New Advisory Unit For Fire & Rescue Service Starts Work

The first Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser Sir Ken Knight on his first day in post says that his new Unit will help to support the Fire and Rescue Service meet the challenges of delivering safer and sustainable communities.

Sir Ken heads a new unit, the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser's Unit, which has been established to provide independent, professional advice on fire and rescue issues to ministers and civil servants. The unit, established by Communities and Local Government, will have a key role in further developing the improving fire and rescue service to meet the challenges of today's world.

Sir Ken Knight said:"This is an exciting time for the Fire & Rescue Service - already effectively delivering its traditional firefighting response, and now significantly engaged in regulatory fire safety and community safety work, as well as training for and responding to a wide range of incidents from widespread flooding to terrorist attacks.

My new unit will be playing an active part in moving forward the Government's agenda, where I know the modern Fire and Rescue Service can add so much value and make a positive difference in local communities.

I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues within the Department establishing the new unit, in partnership with the wider fire community."

The unit advises ministers and senior staff on structure, organisation and performance, including equality and diversity, of fire and rescue services. It will also disseminate good practice to FRS, local government and partner organisations. The unit will also advise Ministers, COBR, other Government departments and local government during major emergencies.

The unit will also continue some of the risk critical work previously undertaken by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services.

This includes management of the Emergency Information Steering Group, development of the National Strategic Adviser's Team, the publication of operational guidance, and the inspection of all Crown Premises in England.

Source: GNN

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