreed standards
• Undertake research and development of best practice operational & training solutions
• Take part in projects which support departmental and organisational initiatives and advise on appropriate solutions
• Provide accurate reports that contribute to the evaluation of training programmes and offer solutions to ensure continuous improvement
• To work with internal and external community safety initiatives and raise community awareness of the dangers of water.
• To maintain the services scheme approval for vocational qualifications associated with water related activities
• To contribute to the procurement of resources and equipment
Specialisms for the post include
• Still and swift water instructor • Power boat for Rescue Instructor • RYA accredited Instructor • In depth knowledge of the marine environment.
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Water Skills Manager post does not require gaining or maintaining competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
21.2 The role of the TDA Programme Manager is as follows :-
• Assess workplace performance including where necessary carry out
vocational qualification assessments. • Function as part of the Academy Management Team to manage, assess
and evaluate work activities, the utilisation of resources and develop proposals for improvement to facilitate objectives and ensure continuous improvement of Service provision.
• Develop employees through the identification of training and development needs by workplace assessment. Formulate and evaluate Personal Development Plans, and the provision of coaching, support and feedback, to ensure that the required standards of performance are achieved and maintained.
• Monitor, control and maintain sufficient supplies of resources in order to support training delivery.
• To deliver, evaluate and improve training courses (and materials) to meet agreed outcomes
• To design, and facilitate exercises to assess performance against agreed standards
• Undertake research and development of best practice training solutions • Identify learner requirements and tailor training to meet individual
training needs. • To provide one to one feedback and guidance as and when required • Provide accurate reports that contribute to the evaluation of training
programmes and offer solutions to ensure continuous improvement
This role has no operational response attached to it, but requires specific need to be currently competent with an operational rolemap as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards.
The Watch Manager in the post of TDA Programme Manager would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality training and assessments during all operational instruction. No response is required but operational competence is required.
21.3 The role of the TDA Service Trainer is as follows :-
• To deliver, evaluate and improve training courses (and materials) to
meet agreed outcomes • To design, and facilitate exercises to assess performance against
agreed standards • Identify learner requirements and tailor training to meet individual
training needs. • To provide one to one feedback and guidance as and when required • Provide accurate reports that contribute to the evaluation of training
programmes and offer solutions to ensure continuous improvement
Roles of Program Manager and Service Trainer require specialist operational knowledge in the following areas:-
• Breathing Apparatus Instruction • Fire Behaviour Instruction • Tactical Ventilation Instruction
• FPOS Instruction ( a higher level than practitioner) • Road traffic accident instruction • Vocational Assessor
This role has no operational response attached to it but requires specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Watch Manager in the post of TDA Service Trainer would be required to gain or maintain competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response They would be required to have a knowledge and understanding of all of the WM 7 requirements:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents The above competencies are required in this role to allow the quality training and assessments during all operational instruction. No response is required but operational competence is required.
22 Training & Professional Development
22.1 The role of the Internal Verifier (Watch Manager B) is as follows :-
• Verification of Evidence and Assessments • Guidance for all NVQ Award • Coordination of Awards with the NVQ Centre • Liaison with the External verifier • Standardisation of Assessors and documentation • Training and assessment of Assessors • Support for Candidates
The role of Internal Verifier (IV) has no operational response attached to it but does require the holder to have shown operational competence within the last three years for all of the roles that offer National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs). These include Fire Fighter, Crew and Watch Manager Roles. However it has been shown in the past that one IV as a central lead can complete the task of Lead Verifier for the Service within the support of the centre staff and administrators. The continual progression of Operational Station Managers into the role of IV in the past years could allow one of the permanent IV posts to be identified as no longer required. No response is required but operational competence is required.
22.2 The role of the IRMP Officer is as follows :-
• To oversee the IRMP process and plan its delivery • To organise meetings to facilitate the IRMP process • To manager the progress of ongoing projects • To report progress to the Director of IRMP and CLT • To evaluate the IRMP and the impact on Service Delivery • To take on special projects as detailed by the Director of IRMP
This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The IRMP Officer post does not require gaining or maintaining competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
23 Corporate Communications
23.1 The role of Corporate Communications Officer is as follows :-
• Handling media relations at incidents of 3 pumps or more ; • Being the first point of contact with operational staff and stations ; • Providing knowledge of fire fighting and life on station to assist director
corp. comms. • Organising events/media which involves stations or Firefighters ; • Planning and organising DVD production, particularly in relation to
operational staff;
As suitably trained flexi duty officer could be mobilised to deal with any press enquiries that require specific operational knowledge. As such there is no requirement to be able to carry out operational duties. However, there is a need to have an understanding of uniform duties and how fire stations work. This role has no operational response attached to it and requires no specific need to be currently competent within an operational role map as defined by
the National Occupational Standards for Crew and Watch Manager Standards. The Corporate Communications Officer post does not require gaining or maintaining competence in the following:- FF 3 Save and preserve endangered life FF 4 Resolve operational incidents FF 5 Protect the environment from hazardous materials FF 6 Support the effectiveness of operational response And specifically would not be required to gain or maintain standards for WM7:- WM 7 Lead and support people to resolve operational incidents WM7.1 Plan action to meet the needs of the incident WM7.2 Implement action to meet planned objectives WM7.3 Close down the operational phase of incidents WM7.4 Debrief people following incidents No response or operational competence is required.
24 How many posts are required to provide resilience?
24.1 Merseyside has a long history of industrial action, ranging from work to rule to long, all out strike action. The dispute of 2006 in Merseyside was a watershed, in that for the first time in modern history, an extensive fire and rescue service was delivered, in a predominantly whole time, metropolitan fire and rescue service, despite strike action by the FBU in the absence of military provision as the support mechanism to provide fire cover. Over two hundred staff from fire-fighter to deputy chief, including significant numbers of green book staff riding the small fires unit, provided fire cover across Merseyside, with all fire stations operating an emergency response capability together with a full community safety programme including home fire safety checks, youth engagement etc.
What is clear is that the military provision of resilience for future periods of strike action cannot be assumed or guaranteed.
24.2 The flu pandemic plan and associated risk assessment (attached) and the strike plan and associated risk assessment (attached) have identified that the provision of 40 operational day related posts would, when taken in combination with other control measures( i.e green book staffing of SFU, recall to duty, alternative duty systems) would allow for an adequate service provision for a temporary or interim period until the relevant contingency event has ended.
24.3 In this respect, data produced by a firm of independent data analysts
appointed by the Authority concluded as follows :-
• The number of appliances required under these scenarios is driven more by the geography rather than appliance utilisation; i.e. 10 mobilising locations are required in order to provide sufficient coverage across Merseyside for a 10 minute response.
• In the event of 24-hour strike, then 10 appliances can respond to in excess of 80% of ‘focus’ incidents within 12 minutes. This can be improved to 10 minutes if 5 SFUs are added to deal with non-focus incidents
