Our Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030 has been officially approved by the Fire Authority, thanks to the invaluable feedback we received from local residents, businesses, staff, and partners during the consultation period. The final version of the CRMP reflects the concerns and suggestions raised by the community, ensuring that the plan is not only ambitious but also responsive to the needs of those we serve.
Key Takeaways from the Consultation
Clear and Accessible CRMP (63% agreement, 23% neutral response)
The majority of respondents felt the draft CRMP was clear and easy to understand. However, some requested additional clarity in certain sections. In response, we amended the wording to clarify the purpose of the CRMP and how it links to supporting documents, such as the Annual Delivery Plan and station/team plans. Additionally, we addressed recommendations from the Community Risk Management Plan Assurance Review, including highlighting key interdependencies and how these will be managed and monitored across departments.
New wording in the CRMP:
The CRMP is a high-level strategic document used to inform more specific actions in the supporting plans, which will include our Annual Delivery Plan, as well as dedicated station and team plans. Each plan will outline the key interdependencies and how directorate leads, and their teams, plan to manage and monitor cross-departmental objectives.
Better Understanding of BFRS Operations (60% agreement, 24% neutral response)
Respondents appreciated that the draft CRMP helped them understand how BFRS operates. However, concerns were raised about the level of detail and the lack of concrete accountability measures. In response, we clarified that the CRMP is a high-level strategic document, supported by more detailed annual and departmental delivery plans. Additionally, we added text to emphasise how the three main functional areas—Prevention, Protection, and Response—work together to achieve the CRMP’s objectives. These changes address recommendations from the Community Risk Management Plan Assurance Review and ensure greater transparency about how our objectives will be delivered.
New wording in the CRMP:
It is essential that the three main functional areas of prevention, protection, and response work together to ensure the achievement of all three of the objectives set out in our CRMP. Priorities across all three objectives will be detailed further in each station plan.
The CRMP is a high-level strategic document used to inform more specific actions in the supporting plans, which will include our Annual Delivery Plan, as well as dedicated station and team plans. Each plan will outline the key interdependencies and how directorate leads, and their teams, plan to manage and monitor cross-departmental objectives.
Concerns About Efficiency and Service Reductions
A number of respondents expressed concern that the focus on “efficiency” could imply potential service cuts. We have made sure to clarify that our focus on efficiency is aimed at optimising resources and improving services. This clarification should provide reassurance to those worried about the potential worsening of our response standard.
New wording in the CRMP:
Our new response standard has been designed with the five-year CRMP time period in mind, as growth in the built environment and infrastructure changes make achieving our standard increasingly challenging.
Addressing Resource and On-Call Crewing Concerns
Many respondents raised concerns about resource levels and the challeges around the On-Call crewing model. We are taking these concerns seriously and are committed to assessing and optimsing our on-call resources to ensure they are aligned with the new response standards and the risks identified in the CRMP. More details on how we will address these challenges will be outlined in our forthcoming Annual Delivery Plans, which will set out future actions and timelines to ensure our On-Call resources meet the needs of the community.
Engagement with the Community and Partners
For example, our Business Engagement Team will launch their Business Engagement Framework in January 2025, with their departmental plan starting in April 2025. This aligns with the CRMP and demonstrates our commitment and approach to engaging with the business community effectively.
How We Acted on Your Feedback
Your feedback has helped us make meaningful improvements to our final plan. Based on your responses:
- We have added more detail and context to make the CRMP more transparent and understandable.
- We have clarified our commitment to maintaining service levels while optimising efficiency.
- We are committed to invest in improvements, reflecting our promise to provide an excellent, modern and agile Fire and Rescue Service for our community.
What’s Next – Year One Delivery Plan
Looking ahead, we are preparing the Year One Delivery Plan that will detail our actions for the first year of the CRMP, focusing on delivering tangible improvements. This plan will be presented to the Fire Authority in February 2025 and will be implemented starting in April 2025.
For those interested in more information you can read the consultation report in full. The final CRMP docuement will be available online from 31 March 2025.
