Issue 5, 19 May 2013
Quick snapshot of the priority issues and actions worked through at the most recent Joint Committee meeting between CFA and VFBV.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM TRAINING PROJECT – IMTTP
The IMTT Project continues to progress the development of 14 common training packages that will be adopted sector wide. The outcomes are to prepare IMT personnel with common training pathways and will require standardised training packages, assessments, qualifications and endorsements irrespective off agency and not differentiating between paid or volunteer.
A number of pilots are in the process of being conducted with most recently a pilot for Warnings and Advice Officers. VFBV sought and received assurances that all future pilots at all levels will be conducted in both weekday and weekend format options to permit volunteer participation.
As the IMTTP is multi agency focussed, the Heads of Agencies Panel that endorses the training, assessment, qualification and endorsement processes has agreed to a Skills Maintenance / Accreditation period of 5 years with elements of currency of skills and experiences included in the requirements. VFBV delegates expressed some concerns that such a defined timeline may disadvantage volunteers who have much less opportunity to perform roles based on seasonal activity fluctuations. Exercising and scenario testing along with opportunities for involvement in fuel reduction activities may provide volunteers with adequate opportunity to exercise their skills outside of emergency response situations. VICPOL is responsible under the Fire Services Commissioner’s strategy for Exercising and drafts are being prepared to establish regular scenario and exercise regimes.
A Sector Commander pilot course that was conducted has seen the need to re-model the program with the plan to conduct a further Multi Agency pilot course in the second half of 2013.
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BOSP REVIEW
CFA is undertaking a review of the Brigade Operational Skills Profile (BOSP) tool with a view to matching the elements of the profile to Brigade Classifications. VFBV delegates expressed their concerns that the current BOSP tool is applied as a ‘Maximum Model’, defined in isolation and with no consultation with brigades as to the operational requirements or specific needs of brigades.
VFBV delegates indicated that the setting of arbitrary limits for particular qualifications or skills as a ‘desirable target’ is reasonable, however, the field practice of judging a brigades performance or capability by the application of generic number limits reviewed at annual Section 29 Inspection is flawed and can unreasonably hamper or restrict a Brigade Management Team’s ability to plan and deliver skills acquisition to their responder members. VFBV delegates indicated that feedback from many Regions across the State indicate that brigades with notional numbers on or above their BOSP limit are resulting in training applications for some courses being refused on the basis of ‘you already have enough’. VFBV delegates cautioned CFA to reflect on the risk that in many cases without the ability to translate some older members who hold the competencies but may be less active to what was once known as ‘Reserve listing’, the churn of newer members who have a desire to attain new competencies may be stifled if BOSP numbers continue to limit volunteer training opportunities.
INCREASED UTILISATION OF VOLUNTEERS AS TRAINERS & ASSESSORS
VFBV delegates have brought reports to CFA of a wide inconsistency in the utilisation of volunteer trainers and assessors from across the State, particularly in the authorisations provided to volunteers to conduct training and assessment in a wide range of core and foundation skills and competencies. CFA have advised that they are requesting a comprehensive report from each Region of the approved trainers and assessors and the units/elements of competencies that they are approved to deliver and assess. VFBV delegates have expressed their support for a more transparent and consistent approach that delivers an organisational consistency in the future.
