West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service - Experts & Thought Leaders

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has gone live with the latest major release of Infographics’ Web and Mobile App-delivered FireWatch fire service management software. FireWatch provides WSFRS with a single integrated platform covering HR, Training and Development, Availability & Workforce Planning, Asset Management, and other areas. With this latest rollout, the service has transformed employee interactions with FireWatch into a re-designed, modern, graphically and KPI-driven User Experience (UX) where end users can see and action their integrated tasks and data in one place within the single system. Extensive user testing Plus, with access provided via the FireWatch Cloud, users have ‘anytime, anywhere’ access. Once fully deployed, single-sign-on via Azure Active Directory (AAD) integration will enable end users to use their existing Office 365 credentials to automatically authenticate and access the system, further simplifying the UX. The upgrade to FireWatch 7.8 has now provided our staff with all the functionality of FireWatch" The deployments involved extensive user testing and close collaboration between Infographics and West Sussex to provide a smooth transition, access to significant new application functionality, and updated Microsoft Azure Cloud hosting delivering Software as a Service (SaaS). Steve Buchanan-Lee, WSFRS’s Group Manager for Operational Training & Development, said: “The upgrade to FireWatch 7.8 has now provided our staff with all the functionality of FireWatch wherever they are and whatever they are doing. The improved user-end experience now allows much easier access to live data and reports, in a format that is both technically and visually easier to process.” Several vital improvements “Improvements have already been seen in the monitoring and management of maintaining our availability for Operational response, for our communities, and we are continuing to explore further functionality in the use of FireWatch 7.8 to improve our support of staff competence and the management of Operational appliances and equipment.”    The rollout of the new FireWatch v.7.8 Web Client UX alongside the FireWatch Mobile App has delivered several vital improvements, as identified by extensive testing, feedback, and approval cycles within West Sussex FRS user communities. Delivering clear benefits The key areas of transformation are summarised as follows: Ability to work from anywhere Convenience of a secure, single sign-on Modern look and feel Ease of use and navigation Efficiency of push notifications Greater visibility through station and organization status views Self-service for maintenance of personal info and contact details Simplicity of adding detachments and holidays Improved visibility and management of qualifications Their last move from their previous ‘on-premise’ architecture to Microsoft Azure Cloud hosting with SaaS access also delivered clear benefits. The key ‘gains’ that the implementation teams identified at West Sussex FRS through their analysis included: Greater scalability Increased security Improved accessibility Easy, streamlined upgrades Reduced equipment costs Increased flexibility Self-Service capabilities Russell Wood, Commercial Manager at Infographics, said: “It is gratifying to see all the hard work by Infographics and the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service team pay off with such a successful rollout.” “We are already learning about the positive impacts the v.7.8 FireWatch Web and App rollout is having, helping the West Sussex team to provide an integrated system and processes, modernize their user experience, deliver self-service capabilities, and improve the security, flexibility, and scalability of their deployed solutions via our Microsoft Azure Cloud with SaaS delivery. This is a major step forward not only for West Sussex but all our clients looking to emulate their success and plan their upgrades to FireWatch 7.8.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has been awarded a grant from the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund. This is a new funding pot encouraging the creation of a UK regulatory environment that supports innovation and growth. Teaming up with the National Fire Chiefs Council, the University of Northampton, and Eyecademy Ltd, the West Sussex-led project will deliver a new web-based fire risk assessment tool. The interactive tool will improve users' understanding of fire safety. fire risk assessment tool Using the grant fund of £195,840, West Sussex will work with partners to create an interactive tool alongside new guidance and tips for businesses that will be hosted by the National Fire Chiefs Council and made freely accessible for all. The fire risk assessment tool will help businesses better understand their legal obligations under the Fire Safety Order and how to comply with them. The NFCC said that it wanted to encourage a cultural shift in the way that businesses seek and are provided with fire safety advice. Regulator’s Pioneer Fund Regulators and local authorities apply for grants of up to £200,000, with projects anticipated by March  Regulators and local authorities could apply for grants of up to £200,000, with projects expected to deliver by end of March 2022. The fund, administered by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, received 41 applications, with 21 projects awarded a total of £3.7 million. Mark Andrews is the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and is the NFCC’s Business Safety lead.  On securing the funding, Mark Andrews said: “I am delighted that the Regulator’s Pioneer Fund have recognized in awarding this grant just what a real difference this new virtual training tool will make to both businesses and residents across the country." He adds, “This is a fantastic joint project that will draw on expertise across the sector to create something that is not just free and easy to use, but informative and helps businesses to understand their legal obligations and how to comply with them, while reducing the risk of suffering a significant impact from fire. Using new technology, we intend to encourage a cultural shift in the way that businesses seek, and are provided with, fire safety advice.” Cutting edge of innovation Business Minister Lord Callanan said: “Good regulation should spur entrepreneurship, not stand in its way, and this project will help keep the UK at the cutting edge of innovation." He adds, "The business safety training tool could pave the way for exciting developments in the sector, bringing benefits to British businesses and consumers alike.”

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service will be joining other fire and rescue services across the UK in promoting business fire safety this week. Business Fire Safety Week runs from 9-15 September and aims to provide businesses with information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace, both of which impact business safety and productivity. Protecting Businesses From Arson Statistics show that in 2017-18 there were 19,033 fires in UK businesses with about 30% (5,293) being deliberately set. In West Sussex, firefighters were called out 47 times to fires in non-dwelling properties between June 1 and June 30 (the most recent figures). Businesses are asked to double check they have taken the steps required by law to protect their business and employees from fire. In particular: Preventing fires in the workplace Protecting businesses from arson Reducing false alarms in the workplace Protecting accommodation on commercial premises Misuse Of Electrical Equipment Around a third of fires in the workplace result from electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment" Lee Spencer-Smith, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Group Commander for Business Fire Safety, said: “Many small businesses never recover from the damage caused by fire, so it is really important to factor in fire safety particularly as part of preparations in the run up to Christmas.” “Around a third of fires in the workplace result from electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment. The majority of these fires are likely to be preventable by taking some simple steps and making sure staff are fully trained and aware of the risks. I would urge all business owners to stop and think if they are fully prepared for the risk of fire this Business Fire Safety Week.” Chair of NFCC's Protection and Business Safety Committee, Mark Hardingham, said: "We encourage business owners to get in touch with their local fire service and find out about the help available so business can flourish and support the UK economy and local community in a safe and sustainable way."