Concerns Raised About Potential Staffordshire Fire Service HQ Sell Off

I have written to Staffordshire's Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner Ben Adams, seeking urgent clarity following reports that he is considering the sale of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, together with the outsourcing of the Service's Training, Learning and Development function.

The recent fires we have seen in our region and across Staffordshire, have been a stark reminder of just how much our communities rely on a fully resourced, well-trained and properly co-ordinated Fire and Rescue Service.

Their training and development – and the systems that ensure our emergency services are operating to the highest standard – cannot be undermined.

You can read the full text of the letter below:

Dear Ben,

Re: Selling of the Fire HQ

I am writing following a number of representations from constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme, firefighters and members of staff regarding reports that you are considering the sale of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, together with the outsourcing of the Service’s Training, Learning and Development function.

I appreciate that speculation can arise before formal announcements are made. However, given the consistency of the concerns that have been raised with me and the potential implications for public safety, operational resilience and the workforce in my community and across our county, I believe it is essential that you take this opportunity to provide clarity on your intentions.

If these reports are accurate, I have profound concerns. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service exists to protect life and property and that has been so evident in recent days. Every strategic decision taken by the directly elected Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner should be judged first and foremost on whether it strengthens or weakens the Service’s ability to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. Any proposal that risks diminishing operational capability in pursuit of financial savings would require an exceptionally strong evidence base.

The suggestion that the Service’s Training, Learning and Development function could be outsourced is particularly concerning. This is not a back-office support service that can simply be contracted out without consequence. It is responsible for delivering risk-critical operational training, maintaining competence, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, supporting incident command, developing specialist skills and preparing firefighters to deal with increasingly complex emergencies.

The expertise held within that team has been built over many years through operational experience and learning. Once lost, it cannot easily be recreated. Any reduction in capacity, continuity or quality would inevitably raise legitimate questions about firefighter safety, organisational resilience and, ultimately, the safety of the public.

Commissioner, I am equally concerned by the reports that Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters could be sold. The Staffordshire Fire Headquarters is more than a physical asset, it is central to the strategic leadership, coordination and operational support of the Service. Any proposal to dispose of it must be able to demonstrate that it will enhance-not compromise, the Service’s effectiveness. Asset sales should never become a substitute for a sustainable long-term strategy or a means of addressing short-term financial pressures at the expense of future resilience.

This is even more so given the role of Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is to be abolished in a couple of years, to be replaced by a new governance structure.

I am also deeply concerned about the potential implications for staff. I have heard from local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme who have expressed fears that these proposals could lead to job losses, diminish specialist expertise and further undermine morale within a Service that depends upon the professionalism and dedication of its workforce. Those concerns deserve clear answers rather than uncertainty.

In the interests of transparency, I would therefore be grateful if you could provide:

• Confirmation as to whether the sale of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters is under active consideration.

• Confirmation as to whether outsourcing the Training, Learning and Development function forms part of your current plans.

• The business case, options appraisal and financial modelling supporting either proposal.

• Details of the anticipated financial savings and how these compare with the potential operational risks.

• Copies or summaries of any impact assessments relating to firefighter safety, operational resilience, workforce implications and compliance with statutory health and safety obligations.

• Details of any consultation undertaken with staff, representative bodies, trade unions, the Chief Fire Officer and other stakeholders.

• An explanation of how you intend to guarantee that the quality, frequency and accessibility of operational, health and safety, specialist and incident command training would not be diminished under any outsourced model.

Confirmation of the anticipated impact on staffing levels and whether compulsory redundancies have been considered.

Local people in my community and right across Staffordshire rightly expect that decisions affecting their Fire and Rescue Service are driven by evidence, operational necessity and the overriding duty to protect life, not by an arbitrary pursuit of savings or organisational restructuring.

If what has been put to me is true, they will inevitably attract significant public interest and parliamentary scrutiny. I therefore hope you will recognise the importance of being open with both staff and the communities they serve about any changes under consideration. If there are no proposals to do either of the points above, that will be welcomed.

I would appreciate some clarity from you at the earliest opportunity, as will those local people who have been in touch with me on this important matter.

Yours sincerely,

Adam Jogee MP

Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme

Letter to Ben Adams - Sale of Fire Service HQ.pdf

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