Submitted by SWFBU on
For a considerable period of time the FBU has been raising the very serious concerns we have in regard to the “Vision 4 DS mobilising system”, supplied by Capita. This system is meant to underpin the “Networked Fire Control Services Partnership (NFCSP)” which is a single command and control system for the Fire and Rescue Services in Devon & Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Since its introduction we have experienced serious failures across many areas of the system and we have been raising them with senior officers in Devon & Somerset and Dorset & Wiltshire for a considerable period of time. There has however, been a failure by Capita to rectify them in any proper manner. In fact, it seems that when one issue is resolved it simply triggers a further series of failures in other parts of the system.
Far from being resolved, it would appear that the serious failures of the system are escalating and the ongoing problems and instability of this safety critical system have reached, in our view, crisis point. In addition to the failures of the system, there is the very serious issue of the stress that our members in Emergency Fire Controls are under when using this system. Control members are having to work under extreme pressure, using a system that constantly fails and, on many occasions, it is only by the skill, professionalism and initiative of Control staff that an emergency response is provided at all.
Based on the ongoing, serious failures and the stress that this is causing our Emergency Fire Control Staff, South West EC member Tam McFane took the unusual step of formally writing to every individual member of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority and also, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority. The letters stressed both the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of putting in place an effective solution.
There has been a significant level of activity over this period at both a political and managerial level. The FBU has received many replies from the FRA members who were written to, all of which have stated that they have raised their concerns with the CFO of their Brigade and stated that this is a priority for the FRA. We are also aware that senior managers from all three Brigades have arranged urgent meetings with Capita and that a formal report has been requested for the Fire Authority’s concerned.
In order to keep Control members fully informed and up to date with the Union’s actions over this period Tam McFarlane has written a letter to all members which was posted out on Friday 2nd Sept. The letter is available via the attached link.
The FBU remains very concerned about this issue and will continue to press hard until the matter is properly resolved. If you are a Control member and have faced any problems please do contact us and let us know. Thanks for all your work and please be reassured that the FBU is deeply appreciative of all our Control members and is fighting hard on your behalf.
