Fire Sector Federation attains registered UK charity status

The move is a key element of the Fire Sector Confederation’s strategic plan to become a public interest enterprise and underscores the organisation’s ongoing commitment to impartiality and freedom from dominance of any single stakeholder or interest group. The key objective is always to serve the public and societal agenda over any individual demands.

Steve McGuirk, executive director of the Fire Sector Confederation, explained to Fire Safety Matters: “We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone in our strategy. Charitable status supports the Fire Sector Confederation’s role as a neutral and pivotal force that aims to create a safer environment.”

McGuirk continued: “The name change was a requirement of the charity application process. We feel that it better reflects our focus on delivering a strategic vision for collaboration that connects key stakeholders across the fire ecosystem to overcome the barriers to change and deliver meaningful and effective solutions that enhance fire safety in our society.”

Further, McGuirk noted: “In the coming weeks, we will be updating our corporate branding and website with a new digital collaboration hub for members that will incorporate the new name.”

Strategic Action Plan

The Fire Sector Confederation recently published its Strategic Action Plan, which focuses squarely on transforming fire safety into an interconnected system through collaboration, transparency and technology.

The Confederation’s ‘Fire Chain’ model clarifies roles across industries, while knowledge sharing is fostered through professional networks. In addition, it co-ordinates responses to Government consultations and creates collaborative spaces for stakeholders to work together on delivering Best Practice.

The Fire Sector Federation was originally established in response to the Fire Futures Review. Launched in July 2010 by Bob Neill MP, this was a strategic review of Fire and Rescue Service provision designed to enable sector partners to shape the future direction of Fire and Rescue Services in England. It was undertaken and led by the sector with contributions from a wide range of representative bodies and organisations.

As a direct result of the review, the Government made it clear that it no longer intended to control and direct the way in which Fire and Rescue Services were delivered and instead expected the fire sector to take the lead in shaping policy.

The Fire Sector Federation has since provided a broad spectrum of opinion from the fire sector. It encourages horizontal integration and attempts to cut out the ‘silo’ mentality in working practices by addressing both the built and natural environment in addition to Fire and Rescue Service-centred issues.

*Further information is available online at www.firesectorfederation.co.uk