Government seeks views on the future of the Fire Service College
In a statement published this week Fire Minister Bob Neill has asked for views on the future of the Fire Service College.
He announced that the Government wants to explore options for a new ownership, operational and governance model for the college through greater involvement from other sectors, including voluntary organisations and the private sector.
The college, located in Moreton-in the-Marsh, Gloucestershire is a leading provider of specialist training to the Fire and Rescue sector. However, the current Fire Service College ownership and business arrangements do not provide the flexibility necessary for the college to operate with sufficient commercial success and the Government is launching this exercise in order to inform its view of market appetite and viable options.
This will allow any interested parties to offer clear views on the future of the college, and the Department to assess the reaction of the market to the aim of delivering a new model for the Fire Service College. The Government's preferred option for a Fire Service College of the future is a partnership between the public and private sectors with the fire sector playing a key role in that partnership. Whilst this is the preferred option, all options will be considered and any ideas on whether other arrangements may be more suitable are welcome.
David Cartwright, member of the LGA's Fire Commission and chairman of its Fire Service College Working Group, said: "We saw in the recent civil disturbances the commitment, dedication and professionalism of our firefighters. They deserve the very best training facilities to ensure that they are able to tackle any possible threats and keep the public safe.
"The Fire Service College has suffered from under-investment for a very long time but can still play a key role at the heart of the UK's fire service. However, the way it's operating at the moment is not fit for the 21st century and is not financially sustainable so action needs to be taken as soon as possible. The business acumen and extra investment a private partner would provide, coupled with strong leadership from experts in the fire sector, is exactly what it needs.
"The LGA, liaising with leading organisations across the fire sector, carried out a four-month review into modernising the Fire Service College earlier this year. It talked to many professionals and partners, visited the College to see the facilities, and concluded the only viable option to secure its long-term future is a public private partnership. It's good to see Government Ministers favouring this view.
"Although the Fire Minister's statement is a step in the right direction, we already have a clear view from the sector about what needs to happen next. Rather than consulting further, more momentum is now needed to resolve this problem and get the tendering process underway."
