The Fire and Rescue Services ITO FRSITO A Presentation to the 2010 UFBA Conference By Bill Robertson Chief Executive Officer

FRSITO is: An Industry Training Organisation approved by the Minister of Tertiary Education under section 5 of the Industry Training Act 1992 An organisation established at the request of the Fire and Rescue Industry An organisation owned and governed by the Fire and Rescue Industry but principally funded through Vote Education An educational, not a fire or rescue organisation

FRSITO’s role is to: Set standards and register qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework to meet the needs of the Fire and Rescue Services Industry. Manage training arrangements that enable trainees to attain standards. Provide leadership to the industry on skill and training matters.

In 2007 Trainees suggested that FRSITO: Have more contact with Trainees including site visits Provide more regular feedback on progress Process results more quickly Keep trainees informed of changes to qualification requirements Provide easier access to training material Provide more practical training and simplified paperwork Be more active within Fire Service TAPS programme Have greater programme flexibility for volunteers Work closer with Managers and Trainers to encourage training

Achievements since then Leadership. Membership of NTAG NRFA Alignment project Quality Management System. High Trust-high accountability. Operations. Four dedicated field staff. (Soon to be 5) Administration. More staff. Simplified paperwork. Improved systems Development All unit standards/ and qualifications reviewed Volunteer research and projects Rural fire alignment project assessment resources Resources. Assessment Guides, Rural resources, CIMS FRSITO Conference

Achievements in 2010 New governance arrangements Recognition as an ITO for further 5 years New Investment Plan – 1 of few ITOs to be offered increased funding 3525 Registered trainees 540 National Certificates achieved 23,727 credits registered.

2010 Trainee Survey 89.9% said their training programmes met their needs; FRSITO training is considered up to date with industry trends and able to be done at a good pace; FRSITO written training material is well structured and organised, easy to understand and has helpful content; The Assessment system is thorough and comprehensive, up to date and relevant to job; 89% said the training programmes met their needs; 96.5% are satisfied with FRSITO overall; 68% said FRSITO's performance is getting better.