A comprehensive programme of activity designed to support fire and rescue services in improving service delivery in their local areas has been launched by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

The NFCC Plan 2021-24 sets out how the ambitions and commitments outlined in the NFCC Strategy will be delivered over the next three years. It ensures that the appropriate tools, resources and skills are in place to deliver the objectives outlined, in a way that remains relevant to, and has the greatest impact on, UK fire and rescue services.

Commenting on the launch of the NFCC Plan 2021-24, NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham said: “The NFCC’s strategic commitments provide the cornerstones of NFCC activity; the Strategy recognises that the fire and rescue service landscape is complex and we must carefully plan how we review and apply learning to our guidance and work.

“In recent times this has included events such as the Grenfell Tower fire, Manchester Arena bombing, large scale flooding, fire safety issues in the built environment, extensive wildfires and, of course, the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The NFCC’s Strategic Improvement Model brings together the learning and recommendations from internal and external events and allows us to prioritise our work accordingly.

“Alongside the Plan, it ensures we consider the implications across the breadth of our work, as well as looking at how we can influence change in a consistent and cost-effective way – not only for the next three years, but to drive and deliver long-term improvements for the benefit of fire and rescue services and the public.

“The launch of the NFCC Plan is a significant milestone for NFCC and one that will pave the way for our future activity and the support we give to the UK fire and rescue sector.”

The rolling programme of projects, initiatives and campaigns are developed with and provide support to the Home Office, devolved Governments, and other external stakeholders with whom the NFCC works closely to achieve shared objectives.

The Strategy and Plan will be reviewed at the same time each year to ensure they remain consistent, and that progress continues against NFCC’s strategic objectives.