Tuesday 10 October 2006 - 14.00hrs
Avon Fire Authority has been told it is "performing well"
following a recent assessment by the Department for Communities and
Local Government (DCLG).
The Operational Assessment of Service Delivery, which was
carried out by seconded staff from the DCLG, forms part of the
overall Service Assessment score. This will be delivered by the
DCLG in the New Year.
The Authority has welcomed the draft report, and is pleased the
DCLG has positively highlighted several areas of its work. The
assessment looked at service delivery under five key lines of
enquiry (KLOE) such as risk analysis and operational
preparedness.
The Authority has been found to be consistently performing well
in all five areas that were examined. Among the strengths
highlighted in the report were the Youth Skills programme run by
Avon Fire & Rescue Service, which has so far worked with more
than 250 vulnerable youngsters. The work the service has carried
out with Ashfield Young Offenders’ Institute was also praised, as
was a scheme, which delivers fire safety advice in partnership with
Meals on Wheels. The provision of specialist rescue teams such as
rope rescue and boat rescue was also highlighted.
The report described the Authority as having "clearly defined
objectives" and that: "the reduction of risk is a clear priority
for the service…the observed improvements in performance management
practices have ensured the service is performing well. Overall
AF&RS provides an effective service which utilises resources
well."
Cllr Terry Walker, Chair of Avon Fire Authority, said: "This is
a very thorough audit and inspection process, with high benchmarks
being set for the fire and rescue service.
"I am particularly pleased that we have been assessed as
‘performing well’ in all areas covered in this report and that the
report acknowledges the hard work we have done to ensure the
continued effective delivery of services to the community. Despite
this however, we are not resting on our laurels and we will be
looking at ways to continue improving. We are delighted with the
progress we are making, as shown in the report we have
received."
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Jerry O’Brien said: "We were very
pleased with this report. All our staff have worked very hard, and
continue to work hard, to provide the best possible service to our
community. We are always aiming to improve further, and we will
take on board everything highlighted in this
report."