IRS Pilot

These FRSs were selected to ensure a good coverage and balance across FRSs, whilst maintaining a manageable number for staff who were working on the IRS Helpdesk.

The pilot ran for a period of 8 weeks commencing on the 30 October 2006. During this time FRSs used the IRS system to submit their data to CLG either by completing the online form or using the XML option, or a combination of both. Full training and guidance was provided to the Pilot FRSs on the use of the IRS system during this time. Monthly workshops were held to keep the Pilot FRSs informed of progress and plans.

There was a team of staff that ran the IRS Helpdesk to support the FRSs and answer any completion queries on the IRS during the pilot and will be there to assist FRSs permanently once the IRS system goes live.

The purpose of the pilot was to test that the system meets user need requirements including usability and accessibility needs and is fit for purpose. During the pilot over one thousand incidents were fully recorded. The IRS Helpdesk and training and guidance material were also tested.

 The aim of the pilot was:

·        To refine the system design and usability issues

·        To refine the data collection

·        To test the business processes

·        To learn about the issues to be expected when rolling out the system

·        To test and refine the guidance

·        Test functioning of the helpdesk

During the pilot the main issues raised were: 

·        Amount of data if not pre-populated from Command and Control (C&C)

·        Time taken to enter data

·        Building interfaces if FRS does not have experience

·        Queries on questions and options

·        Usability concerns

·        Improvements to business processes

·        Gazetteer and mapping functionality not good enough

Once the pilot was complete all aspects of the IRS system were reviewed and alterations have been incorporated into the production system.

For further information on the results of the Pilot please view the following documents: 

1. IRS Pilot Evaluation.

2. Document Describing Changes.

3. Completed Impact Assessments.

Contact Details for Pilot FRSs