The Bain Report: a summary

Its objectives were: 

• enabling the Fire Service to undertake all its responsibilities
• enabling the Fire Service to respond effectively to all the operational demands placed upon it
• enabling the Fire Service to fulfil its responsibilities as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

These recommendations took into account the following considerations: 

• the pay levels and conditions of service that are appropriate, taking account of the wider context in which pay arrangements are made (including, their affordability across the economy)
• the best arrangements for determining future pay and the conditions of service of wholetime firefighters, retained firefighters, and control room staff. 

Conclusions 

The Review found that major changes were required across the Fire Service.  

There needed to be a new approach to the way the FRS was organised and managed. The work of the Service should be based more around risk management and prevention. New reward systems and structures were required. The distinction between ‘full-time’ and ‘retained’ staff should be abandoned.

The governance of the Service needed restructuring so that policy would be laid down clearly by ministers, and institutions would be in place to deliver the policy agenda effectively at local level. 

If the challenge of these recommendations was accepted, Fire and Rescue Service personnel would have the chance to move to a new system that encouraged them to develop their personal skills and would make their jobs more satisfying, with increased rewards.  

The Future of the Fire Service: reducing risk, saving lives 

The report of the Independent Review of the Fire Service was published on 16 December 2002. You can download the report in pdf format here.