A research-led, data-driven evaluation of Kent’s On-call model
Underpinning research provided a prism by which to analyse pertinent Service workforce data, strategic Service documents, insights from KFRS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and a cursory consultation with a cohort of Kent’s On-call firefighters (OCFFs) to allow identification of its predominant challenges. This also afforded opportunities to support Kent’s key strategic objectives in ways which may reduce the inherent risks of any future initiatives or recommendations for change.
“Steve worked with us to explore improvements that we wish to make to our on call duty system. Steve's knowledge was second to none and he worked well with our team to quickly focus in on the key issues. Steve presented recommendations that were clearly articulated and wholly useful. It was a pleasure working with Steve and we look forward to working with him in the future.”
Matt Deadman, Assistant Director of Response, Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
Innovation of the Year finalist!
Our impact is achieved by cutting-through the complexities of the On-call landscape by applying evidence and experience based insights which optimise use of On-call resources and maximise On-call fire engine availability.
RDS Project: Recruitment, Diversity and Skills
Focussed on Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s requirement to enhance its existing On-call strategic endeavours they commissioned a report as part of collaborative project with ORH to use data which would enhance understanding of their On-call recruitment vulnerabilities, plug gaps in their local diversity data, and help maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of their strategic workforce planning for OCFFs.
“It is my pleasure to recommend Steve for his outstanding work on our recent RDS project. Focussed on Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s requirement to enhance our existing On-call strategic endeavours we commissioned Steve as part of collaborative project with ORH to use data which would enhance understanding of our On-call recruitment vulnerabilities, improve access to local diversity data, and help maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of our strategic workforce planning for our On-Call firefighters (OCFFs).
As the NFCC’s On-call strategic lead I have worked with Steve several times before and I knew he had a deep understanding of the unique challenges within the On-call landscape. From the outset Steve demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise, dedication, and innovation. Steve not only delivered results that will hopefully improve our operational effectiveness and efficiency, he also provided insights that will continue to benefit our Service in the long term.
I look forward to continuing our work together as we tackle the On-call challenges, and support innovative solutions using data, such as the collaborative development of the On-Call Availability, Recruitment, and Skills (OARS) software. I highly recommend Steve to any organization seeking to work with a highly skilled and deeply committed individual, focused on delivering meaningful results.”
Steve Healey, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, and National Fire Chiefs Council On-call Strategic Lead.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Re-enkindle’s founder supported Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service in its aspiration to improve its on-call fire engine availability and critically evaluate its current on-call strategy through the prism of research and data working at Keele university.
Developing a research led model of good practice for the availability of Staffordshire’s on-call fire engines used research and data for the first time to develop comprehensive and creative work which supported its production of HMICFRS Action Plans and helped SFRS to critically evaluate their future on-call strategy.
“A very comprehensive and impressive piece of work […] many aspects which I think are interesting, revealing, and creative.”
Glynn Luznyj, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Mid and West Wales FRS - “A World Leading Emergency Service”
Using benchmarking and an evidence-based approach we are proud to have provided research and data-driven insights as part of MAWW FRS On-call Improvement Programme as it invests in its most valuable resource.
This supported their strategic decision making and evidence-led recommendations as part of their Improvement Plans, Annual Business Plan, and Strategic Vision 2022-2027.
“As a predominantly On Call FRS (52 On Call watches, circa 700 personnel), we have been working with Steve for nearly three years now, using his most contemporary research into the On Call/RDS sector, as an evidenced based approach to solutions that we've implemented here in Service. His research and unique insight has underpinned our On Call Improvement Program, aimed at sustaining and improving the service our On Call/RDS provide to the communities of Mid and West Wales. An extremely genuine, credible, knowledgeable and helpful individual who seeks to help the FRS sector support the On Call/RDS system through the provision of data, insights and toolkits.”
Craig Flannery, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Sustaining Success
of England’s top performing Fire Service for on-call fire engine availability
Re-enkindle’s founder supported Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Service of the Year, 2022, in its aspiration to sustain its success as one of England’s top performing On-call fire and rescue services for availability.
“Steve has supported Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service in its aspiration to sustain its success as England’s top performing On-Call fire and rescue service for availability by identifying its good practices, collaborating to innovate possible future initiatives, and supporting the development of its cultural strategy.
This collaboration has led to innovations and insights into recruitment, retention, and most importantly culture and diversity, including the conception of multiple-culturalism and the local cultures at the on-call’s core. From ground-breaking ways to quantify and calculate workforce goodwill, to the use of research to understand the on-call landscape and support Shropshire’s senior management team to make decisions which are evidence-based and data-driven, the work has exceeded expectations."
Dan Quinn, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
