RMS analysis HRFU

RMS analysis HRFU Considering the new RMS system Introduced to HFRS recently and due to go live 01 April. Presented by HRFU March05

RMS analysis HRFU Definition The Retained Management System is designed to: Ensure that stations are optimally manned Ensure that if a station is not manned then control is advised Audit Firefighters retained hours It is important to note that the HRFU fully supports the above initiatives.

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Our concern is based on the actual solution which is proposed. If the proposal expects Firefighters to complete the RMS sheet outside of drill nights then this is in direct contravention of the grey book. However……

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Our concern is based on the actual solution which is proposed. If the proposal does not expect firefighters to complete the form outside of duty hours, then apart from on drill nights, the system will be inaccurate and fail in its primary aims.

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Our concern is based on the actual solution which is proposed. In addition the forms which need completing are; Cumbersome Overly complicated Not user friendly Do not properly consider the handling of data (multiple handling)

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Our concern is based on the actual solution which is proposed. In addition, even after an apparent 12 months of trialling. After only a few weeks of being launched fundamental changes are being proposed in what is recorder on the forms and the colours used. What sort of trial was this….?

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Our concern is based on the actual solution which is proposed. We commend HFRS for holding its hands up and admitting its failings, but really, should such a large scale project have been launched without the fundamental policies which underpin being established….

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings In conclusion In conclusion HRFU identify the RMS as a poorly though through, clumsy system which fails to deliver on its most basic precepts. But criticising is easy, so using the knowledge and skills of our members we have formulated a direction for a solution.

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project If we reconsider the requirements of HRFU To audit the availability hours of its retained workforce (accountability) To ensure that stations advise control if they are not on the run (8/80)

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project And consider the life styles of Retained Firefighters: Can have a very transient and unpredictable life/work Cannot/do not want to have to drive to their fire station to keep data source updated Are usually open to ways in which the fire cover to the area can be improved

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs: It is predicted that every firefighter takes 5 minutes to complete the RMS a week and there are 300 retained firefighters. Cost: £ a week

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs: It is predicted that every station officer takes an hour a week to complete the RMS and there are 45 retained stations. Cost: £ a week Cost: £ a week

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs In considering the investment of the current RMS as a guide to accepted costs: It is estimated that it takes the administrative staff one day to then process the information. Say 4 administrative staff at £9.00 an hour Cost: £ a week Cost: £ a week Cost: £ a week

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Therefore, without considering materials, other administration etc. The RMS is costing HFRS £ a week. Cost: £ a week Cost: £ a week Cost: £ a week This would then mean that given just a three month pay back return on investment you could look for a system worth £13,000.00

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Technology is the answer, but what does technology actually do? We propose a digital portal which accepts various inputs from firefighters allowing them to update their own status in real time and possibly pre book time off ahead.

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Digital portal Input from webInput from SMS Input from touch tone phone Central Data System

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Digital portal To be really affective the system should not be seen as a dumb receiver of information but an active real time availability monitor which reacts off the data it receives. E.g…

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Digital portal Central Data System Advises Control of availability Advises station officer if numbers fall below threshold or appliance drivers not available Allows interrogation by station officers to see who is available Can provide forecast of availability

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Digital portal Benefits Most importantly such a system will be easy to use and be seen as beneficial to local stations so buy in will be easy and Firefighters will be willing to use it. In addition HFRS get real time, ACCURATE information which also can be used to monitor individuals availability by the minute!

RMS analysis HRFU Definition Solution failings Re-scope the project Costs Proposal Digital portal Benefits Demonstration We have designed a simple RMS system which shows how a system can hold realtime information. Note this system does not record availability….yet!