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Peer review

Self-assessment and peer challenge are key issues within the current performance framework for fire and rescue authorities.

This project aims to increase our ability to critically analyse strengths and weaknesses, and to be open to external challenge on the findings are ways of demonstrating that we are a learning organisation with a high degree of self-awareness.

What did we set out to achieve?

• Operational assessment
  • To complete a self-assessment for each FRA by August 2009 against the national operational assessment toolkit
  • To offer peer challenges to help FRAs shape their SAs before going through the formal process

• Business Continuity Planning
  • Identify training needs to ensure that personnel with the responsibility for delivery business continuity have a recognised qualification in business continuity management
  • Provide recognised formal qualifications in this field, to comply with BS 25999
  • Secure full or part funding to enable one person from each of the nine FRS’ to undergo the Practitioners’ Certificate in Business Continuity Management (PCBCM)
  • Through training, enable each FRS to provide evidence of competency during any audit and increase the level of expertise in their service

• Peer review on the region
  • To facilitate peer reviews outside the Ops A process for FRAs that have specific issues, using the peer review brokering contract

What have we achieved so far?

• Operational assessment
  • Last year we commissioned the development of 18 officer peers to feed into the national process

• Business Continuity Planning
  • All FRS’ across the south east region agreed to adopt the principles of the British Standard BS 25999 as its standard for delivering and managing business continuity
  • The south east Chiefs recognised the benefit of having a pool of personnel drawn from the nine FRS’ who could undertake peer reviews of business continuity
  • Representatives of the south east F&S Contingency Planning Group have undergone the two day auditors training to BS 25999 that was funded through SEFIP
  • We have drawn up a three year programme (2008-2011) to undertake Business Continuity Peer Reviews across the region, which is now being implemented

How can your council benefit?

To find out more about how our authority can get involved, please email james.finch@kent.fire-uk.org.