Tristan Ashby, Chief Executive of the Retained Firefighters Union
Minutes:
The Chair introduced Tristan Ashby, Chief Executive of the Retained Firefighters Union (RFU), who gave members an overview of the RFU and their position of various topics relevant to the fire service. Tristan explained that the RFU was founded in the run up to the first national fire strike and that it has a ‘no strike’ constitution. The union has no political affiliations, relies on subscriptions and is member-led. Members dictate the strategy and policies of the union, and it is represented on all working groups. In 2005, the RFU was recognised by the National Employers for consultation purposes and they welcome NJC reform as an organisation.
Tristan noted that the RFU was trying to move away from the terminology of ‘retained’ firefighters and was keen to encourage use of the term ‘on-call’ instead. There are approximately 12,500 on-call firefighters in England, some of whom are available 120 hours per week. The average earnings of an on-call firefighter is £5-8,000 per year, which is fully taxable when also in other primary employment. On-call firefighters are trained, equipped and resourced exactly the same as full time colleague, with the only difference being the length of time it takes to respond to the station when there is a need for them.
Members were told that there were always a number of vacancies for on-call firefighters and that there was a natural turnover of around 10 per cent a year, which allows members to tackle the diversity agenda where possible. In terms of wider reform, the RFU welcomed Sir Ken Knight’s support in 2013 when he called for the expansion of on-call firefighters, as well as the Adrian Thomas report. On inspections, the RFU had lobbied for an Ofsted-style inspection regime for a number of years as it felt there was a clear need to provide accountability and scrutiny within the sector. The RFU also welcomed talks around broadening the role of on-call firefighters and Tristan noted that a number of services had been working in co-response schemes for over 20 years.
Tristan noted that there were challenges faced by the union, including the view that RFU members often felt unrepresented at a national level in regards to collective bargaining. The RFU was clear that all voices should be heard at a national level and while some progress had been made, a number of on-call firefighters felt that they were treated as inferior when compared to full time colleagues. It was also noted that there had been a lot of talk about mental health recently, and that the services needed to consider what it does on a daily basis and how people were treated.
The following comment was made after this presentation:
· The voice of the RFU on behalf of on-call firefighters was welcomed as areas exist where there is no difference between on-call and whole time firefighters. The RFU’s efforts in the South West in particular were praised and members were keen to share best practice. It was noted, however, that this would require additional resources and the RFU agreed that any assistance from the Home Office on this would be useful.
Decision:
Members noted the presentation from the RFU.