Risk management is a critical component of ensuring the safety, resilience, and effectiveness of any organisation. In this article, we explore the role of the Strategic Risk Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), how they approach risk management, and the tools they use to tackle challenges head-on. Our conversation reveals the unique aspects of risk management in a fire service environment and how technology, such as JCAD CORE, is revolutionising its risk assessment and mitigation approach.
What is your role at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service?
I am the Strategic Risk Manager at Staffordshire FRS.
How did you get into risk management?
My entry into risk management was purely by chance. Initially, I applied for a Business Resilience Coordinator role, which was a newly created position within the organisation. This role allowed me to shape and develop processes from the ground up. Through this experience, I was able to gain a deep understanding of risk management principles and practices, ultimately leading me to specialise in this field. The ability to grow and adapt the role to meet the evolving needs of the organisation was both challenging and rewarding, solidifying my passion for risk management.
How long have you been in a risk role?
I’ve been working in a risk-related role for nearly eight years, starting in July 2017. Over the years, I’ve gained invaluable experience, adapting to the dynamic nature of the risk landscape.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about being a risk manager is the dynamic nature of the role. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to solve problems—both complex and simple. I find it incredibly rewarding to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that the Service’s resilience and stability remain intact. Collaborating with various departments and stakeholders to foster a positive risk environment is also highly fulfilling. The ability to make a tangible impact on the Service’s success and security is what truly drives my passion for this field.
What are the main challenges you face in your role?
A major challenge in my role is budget constraints. The fire service, like many public sector organisations, often operates with limited financial resources. This can hinder our ability to invest in the necessary equipment, training and technology. Financial limitations sometimes make it difficult to implement comprehensive risk management strategies and can affect overall service delivery.
Do you have any specific risk challenges unique to your sector?
Yes, a key challenge is keeping up with evolving building safety regulations. Particularly in light of incidents like the Grenfell Tower fire, ensuring compliance with building safety standards has become a top priority. We need to stay ahead of any new regulations related to building construction and fire safety, especially for high-rise buildings, to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
How are you/your organisation addressing those challenges?
At Staffordshire FRS, we address these challenges through thorough fire risk assessments, as stipulated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These assessments include evaluating the safety of external walls, flat entrance doors, and the structural integrity of buildings. We also have a continuous training and education program, which are provided to fire service personnel to ensure they are aware of the latest safety standards and best practices. This helps them stay prepared for new types of risks and ensures compliance with current regulations.
Fire services collaborate with local authorities, building owners, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to fire safety. This includes sharing information and resources to address potential risks effectively.
How long have you used CORE?
We’ve been using JCAD CORE for approximately two years. It has become an essential tool in our risk management approach, significantly improving the way we monitor, assess, and mitigate risks across the organisation.
How does CORE help you in your role?
JCAD CORE has been incredibly beneficial in enhancing my role as a risk manager. It has professionalised the presentation of risks, making them more accessible and understandable for stakeholders. The platform allows us to think critically and strategically about potential risks, ensuring that we address issues comprehensively and proactively. CORE’s functionality helps us stay ahead of emerging threats, enabling us to respond effectively and improve our overall risk profile.
Through the use of CORE, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of our risk landscape, which has greatly strengthened our decision-making processes. This has resulted in a more resilient and adaptive organisation, able to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Do you have any short-term goals for your role and the use of CORE?
Looking ahead, our immediate focus is to identify and analyse linked and crosscutting risks across the Service. We aim to develop a systematic approach to address these interconnected risks, ensuring that mitigation strategies are aligned and comprehensive.
Additionally, we’re excited about integrating JCAD CORE with Power BI to create more interactive and insightful risk reports. This will enhance our ability to communicate risk data to key stakeholders effectively. Another priority is conducting a thorough review of our risk data to ensure its accuracy and consistency, so we can continue making informed decisions based on reliable information.
Conclusion
The role of Strategic Risk Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is both challenging and rewarding. With a focus on risk mitigation and resilience, the organisation is constantly evolving to meet new challenges. By leveraging technology such as JCAD CORE, Staffordshire FRS is enhancing its risk management capabilities, ensuring a safer environment for both its personnel and the public. As the fire service continues to adapt to the changing landscape of risk, the drive for innovation and collaboration will be key to maintaining its high standards of safety and operational effectiveness.
