assimilation for specialist ADO's

[colin todd]

Thank you Mr Guest; the 2nd Mr Guest that is. I am sorry it hurt you so much to agree but it was nice of you anyway. A scroll up, will show that I was originally merely replying to poor old Davey from the FBU, who seemed to feel lonely and unwanted, which is why I replied to him. A little application of intellect might also have concluded that by making a simple frivolous comment, it brought Davey's thread, on which he was seeking comment, to the fore again at the top of the stack. And ole Davey knows that I actually have much less problem with a lot of the ADOs, which is why generally we employ them, rather than station officers. He was only being frivolous in his accusation that I enjoy winding them up, and I replied to him in the same vein.

[Guest]

It’s a bit of a shame that a valid question has been side tracked in rather a rude and inappropriate way. Whilst the issue raised is of no interest to you Colin, it is too many of us.

Back to the point. Joe/Dave. My colleagues would be very keen to share info on this matter.
We are trying to get some handle on the expectations but those involved seem to be keeping it very close to their chests.
I have seen a presentation from a LFB Officer which indicated enhanced payments for those having fire safety qualifications.
Not sure if it has been taken on board or if it is just a pipe dream.

From the point of competence, clearly a financial reward is going to encourage those in the Fire safety departments to take greater interest........... Even us ADO's Colin!

[Guest]

Clearly the basic pay structure is that Managers  of firefighters will be paid more. Specialist staff will have to argue with their fire Authorities and make the case for any pay parity. Come on lads wake up! And the FBU agreed to this!!
Furthermore, in my brigade the Chief's latest brainwave (but I note many other brigades have already done it)  is to decentralise to 'Districts' with District Managers. So far, only one has fire safety experience of any worth.
Be assured Colin, the days of 'private' fire safety officers (didn't they do that to Building Control sometime ago) is nigh.

[Guest]

Ref above - sorry about 'sexist' comments - I know I must get more training and always remember to include the 'lassies'. This is a sackable offence now in the fire service so please keep my it to yourselves.

[colin todd]

Priavatised fire safety officers? Possible but hardly nigh I would say and not necessarily a good thing anyway as AIs are often too close to clients to be objective- a point I have made in my response to the consultation on revision of building control legislation in Northern Ireland. However, civilian fire safety officers in brigades are much more likely to increase in the future, and could be a good thing.

[wee brian]

Whilst using civilians for fire safety sounds like a good idea I wonder where they are going to come from. Its clear from other threads (Colins for instance) that people with the right skills are few and far between.

[Guest]

The issue might not be whether 'private' or 'public' is best it will be about the public perception of a potential erosion of services in return for cost savings. Privatisation of the sector would open the industry to a host of bandits intent on short term gain until they might be found out by some token effort at regulation. I am not saying that public is best under all circumstances but at least we will have systems in place to prove competency. What system will the privateers abide by in order to maintain public and political confidence in a private sector with regulatory responsibility.

[colin todd]

Brian, It is not so much going to come from but do come from. they exist already. Many are ex local authority fire officers.

[Guest]

Using ex LA FS Officers as non-uniform FS staff is obviously extremely cost effective.

A Fire Authority has already invested in the training of this individual and can re-employ them for a smaller salary/cheaper conditions. The Ex FS Officer can supplement his pension and actualy be better off than when he was uniformed. A win-win situation, or is it???

This situation will only work in the short term. If Brigades are not training uniformed staff to replace those non uniform staff when they reach statutory retirement age, where are the next generation of FS staff going to come from?

Messyshaw

[Guest]

Yes i accept that.

But what im saying is Colin Todd comes across as an arrogant idiot himself at times!

Like I said i wouldnt employ him based on some of the childish comments on hee

[Guest]

Well are private fire officers a bad thing?

We have proivate Health and Safety officers in industry.

Employers just have to make sure they get someone with a recognised IFE or similar qualification, thus prooving their competence!

Simple

Next Question please!

[Guest]

Just having a qualification doesn't determine your competence.
The point i am making is that in IPDS the public sector LAFB bod has a system at their disposal which continuously audits performance against accredited criteria. Thus proving the competence of both the individual and the organisation to the regulatory body (in LAFB cases the audit comission appointed by the ODPM).
What system will the privateers have for achieving the same outcome, who will be their regulator and before they jump in with two feet have they even considered the impact this might have on their profit margin.

[Guest]

Arrogant & Childish comments? Now what does that remind me of? Oh yes, this forum during the strike. Some of you LAFB 'Professionals are not so perfect yourselves!

[Mr. P]

Meeoow. Nails at 40 paces. Puss in boots is actually animal cruelty. Fancy kicking cats! Oh no it's not. ( is it still panto time?)

[colin todd]

I like cats. I have a pedigree Burmese. His name is Casper and his birthday is later this month. If anyone wants to send him a card, MY name and full address is available to all via this site, unlike those who prefer to make jibes under the name Mous or Guest.