Along with all of the other English Fire and Rescue Authorities SYFR received a Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) inspection in 2005. The primary purpose of this was to see how well the Authority was run and whether it met with local community needs and aspirations. It did not include an inspection of front-line services.
SYFR was rated as a ‘weak’ performer. This resulted in a detailed performance improvement plan being developed, which was subsequently monitored on a monthly basis by a specially convened monitoring board. Rigorous and comprehensive implementation of the Improvement Plan over the past two years has resulted in SYFR delivering a wide range of far reaching service improvements.
Direction of Travel Assessment
In late 2006/early 2007, the Service was subject to a further (Direction of Travel) assessment, the results of which are detailed below.
Assessment Score/Judgement
Service Assessment 2
How we deliver our emergency services
Use of Resources 3
Whether we provide value for money
Direction of Travel Improving well
How far we have improved since CPA
‘Improving Well’ is an excellent achievement for the Service and will serve as a solid base on which to build further improvements. A central plank of our improvement work over the last two years was the establishment of a robust performance management framework. Through a rigorous performance review process, the performance management framework will ensure we continue to monitor progress on all key aspects of service delivery and thoroughly embed our programme of continuous improvement.
Re-categorisation
The Audit Commission will give fire services that can demonstrate significant and sustained improvement the opportunity to have their CPA score re-categorised via a corporate assessment. SYFR will take full advantage of this opportunity.
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