DerbyshireFire and Rescue Service Enlists Snowdrop Systems
May 2004

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) is to use HR software from Snowdrop Systems to bring it in line with new Government requirements for the performance of firefighters and other Fire Service staff.

The software will enable DFRS to measure employee performance in accordance with the Fire and Rescue Framework, introduced in December 2003 by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister following the fire service disputes. The Framework, in draft form, contains best practice guidelines for training and development within the Fire Service, with the ultimate goal of delivering a better service that saves more lives.

DFRS has chosen Snowdrop’s Evergreen, Spring, Fountain and Fountainexecutive software modules for managing employee records, recruitment, training and performance management. From early 2005, nearly 1000 firefighters and support staff will have access to their own employee records and development information via Snowdrop’s U-Access self-service module.

Assistant Chief Officer at DFRS, Dominic Harrison, hopes that the system will help the Service make more judicious use of its training budget. "We’ve always used a sheep-dip approach to training in the past, sending everyone on the same courses. With the new performance management system, we’ll be able to provide the right courses for the right people at the right time using individual development plans. The more highly trained our firefighters are, the safer they will be at work."

Michael Richards, chief executive of Snowdrop Systems, adds: "The Emergency Services are looking more closely at how they manage their staff as a result of Government reforms. Emergency Service staff provide a critical service to the community and keeping them happy, healthy and highly trained is essential to the efficient delivery of this service."