Challenge of funding for communicating Fire Safety Order: concerns over proper publicising of the new fire safety regime emanating from the forthcoming Regulatory Reform Order were raised at the British Fire Protection Systems Association annual lunch. The OPDM's Clive Norris sought to quell fears - Prevention Focus

Speaking at this year's BFPSA annual lunch, Derek Harrington, Chair, spoke of the association's new structure and code of practice, "a leadership statement" which states their commitment to economic, employee, quality and environmental principles.

A new electoral system was also agreed, he reported, with the 31 members of the board and two executive committees having to seek reelection. Fourteen new seats have been created, open to affiliate members.

"BFPSA wishes to open its membership doors to consultancy practices, certification bodies and end users," he said, adding: "We are convinced that this step will provide for a better understanding of our respective problems and, in time, will lead to an enhancement of public fire safety standards. Indeed, I believe that the fire protection industry and users axis is one of the most pivotal that drives such standards."

Mr Harrington confirmed the association's commitment to the Fire Industry Confederation and to the work of the Fire Safety Advisory Board. He stressed the importance of the guidance documentation being drafted, saying it is "absolutely imperative" for the sub group to have its input.

"It is also equally imperative that the new fire safety regime is effectively publicised," he added, "unlike the Workplace Regulations that were introduced in 1997 like a damp squib--and that the right communications strategy is put in place.

"However, it remains a real concern that despite frequent requests we still await information from the ODPM, as to exactly what level of funding is to be made available to publicise the new regime.

He appealed to Clive Norris, Director, Fire, Health and Safety, ODPM, directly: "Clive, you need to understand the anxiety which we and others feel on this matter. Until we know the sums of monies available, how can we possibly begin to plan an effective communications strategy that delivers against the stated objective? How can we?

"We would ask you, please to gave this matter your urgent consideration as patience on all sides is beginning to run rather thin! Let us hope that an announcement can be made on this matter at the next FSAB meeting later this month."

In response to the Chairman's appeal, Clive Norris directed delegates' attention to the consultation period, which ran until the end of November.

"The document represents a milestone in the task of reforming the law," he suggested. "The fact that we have been able to issue it is a tribute to the work of the FSAB and its subcommittees. However, it is only one step along a long and difficult path.

"I recognise in particular the need to address the communications effort that will be needed to get the message across. I fully accept that there is no point in working together on a radical change agenda unless we all put our best efforts into delivery. We will sort out the funding as soon as we can. I am sure the BFPSA will continue to rise to the challenge and be with us every step of the way.

"One of the areas that was looked at in developing the proposals was the question of the role of third party conformity assessment schemes. It is no secret that the Government supports the principles of third party schemes as a means which can help consumers and enforcers take an informed view on the competence of those they employ to design, install or maintain fire safety measures.

Proposing that greater emphasis should be given to third party schemes in the guidance that will accompany the reformed law, he said that he also supported fire authorities being able to take action directly against the relevant contractor as well as, or instead of the responsible person.

"I do understand the strong feelings that reputable members of the fire industry have on this matter. It must be immensely frustrating when you see your reputation undermined by the actions of those who are less scrupulous. But we believe that we have taken steps--not enough, you may well feel--to address your concerns."

Mr Norris then went on to discuss funding and abolishing perverse incentives. "When SSAs are abolished from 2003-04, the new fire funding formula will not contain an indicator, as now, which effectively penalises fire authorities for reducing the number of fire and false alarm calls.

"I hope that it is clear from what I have said that we remain committed to reform and improvement in fire safety and the reduction in false alarms," he asserted. "We are also working hard with our partners on education of the public through the community fire safety programme.

"As a Government Office we can try to provide a lead but we cannot achieve the aims on our own. It is only with the help and co-operation of stakeholders such as your association that we can hope to achieve our aims. The fire industry has a significant role to play in the future of fire safety. The BFPSA has always been at the forefront of this and we have worked closely together for many years.

"Mr Chairman," he concluded, "I invite you to stick with us in the challenges that face us in the coming months and years. I cannot promise it will be an easy road. But if we continue to work together then I believe that ultimately it will be a very rewarding path that we follow."

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