A summary of some of the Authority's key roles is set out below:

• Community Engagement – by getting the community's views on what they want the Fire and Rescue Service to provide and then using these views to inform decision-making.
• Planning and Performance Management – setting clear local priorities and targets, informed by community concerns and then monitoring South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue's performance against these.  Included in this role is the monitoring of complaints against the Brigade.
• Resource Use and Allocation – setting and monitoring the budget in accordance with national and local priorities.  Securing an efficient fire and rescue servicewhich effectively uses best value practices throughout its service.
• Integrity and Ethical Standards – reviews its own and the Brigade's policies, practices and procedures to ensure that they comply with Human Rights and anti-discrimination legislation.  The Authority also scrutinises the Brigade's disciplinary arrangements.
• Appointment of Chief Officers – responsibility for appointing the Chief Fire Officer and senior officers.

The Authority increasingly emphasises the importance of fire prevention and fire safety work, and has recently agreed to fund 16 Community Fire Safety Officers as well as continuing to inspect premises, give advice on fire prevention and promote fire safety.