IPDS - Taking the project forward

In FRS 19 we explained about the IPDS Project Board and some of the challenges it is facing.

So you are probably asking how it is going to meet these challenges to support the modernisation of the fire and rescue service (FRS).  The answer is through a Service Level Agreement that has been made between the Fire Service College and the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to provide the funding for an IPDS Team.

This team consisting of Martin Taylor, Pete King, Chris Millard, Gary Brandrick, Derek Johnson, Lin Charlwood & Margrit Hudson will be working to assist the Project Board by:

• Developing a business case to secure long term resources to make IPDS the sustained pillar of workforce development in the proposed Centre of Excellence
• Ensuring that other projects such as the Centre for Leadership, the Qualifications framework and Quality Assurance integrate into IPDS
• Working with stakeholders to promote the principles of IPDS
• Working with the ADC Unit to embed both the process and culture needed to meet the national framework timescales  
• Providing secretarial and coordination support to the Fire Rescue & Safety Vocational Standards Group
• Continuing to develop the IPDS website in line with the needs of the FRS e.g. direct entrants, RDS staff, FRS support staff
• Ensuring that the EFS database is as comprehensive as possible and is capable of helping all sections of FRS staff to design, deliver and take part in development opportunities that are aligned to the development modules
• Reviewing IPDS-related publications to ensure they remain relevant to the needs of the FRS

Overall then, we are working to support key element 02 in the National Learning and Development Strategy for England to achieve full implementation of IPDS by December 2007.

For more information got he the IPDS website: www.ipds.co.uk