NFCC Data Management Framework introduced to support Fire and Rescue Services

The new Technology Hub complements and supports the implementation of the Data Management Fire Standard, which was launched last year, and has been written through consultation by subject matter experts from across the Fire and Rescue Service sector.

The new framework supports everyone working within a Fire and Rescue Service, from senior leadership through to operational and non-operational levels, and not only those in data-related roles. In order to improve data management within any given Fire and Rescue Service, all members of staff will benefit from reading and understanding it.

To assist in understanding the importance and relevance of the Data Management Framework, a short animation has been developed explaining the impact of good data practice and the benefits of solid data-management processes and procedures.

All Fire and Rescue Service staff are also invited to register to attend one of two NFCC online Implementation Workshops taking place on 21 and 28 February.

Valuable asset

Andy Hopkinson, chair of the NFCC’s Digital, Data and Technology Committee, explained: “Data is one of the most valuable assets of any Fire and Rescue Service. It underpins decision-making and activity at all levels and across all areas, while good management of data is important if a Fire and Rescue Service is to maximise the data’s potential.”

Hopkinson added: “Fire and Rescue Services are also expected to have well-documented, high-quality and robust data at local, regional and national levels that can be used effectively to aid improvements for the community.”

In conclusion, Hopkinson noted: “The recent launch of the Data Management Fire Standard, now followed by the introduction of the Data Management Framework, will help Fire and Rescue Services to enhance their professionalism and data capabilities and deliver improved consistency across the sector.”

The Data Management Framework is not a step-by-step instruction manual for implementing the Data Management Fire Standard. The operating context and governance arrangements of Fire and Rescue Services can be very different. On that basis, this guidance is not intended to prescribe the approach that a given Fire and Rescue Service adopts.

Where appropriate, good practice from trusted and reliable sources has been recommended for further reading and consideration.

As well as statutory data protection requirements being identified, the Data Management Framework also includes information about data competencies and associated resources, a set of document templates and a reference library of established free national and regional data sets that Fire and Rescue Services might find useful.

Guidance documents

In addition to the Data Management Framework, the NFCC has published a number of specific guidance documents that relate to data management.

Corporate Guidance for Operational Activity: Data and Information Management covers the legal responsibilities placed on Fire and Rescue Services regarding the use of data and the need to develop a data and information strategy.

Data and Business Intelligence Guidance assists strategic managers and those working with data to create a robust evidence base to underpin a risk management plan.

The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Data Toolkit provides guidance on collecting, analysing and reporting equality, diversity and inclusion data.

Last, but not least, Standard Data Requirements for the Person-Centred Framework Guidance contains guidance on collecting data about home fire safety visits undertaken by Fire and Rescue Services.