A new fire control room qualification has been launched to support incident command.
Developed by emergency services qualifications specialists SFJ Awards, the Level 3 Certificate in Fire Control Command aligns to the National Operational Guidance, which has been updated to include the role of Fire Control Commander.
This new qualification was developed in tandem with fire and rescue services, including London Fire Brigade, South Wales, Surrey and Humber, and private training providers K Lamb and Peter Stanley.
London Fire Brigade’s Sarah Cuthbert who is Chair of the Mobilising Officers Group worked on the development of the qualification and comments:
“The incident command system – traditionally applied at operational, tactical, and strategic levels – has now been extended to the fire control room to ensure a robust and consistent command structure across all areas of fire and rescue operations.
“Against this background, this qualification has been developed to ensure the expansion and upskilling of the control room workforce to align with incident command.”
David Higham, Managing Director of emergency services qualifications specialists SFJ Awards comments:
“Training and assessment for fire control command is now a requirement under the National Operational Guidance (NOG) framework.
“This qualification therefore aims to support the developmental competence of those in command roles within fire control and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to lead effectively and maintain public safety during both routine and complex scenarios.
“Developed in collaboration with fire and rescue services and training providers, it will provide the foundation for expanding the capability of services in fire control command.”
The Level 3 Certificate in Fire Control Command is aimed at Watch and Crew Managers who are responsible for managing the fire control function.