Foreword

Foreword

The first reported COVID-19 case in the UK was reported at the beginning of February 2020, and since then, the UK Government have taken significant steps to contain the virus. By mid-March 2020 and throughout 2020/21 these measures included a number of societal lockdowns which resulted in public sector bodies like NIFRS carrying out their roles and responsibilities in a new operating environment.

As we move into 2021/22 Covid-19 continues to impact our work however all employees are committed to our Purpose Statement –

“We will help make Northern Ireland a safer place and improve community wellbeing. We will work with others to deliver a high quality fire and rescue service that is valued by the public, our partners and our people.”

This Purpose Statement is underpinned by a suite of strategic outcomes and key strategic indicators against which we will measure the delivery of this Annual Business Plan.

This Business Plan identifies how we will drive continuous improvement and innovation within our Service whilst ensuring that our services are planned, designed and delivered in a way that balances community risk with efficiency, with a view to having the right people, in the right place at the right time.

As an organisation we know we already have the talent and commitment to embrace transformational change and to ensure that we continue to deliver the service the public deserves. However, we are committed to embedding a culture which sets high expectations and ensures our people are developed, supported and motivated to fulfil their potential and deliver results.

Ultimately we want NIFRS to be an organisation in which everyone enjoys coming to work and feels that they can contribute to making Northern Ireland a safer place because we know that we are all Safer Together.

I and my Board colleagues take the public responsibilities entrusted to us very seriously and will continue to govern and oversee NIFRS, to uphold the core values of the organisation and to ensure both Firefighter and public safety are at the core of every decision we make.

We are incredibly proud to be part of NIFRS and I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the magnificent work that all employees do in protecting our community from fire and other emergencies.