From Fire Industry Association:

UK Govt seeking partners to run Fire Service College


The government is looking for private or voluntary bodies to help it operate the national firefighter training centre following a decline in revenue.

The Fire Service College, based in Gloucestershire, trains fire safety crews in all aspects of their job, from the initial 80-day training programme to refreshers courses. It also provides tuition for other emergency services and overseas firefighters.

Fire minister Bob Neill claimed that, as the college is currently a government-owned trading fund, it did not "provide the flexibility necessary for [it] to operate with sufficient commercial success".

The government is therefore ideally looking to partner with a private firm, with Serco, Babcock and Capital Training Solutions all bidding for the £18 million training contract.

Furthermore, as it is located on a 365-acre former military airfield, the government claims a private firm could expand operations at the facility.



Responding to the Government’s statement on the Fire Service College, 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.”

The Fire Service College reported revenue of £18.5 million for the fiscal year 2010/11, a fall from the £21.7 million it generated during the previous year.

As a former Fire Safety Lecturer at "The College" I find the whole funding issue a travesty. The whole scenario has created a downward spiral in both Courses being offered because many F & RS are carrying out "Local" Training and the Standard/uniformity of training for Fire Officers has suffered because of this.
In the long term, money is not being spent wisely by F&RS throughout the Country and it is time to support your National Fire Service College.