Since the introduction of Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) in 2004, Shropshire and Wrekin Fire and Rescue Authority has embraced the concept of holistic countywide risk management. The cornerstone of this being a full and comprehensive review of risk within the county and the implementation of risk reduction measures resulting in changes to prevention, protection and response measures that demonstrate proven and sustainable long term benefits to the communities that we serve.

Building on the improvements to service provision made to date, the current 2009/12 Strategic Plan presents the Fire Authority's strategy, outlining its vision and ambitions and its policy for achieving those ambitions.

The Strategy covers a 3 year period and has been reviewed annually. During 2012 the Strategic Plan will undergo a major IRMP refresh to address Government’s most recent priorities as set out within the Fire Rescue Service National Framework 2012 (draft). The priorities for all Fire and Rescue Authorities are:

1. identify and assess the full range of fire and rescue related risks their areas face, make provision for prevention and protection activities and respond to incidents appropriately
2. work in partnership with their communities and a wide range of partners locally and nationally to deliver their service; and
3. be accountable to communities for the service they provide

The current Strategy is supported by individual IRMP Action Plans, developed and reviewed annually, which present the detailed proposals for change under consideration at that time.

The Strategy is also supported by the Fire Authority’s Public Value Review 2010. The rreview was undertaken to meet the challenges set out in the 2010 Government Spending Review. The review is the most comprehensive staff engagement exercise ever undertaken and has sought to create a Service culture and approach of one Team, to deliver one Service, with one clear Vision.

The outcomes of the review act as a framework for the change necessary to address grant reductions that amount to £3 million over a four-year period to the Service’s budget. The review has identified a range of initiatives that predominantly take advantage of natural staff attrition rates to secure savings whilst maintaining, without significant reduction, frontline services to the community. Essentially, this approach allows for a gradual budget reduction whilst – avoiding compulsory redundancies, maintaining all fire stations and alleviating the necessity for merger with one or more other fire authorities.

• 2009/12 IRMP Strategic Plan (1.72 MB)
• Public Value Review 2010 (390 KB)