Welcome to Priority Message, the essential podcast for all fire service employees. These podcasts are brought to you by the Fire and Rescue Services Association, the one truly independent, member-led trade union that puts its members first.
The aim of these podcasts is to educate, inform and raise awareness on a wide-range of topics related to the fire and rescue service that feature regularly on stations among crews and watches up and down the country. We hope to dispel some long-standing myths, ask the tough questions, and more importantly provide some solutions to long standing issues faced by the sector.
You can email the show on prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk
More details about the Fire and Rescue Services Association at frsa.org.uk plus you can connect with the FRSA in a number of ways via Linktree
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Priority Message, the essential podcast for all fire service employees. These podcasts are brought to you by the Fire and Rescue Services Association, the one truly independent, member-led trade union that puts its members first.
The aim of these podcasts is to educate, inform and raise awareness on a wide-range of topics related to the fire and rescue service that feature regularly on stations among crews and watches up and down the country. We hope to dispel some long-standing myths, ask the tough questions, and more importantly provide some solutions to long standing issues faced by the sector.
You can email the show on prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk
More details about the Fire and Rescue Services Association at frsa.org.uk plus you can connect with the FRSA in a number of ways via Linktree
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan is joined by local On-Call Firefighter and Fire Co-Responder, Gavin Brooks and FRSA President, Mark Palmer to discuss the proposal by South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust (SWASFT) to phase out Fire Co-Responders in the South West region over a 12 month period and replace them with Community Volunteers.
This episode makes reference to three national reports that make comment on the work and value of Co-Responding in the Fire and Rescue Service, namely:
Sir George Bain's report from 2002 - The Future of the Fire Service
From January 2017 - Broadening Responsibilities: Consideration of the Potential to Broaden the Role of Fire Service Employees
From November 2017 - Emergency Medical Response by Fire and Rescue Services
If you found this episode of Priority Message helpful, please give the podcast a 5 Star review and recommend to your colleagues.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan is joined by new NFCC Chair, Phil Garrigan, the former Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service who has taken up the of NFCC Chair for the next four years.
If you found this episode of Priority Message helpful, please give the podcast a 5 Star review and recommend to your colleagues.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan Ashby is joined by Dr Steve Sadler to discuss his ongoing research and how he has worked with services across the UK.
Want to read more about Steve's work, research, evidence, and data to drive smarter decision making, then you can find re-enkindle's website here - https://www.fireserviceresearch.co.uk and/or connect with Steve here - www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steve-sadler-31497b27b
Interested in finding out more about the On-call orientated availability and rostering system mentioned a number of times on the podcast - Here's a link to FireServiceRota's flexible, powerful, planning software. Used by several services across europe and UKFRSs with outstanding On-call availability to optimize On-call firefighters' availability - https://www.fireservicerota.com
Interested in using the latest software to drive On-call Availability, Recruitment and Skills (OARS) decision making? You can watch a video https://www.fireserviceresearch.co.uk/latest-blog/oars-on-call-availability-recruitment-and-skills-planning then contact contact Steve directly at re-enkindle@fireserviceresearch.co.uk, or contact here - https://www.orhltd.com/orh-launches-oars-to-help-fire-and-rescue-services-tackle-on-call-challenges/
Lastly, for leaders who are readers here's a link to dozens of FREE articles, research, and studies all related to the On-call workforce: https://www.fireserviceresearch.co.uk/how-we-serve-you
The Swedish firefighter report referred to in this episode, Sharing is Caring, can be accessed here.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan Ashby is joined by FRSA Chair for Warwickshire, Conor Edwards who provides a further update on the proposals from Warwickshire FRS Senior Leadership Team of CFO Ben Brook and ACFOs Sally Waldron and Rob Allen, which would see dozens of On-Call firefighters made redundant and a large reduction in the number of appliances available during the day and night, all at an additional cost of £2.6m over a three year period.
All of the comments made by Conor Edwards have been evidenced and are publicly available via our website - www.frsa.org.uk/warwickshire
The podcast was recorded on 25 October 2024 before news broke that Warwickshire CFO Ben Brook had taken the CFO role at West Midlands FRS.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan is joined by the Co-Chairs of the NFCC On-Call Steering Group, DCFO Steve Healey (Lancashire) and ACFO Andy Cole (Dorset and Wiltshire).
Steve and Andy provide an update on the progress of the National Group and the success of the recent On-Call Conference that took place for the first time in five years. Every FRS with On-Call staff attended the conference, which was the first ever NFCC event to sell out (even London Fire Brigade attended!). Presentations from the conference can be found on the FRSA App.
If you found this episode of Priority Message helpful, please give the podcast a 5 Star review and recommend to your colleagues.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we welcome Claire Johnson, Senior Pension Adviser for the LGA to Priority Message, the Podcast from the FRSA.
This edition of the podcast is also available via our YouTube channel.
Claire provides viewers with an overview of the Second Options Exercise, an update on the timescales involved from a national perspective and some clarification on the forms that will be received by In-Scope individuals. The video attempts to answer many frequently asked questions, however, if any questions remain after watching the video (and we recommend you view it more than once, due to the level of detail involved), please contact FRSA HQ for further assistance via pensions@frsa.org.uk
If you found this episode of Priority Message helpful, please give the podcast a 5 Star review and recommend to your colleagues.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kevin Tedds, On-Call Support Team Manager for Nottinghamshire FRS, is invited onto the podcast to discuss the work he and his team have been undertaking to improve recruitment and retention of its On-Call units. This episode makes for a great listen and busts the myth that the On-Call Duty System is broken and not viable in the 21st century.
You can follow Kevin on X (formally twitter) via @MrTedds
See all the excellent work being undertaken via @NottsFireOnCall
And why not give Stapleford Fire Station facebook page a look, where Kevin is the pro-active Watch Manager - @StaplefordFireStation
You can download the report from Finlay Wishart, referred to in the podcast, by visiting the FRSA website.
As a member-led, independent trade union, the FRSA welcome the views from our members on the offer, the details of which can be found on our website. You can also submit your views via email to FRSA HQ.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Tristan Ashby is joined by FRSA President, Mark Palmer to discuss the pay offer presented by the National Employers which was published on 25 April 2024.
As a member-led, independent trade union, the FRSA welcome the views from our members on the offer, the details of which can be found on our website. You can also submit your views via email to FRSA HQ.
If you haven't already, you can download the FRSA App from the Apple or Google store and fully interact with fellow members and local and national officials. You will have exclusive access to a library of resources, engage in private and secure forums, direct messaging service plus regular local and national updates, all as part of your membership of the FRSA.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Ashby and National Executive member, Ben Redwood discuss recent events in Parliament and specifically the Home Affairs Committee panel sessions with Fire & Rescue Service stakeholders which focused on Culture issues in English FRSs.
The Home Affairs Committee session which took place on 05 March 2024 can be found here.
The Home Affairs Committee session which took place on 20 March 2024 can be found here.
Equality and Social Justice Committee which took place on 04 March 2024 can be found here.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Independent Culture Report can be found here.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Ashby is joined by FRSA President, Mark Palmer, to provide members with an update on the campaign to oppose the proposals in Warwickshire to sack all of On-Call firefighters in the service, and rely solely on Wholetime firefighters, Part-Time firefighters and 'Surge Teams'.
These proposals, which are contained in the Cabinet paper from their meeting on 09 November 2023, can be found on our website here.
The video of the Cabinet meeting at which they approved the proposals for public consultation, can be found here.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode National Executive Officer, Ben Redwood, is joined by FRSA Chief Executive, Tristan Ashby to discuss plans by the Senior Leadership Team in Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, to removal all of their On-Call units, preferring to rely solely on Wholetime firefighter, Part-Time firefighters and 'Surge Teams'.
These proposals, which are contained in the Cabinet paper from their meeting on 09 November 2023, can be found on our website here.
The video of the Cabinet meeting at which they approved the proposals for public consultation, can be found here.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode our Chief Executive, Tristan Ashby, is joined by National Fire Chiefs Council Chair, Mark Hardingham, who provides his view on the challenges facing the sector, and answers a number of questions posed including, how the NFCC operates, the Chair's role, tackling poor behaviour in the fire service, On-Call recruitment and retention and migration from On-Call to Wholetime.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is part two of a two-part podcast in which we discuss the mechanics and eligibility criteria for Retained / On-Call Firefighters to take part in the Second Options Exercise, and join or extend membership of the Firefighters Pension Scheme as Special Members / Pensioners. This exercise will provide eligible firefighters to purchase historical pension service from the date they joined the fire service, which in some cases goes back to the mid-sixties!!
In this second part we explore the legal journey that created the opportunity for eligible (in-scope) firefighters to have another opportunity to purchase pensionable service retrospectively. But most importantly, talks about the eligibility criteria needed to take part in the Second Options Exercise and what to do if the employer/ex-employer disputes your entitlement.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is part one of a two part podcast in which we discuss the mechanics and eligibility criteria for Retained / On-Call Firefighters to take part in the Second Options Exercise, and join or extend membership of the New Firefighters Pension Scheme as Special Members. This exercise will provide eligible firefighters to purchase historical pension service from the date they joined the fire service, which in some cases goes back to the mid-sixties!!
In this first part we explore the legal journey that took almost eight years, which culminated in Retained Firefighters being recognised as 'Part-time workers' under the Part-time Workers Less Favourable Treatment Regulations and achieve parity with their Wholetime colleagues.
Part one deals with the longstanding myths and misinformation as to who was involved in this process and how much was actually down to the Independent Review by Sir George Bain in 2002.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we are joined by Justin Johnston who is the Chief Fire Officer of Lancashire FRS, Vice-Chair of the NFCC and past Chair of the FireFit Steering Group plus Area Manager Neil Taylor (also Lancashire FRS) and current Chair of the FireFit Steering Group. Justin and Neil join Tristan Ashby (Chief Executive Officer of the FRSA) to discuss firefighter fitness.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
FRSA National Officer Ben Redwood sits down with Terry Reynolds from Devon and Somerset FRS to discuss his experiences Co-Responding in the service, including the benefits and whether there are any disadvantages to performing the role.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our two national FRSA officials from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, David Crawford and Tim Kirk, join Tristan Ashby to discuss their experiences both as operational staff and as local trade union officials in Scottish Fire.
The topics of discussion touch on the pay offer from 2019, crews of 3 and impact the FRSA has had on both individual members but also the service as a whole.
You can contact David via DavidJ.Crawford@firescotland.gov.uk and Tim via Timothy.Kirk@firescotland.gov.uk for more information about becoming an FRSA member or local official in Scottish Fire.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future episodes.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode FRSA National Officer Beccy Barr speaks to HMI Roy Wilsher OBE QFSM.
Beccy and Roy discuss the recent HMICFRS Spotlight report on Values and culture in fire and rescue services, including what the report found and how the sector should react to the recommendations in the report.
You can follow Roy on @roywilsher
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future shows.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we speak to the new NFCC Lead for On-Call, Lancashire Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Steve Healey.
Steve discusses how he will approach his new role, the challenges facing On-Call across the UK and his plans on how to improve On-Call recruitment and retention and appliance availability.
You can follow Steve on @stevejhealey
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk
we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future shows.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, Chief Fire Officer for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Dawn Whittaker joins Beccy Barr and Tristan Ashby from the FRSA to discuss her experiences on joining the fire service and rising through the ranks to CFO, plus the current and future challenges facing the sector.
If you would like to contact the Podcast you can do so via prioritymessage@frsa.org.uk we would welcome your feedback and suggested content for future shows.
Not currently a member of the FRSA? You can join via our website https://www.frsa.org.uk/join-frsa/
Our socials are can be found here - https://linktr.ee/frsa.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.