Key stakeholders

The main stakeholders that HSE works with on Fire issues are:

• Cylinders in Fire - National Stakeholder Group (CIF-NSG)
  This was formed in November 2006 to collectively understand and resolve the issues surrounding cylinders involved in fires. The group (which includes HSE) has produced the above document to publicise their work.
• Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
  Responsible for establishing and overseeing national framework for the Fire Service.
• HM Fire Service Inspectorate (HMFSI)
  Providing professional leadership and guidance to the Fire Service, including on H&S issues. HMFSI is due to be replaced in March 2007. Details of its successor are still to be confirmed.
• Audit Commission
  Carry out inspection/audit role for all LAs, including Fire Authorities
• The Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA)
  Representing the most senior officers, CFOA is the main mechanism for getting sign-up by the Fire Service and for engaging the key professionals in H&S issues, through their H&S Committee.
• Fire Brigades Union FBU
  by far the largest union representing Firefighters
• RFU
  much smaller than FBU, but important when dealing with issues related to retained and other 'volunteer' firefighters.
• Fire Officers' Association FOA
  represents fire officers.
• Unison
  represents non-uniformed staff
• Practitioners' Forum
  HSE is represented on the Practitioners' Forum, which provides advice to Ministers from those who are engaged in operating the Fire and Rescue Service, when decisions are made on the development and implementation of policy. It also provides professional advice, guidance and support to DCLG and Fire and Rescue Authorities about the practical implementation of specific policy initiatives, constitutional reform and the improvement programme.