Section 1: Part 2 - Collaboration

The Service continues to build on opportunities for collaboration in the following areas:

  • Internal Audit: As a full voting member of Devon Audit Partnership which has enhanced the quality of our internal audit function, afforded greater flexibility of resources and resilience (non-cash efficiency)
  • Sector indemnity: The Service continues to play a leading role as a member of the Fire and Rescue Service Indemnity Company (FRIC), combining the benefits of insurance with those of risk and financial pooling. Annual returns are around £0.070m (cash efficiency)

South-West Ambulance Service

  • Developed a regional co-responding policy and memorandum of understanding to ensure recovery of costs is efficient and fair. Building on this, an agreement to provide clinical governance supplied by SWAST at no cost in exchange for gaining entry on their behalf at medical incidents is underway. (Non-cash efficiency)
  • Provided co-responders from 20 fire stations across Devon and Somerset for over 20 years. (Non-cash efficiency)

We're in the final stages of implementing a pilot on a Tri-Service Safety Officer (TSSO). This is a collaboration between Devon and Cornwall Police, SWAST and the Service to provide an officer in a rural area of Devon who engages with the local community on prevention initiatives for crime, health, and fire. This officer is also able to respond to category one health emergencies and as an on-call firefighter. This initiative has already been successfully implemented in Cornwall and we are benefiting from advice given by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service.  (non-cash efficiency)

Community co-responding

Community responders are on-call firefighters and special constables who work at Dartmouth, Cullompton, and Newton Abbot. Whilst on duty they engage in crime reduction activity, and community safety initiatives as well as being available to respond to fire calls.

  • 25% of the costs are covered by Devon and Cornwall police. (Non-cash efficiency)

Fire investigations

We are in partnership with three other fire and rescue services; Avon, Hampshire, and Kent to achieve the accreditation standard (ISO 17020) to be able to conduct investigations of deliberate and fatal fires through the criminal justice system before 2025. (Non-cash efficiency)

Diversity and Inclusion

Our partnership continues with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Dorset Police, and Devon County Council to deliver the ‘Our Time’ programme. This pairs talented women with champions at a senior level that can open professional networks and opportunities for them. (Non-cash efficiency)

Partnership with Local Resilience Forums (LRF)

An ongoing process of collaboration takes place in line with our responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act (CCA). This is a collaboration with Avon and Somerset LRF, and Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LRF. It focusses on:

  • horizon scanning
  • risk assessment
  • preparation of contingency and emergency plans
  • sharing information
  • business continuity planning. (Non-cash efficiency)