§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he is taking to(a) recruit, (b) retain and (c) train firefighters; and if he will make a statement. [61854]
§ Mr. RaynsfordThe Fire Services (Appointments and Promotion) Regulations 1978 (statutory instrument 436), as amended, set criteria for appointment to the rank of firefighter. Matters of recruit selection and staff retention are, however, the responsibility of each individual fire authority. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does, however, prepare recruitment literature for the fire service.
Responsibility for the efficient training of members of each fire service also rests with the local fire authority, under section 1(1)(b) of the Fire Services Act 1947. However, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister works closely with the fire service on training and development. The Fire Service College is an executive agency of the office. We are seeking, with the fire service, to implement an over-arching development strategy encompassing all fire service staff at every career stage. Our goal is to promote the development of a fire service which better reflects the communities it serves and which, through effective and relevant training and development, maintains its high standards of professionalism.