Annual Report & Statement of Accounts - Northern Ireland Fire ...

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts2007/08

NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICEANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008Laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly under paragraphs 15 (5) and 16 (2)of Schedule 1, and paragraph 5 (4) of Schedule 2 to The Fire and Rescue Services(Northern Ireland) Order 2006 by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public SafetyNIA 208/07-08BELFAST: The Stationery Office

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Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08ContentsChairman’s Foreword 3Chief Fire Officer’s Foreword 5Key Performance Targets 8NIFRS Vision, Mission & Values 9Organisational Structure 11Awards & Achievements 152007/08 Review: Responding to Emergencies 192007/08 Review: Developing a Safer Community 332007/08 Review: Supporting our People 3912007/08 Review: Protecting the Environment 472007/08 Review: Managing our Resources & Monitoring Performance 49Financial Statements 61

Chairman’s forewordAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Chairman’s ForewordBill Gillespie, Chairman of the NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service Boardpresents the Annual Report and Statementof Accounts for 2007/08On behalf of the Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service (NIFRS) Board, I am pleasedto present our Annual Report and Statementof Accounts for 2007/08.This past year has been a further one ofgreat accomplishment as NIFRS continuesto modernise and provide even betteremergency cover for the people ofNorthern Ireland.Following an inspection of NIFRS in April2007, Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate(Scotland) found that NIFRS was a ‘highlyachieving Service’, which is the highestcategory of performance that can be awardedunder the inspection process. TheInspectorate also acknowledged NIFRS asone of the best Fire and Rescue Services inthe UK in terms of modernisation.This is a real testimony to the professionalismand commitment of every single member ofour staff, both uniformed and non-uniformed,who work tirelessly to help protect ourcommunity here in Northern Ireland.construction of a brand new Fire Station inArmagh also commenced in February 2008.On behalf of the Board, I congratulate all ourstaff for their readiness to embrace changeover the past year and their commitment tomodernisation and being the very best Fireand Rescue Service that we can be. Thatunwavering commitment underpins ourconfidence that NIFRS will respond well tothe challenges that lie ahead of us incoming years.Whilst it is important to look back and toreport on our progress, we are constantlyplanning for future emergency service needsto protect the community and our personnel.The Board is totally committed to ensuringthat Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicehas all the necessary resources to meetthose needs, as well as supporting theorganisation and monitoring its performance.Mr W F GillespieChairman3During our fifth year of Integrated RiskManagement Planning, 2007/08 has been ayear of significant enhancement ofemergency cover across Northern Ireland.NIFRS has provided additional full-time coverat 3 Retained Fire Stations in Portadown,Newtownards and Coleraine. An additionalFire Station in Dunmurry also wentoperational on 1 February 2008 with full-timeFirefighters now also providing emergencycover and community fire safety work from11am to 11pm every day. As part of NIFRScapital investment programme, the

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Over the past year NIFRS attended a total of743 Road Traffic Collisions. With theintroduction of The Fire and Rescue Services(Northern Ireland) Order 2006, NIFRS has astatutory responsibility for rescuing peoplefrom road traffic collisions and road safety is akey priority for NIFRS. In 2007/08 NIFRSdeveloped and consulted the public and itspartner agencies on its new Road SafetyStrategy.NIFRS was placed 1st in the UK and 4th inthe World Rescue Competitions held during2007. These were excellent achievements forNIFRS to be recognised as being among thebest in the world at rescuing and removingcasualties from road traffic collisions. It alsoreassures the people of Northern Ireland thatwe are one of the world leaders in terms ofexcellence in our rescue skills andcapabilities, further enhancing public safety.everyone within the organisation and I wouldlike to take this opportunity to thank each andevery one for their ongoing support.As Chief Fire Officer, I am justifiably proud ofour achievements over the past year. I lookforward to the challenges that lie ahead,assured by the dedication of all our personnelto deliver an even better fire and rescueservice that is committed at all times toProtecting Our Community.Colin LammeyChief Fire Officer6In June 2007 NIFRS became the first Fire &Rescue Service in Europe to gain theprestigious European Union Road SafetyCharter and is committed to helping to reducethe number of road traffic collisions and makeour roads safer in Northern Ireland; workingclosely with the Police and our other partneragencies.NIFRS also attended 1,126 other SpecialService Incidents in 2007/08, eg, specialistwater and rope rescues as well as chemicalincidents, etc. The past year saw a 14%increase in the number of Special ServiceIncidents attended by NIFRS compared to theprevious year and this very much reflects themove away from the sole need to fight fires toour broader rescue role.None of the achievements of this past yearcould have happened without the dedicationand the commitment of all our uniformed andnon-uniformed members of staff. This hasbeen a year of significant change for

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Key Performance Targets

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Key Performance TargetsThe table below outlines NIFRS Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) agreed with theDepartment of Health, Social Services & Public Safety (DHSSPS). KPIs are used in NIFRS toassess the present state of business and to prescribe a course of action. They help NIFRSmeasure progress towards our organisational goals. The table highlights our performanceagainst each KPI for the year under review 2007/08, as well as the preceding 4 years.Key Indicators Target Performance03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08Number of accidental Reduce the number of 10 8 5 13 8*fire deathsaccidental fire deaths by20% over an 11-year periodto March 2010 (equivalentto 24 fire deaths per annumfrom 1999 baseline figure)Number of serious Reduce serious non-fatal 226 220 205 181 134civilian injuries in casualties in dwelling firesdwelling fires** by 5% year on year8Number of dwelling Reduce the number of fires 945 988 910 829 837fires in dwellings by 1/3 over a 5year period (baseline 1999of 1,324 dwelling fires)Number of deliberate Reduce by 10% the number 3,156 2,754 2,828 2,761 2,673property fires (arson) of deliberate fires by March2010 from the 2002/03baseline of 3,786Percentage of working By March 2005 have a 96% 96% 98% 98% 94%***smoke alarms in private smoke alarm in 96% ofdwellingsprivate dwellings. By March2007 increase this figureto 97%Working days/shifts lost Reduce the organisation’s 12.97 12.19 11.3 11.8 10.4to sickness absence by absenteeism to an overallall staffaverage of 8 days/shiftsper year by 2010Average cost(£) of Maintain expenditure in line £32.48 £36.13 £38.07 £40.16 £43.40services provided with UK Peer Group 4per head of population per capita average (£33.54) (£37.60) (£39.42) (£40.38) ***** Estimate. Subject to PSNI investigation** Accidental dwelling fires A, B & E Home Office Categories*** NIFRS 2007 face-to-face fire safety survey by Millward Brown**** The figures in brackets indicate the average expenditure per head of population on theprovision of fire and rescue services for best value family Group 4. 2007/08 UK peergroup figures not available.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS Vision, Mission & ValuesNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has a clear Vision, Mission and set of CoreValues that are at the heart of everything we do and define who we are, what we stand for andwhat we want to do in the future.Our VisionProtecting Our CommunityOur MissionTo deliver a fire and rescue service and work in partnership with others to ensure the safetyand well-being of our communityOur 8 Core ValuesPeopleLeadershipTeamworkIntegrityDiversityCommunicationPartnershipPursuit of ExcellenceWe value keeping our people safe and well trainedWe value leading by exampleWe value working togetherWe value the utmost integrity in everything we doWe value equality and fairness and we consider the needs of ourstaff and the community we serveWe value open and honest communication with our staff and withall our stakeholdersWe value working in partnershipWe value continuous improvement at all levels of our organisation9

Organisational StructureAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Organisational StructureNorthern Ireland Fire & RescueService BoardThe Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue ServiceBoard is responsible for steering the futuremanagement and operational direction ofNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.The Board is responsible for providing fireand rescue services across Northern Irelandby giving strategic leadership to theimplementation of the changes arising fromThe Fire and Rescue Services (NorthernIreland) Order 2006 and ensuring NIFRS isresourced to meet its challenges as a modernday Fire and Rescue Service. The NIFRSBoard is funded by the Department of Health,Social Services & Public Safety (DHSSPS).The Board comprises a non-executive Chair,the Chief Fire Officer and 10 non-executiveMembers from a range of backgroundsbringing together a wealth of experienceand skills.Members of the Northern Ireland Fire& Rescue Service Board:Chairman: Mr William F GillespieChief Fire Officer: Mr Colin LammeyMembers: Mr Pat Bradley, Mr John Campbell,Mrs Barbara Gilliland, Mr Kenneth Harper,Mr Robert Pollock, Mrs Paula Tally, AldermanArnold Hatch, Councillor Jack Beattie,Councillor Sean Clarke, Councillor JimMcKeever.Northern Ireland Fire & RescueServiceNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Serviceserves the entire population of NorthernIreland, an area of over 5,500 square miles,with a population of 1.71 million, providingthem with a range of fire and rescue services.Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue ServiceMission Statement:“To deliver a fire and rescue service andwork in partnership with others to ensurethe safety and well-being of ourcommunity.”Management of Northern IrelandFire & Rescue ServiceNIFRS is managed by the Chief Fire Officer,who is also the Chief Executive, assisted bythe Deputy Chief Fire Officer, 2 AssistantChief Fire Officers and 3 non-uniformedDirectors, collectively known as the PrincipalOfficers and Directors’ Group.11Principal Officers and Directors’ GroupChief Fire Officer & Chief ExecutiveDeputy Chief Fire Officer & Director of OperationsAssistant Chief Fire Officer & Director of Community DevelopmentAssistant Chief Fire Officer & Director of Technical DevelopmentDirector of Finance & Performance ManagementDirector of Planning & Corporate AffairsDirector of Human ResourcesMr Colin LammeyMr Louis JonesMr Peter CraigMr Tom WrightMr Terry McGonigalDr Doros MichailMs Ann Conley

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Operational StructureNIFRS is divided into 4 operational CommandAreas – Northern, Southern, Eastern andWestern. Area Commanders, eachresponsible for one of the 4 Area Commandsin NIFRS, manage operational activity on aday to day basis and report to the DeputyChief Fire Officer. The 4 Area Commands aresupported by 14 Districts, strategically placedacross Northern Ireland and which create acommunity focus for NIFRS activities. DistrictCommands are responsible for the FireStations in their District.There are 68 Fire Stations throughoutNorthern Ireland serving their localcommunity. The map below shows thelocations of NIFRS Area and DistrictCommands and each of the Fire Stationsacross NI.NIFRS Headquarters and NIFRS RegionalControl Centre are situated in Lisburn, CoAntrim and the Fire & Rescue TrainingCentre is currently situated at BoucherCrescent, Belfast.12

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS PersonnelFirefighters work as either Wholetime (fulltime)or Retained (part-time) Firefighters.Wholetime Firefighters are based at FireStations in the larger towns and citiesthroughout Northern Ireland and areorganised into Watches (shifts) to crew FireStations. Retained Firefighters have otherjobs but live and work no more than 5minutes away from the Fire Station to enablethem to respond to emergency calls in theirlocal community within minutes.Emergency Cover is provided by a currentestablishment of:• 901 Wholetime Firefighters• 980 Retained Firefighters• 12 Volunteer Firefighters• 59 Regional Control Staff (who answer the999 emergency calls)• 218 Non-Uniformed Support Staff (plus 53part-time Caretakers)NIFRS 68 Fire Stations:• 49 Retained• 8 Wholetime• 6 Wholetime / Retained• 3 Variable Crewed (a combination ofWholetime cover from 11am -11pm eachday plus Retained)• 1 Wholetime (Defined hours)• 1 Volunteer (Rathlin Island)• 112 frontline fire appliances (not includingreserves or training)13

Awards & AchievementsAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Awards & AchievementsNIFRS awarded EU Road Safety CharterNIFRS became the first Fire & RescueService in Europe to receive the prestigiousEU Road Safety Charter. The Charter wasawarded to NIFRS in recognition of itscommitment to improve road safety and inassisting to reduce the number of road trafficcollisions (RTCs), deaths and serious injurieshappening on Northern Ireland’s roads.The European Road Safety Charter is aEuropean Commission initiative aimed atimproving road safety and halving the numberof road deaths by 2010 across Europe.NIFRS was officially presented with theCharter by representatives from the EuropeanCommission Road Safety Charter Group fromBarcelona at a ceremony in Dublin on26 June 2007.One of the targets for the first year of theNIFRS Road Safety Charter was to train staffin advanced driving techniques. The ROSPAadvanced driving test, which comprises of a1 1 /2 hour practical driving assessment by anindependent examiner, has so far beenundertaken by 10 members of NIFRS staffwho all achieved the highest standardpossible – the Gold Award. The advanceddriving test continues to be rolled out for staffacross the organisation.NIFRS 1st in UK and 4th in World forRescue & Extrication at Road TrafficCollisionsNIFRS, for the second time in 3 years, hasbeen crowned UK Champions, after provingtheir skill and expertise at rescuing andcutting people free from simulated live roadtraffic collisions (RTCs), at the UK Rescue &Extrication Championships held from 12-14July 2007 in Cardiff, Wales.competition following fantastic performancesin both the individual and team events. The 6strong Crescent Link Team competed hardthroughout the 2-day challenge whichinvolved over 500 Firefighters taking partin the competition at the CardiffInternational Arena.Following their success at the UKChampionships the NIFRS Team competed inthe World Finals Rescue & ExtricationCompetition held from 15-19 October 2007 inBarcelona, Spain and finished 4th overall.During the intensive stages of the competitionthe NIFRS Team came 3rd in the ‘UnlimitedExtrication Challenge’ and 3rd in the ‘RapidExtrication Challenge’. Team Captain, SamDonnell, was placed 3rd in the world in the‘Officer in Command’ competition. Overall thatplaced NIFRS 4th in the world for rescuingcasualties from road traffic collisions.NIFRS awarded ‘Highly Achieving Service’by Her Majesty’s Fire Service InspectorateIn April 2007 an inspection of NIFRS wascarried out by Her Majesty’s Fire ServiceInspectorate (HMI) Scotland. NIFRS wasawarded the highest category of performancepossible – ‘a highly achieving Service’. TheInspector’s Report also acknowledged NIFRSas one of the best in the UK in terms ofprogress on the reform agenda as a result ofthe major changes undergone as part of thenational modernisation programme.The HMI Report was a testimony and tributeto the professionalism and commitment ofevery single member of NIFRS staff, bothuniformed and non-uniformed, who worktirelessly to help protect our community herein Northern Ireland.15The NIFRS Team from Crescent Link FireStation, in Londonderry, beat 46 other UKFire & Rescue Service teams to win the

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Royal Humane Society Award for CrewCommander Mark Hughes, BallynahinchFire StationRetained Crew Commander Mark Hughes,from Ballynahinch Fire Station, was presentedduring 2007/08 with a Royal Humane SocietyAward following a rescue he carried outwhile off-duty in Ballynahinch on27 September 2006.Launch of 999 Charity Partnership with the 4emergency services16Crew Commander Mark Hughes receives RoyalHumane Society Award, pictured with Chief FireOfficer and Assistant Group Commander BrianIrvine from Downpatrick DistrictMark was walking past a house in DromoreStreet, Ballynahinch, when he noticed smokecoming from the property. Mark ran to thehouse and called out for anyone inside,hearing no response he entered the smokefilled house to look for anyone trapped inside.He located a lady in a downstairs room in aconfused and disorientated state and quicklyled her out of the house to safety. The ladysuffered burns to both her hands and smokeinhalation. Mark was in the smoke filledhouse for 2-3 minutes and undoubtedly hisquick action saved her life. The RoyalHumane Society Award is a public recognitionfor Mark of his bravery.999 Emergency Services Charity ofthe YearWork began in 2007 on a joint Charity of theYear initiative involving the 4 emergencyservices - fire, police, ambulance andcoastguard. Staff across the 4 organisationsvoted for and chose the ‘Northern IrelandLong Service and Good Conduct Medal Ceremony 2007

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Trainee Firefighter Graduates 2008Cancer Fund for Children’ as the 999Emergency Services Charity of the Year for2008. A massive fundraising programme forthroughout 2008 was launched in January2008, at the official launch of the charitypartnership. This is the first time the 4emergency services have joined forces tocollectively raise money for one local charity.Long Service and Good Conduct MedalsThe Fire Service Long Service and GoodConduct (LSGC) Medal Ceremony was heldin Fire & Rescue Training Centre onSaturday, 6 October 2007. 28 personnel werepresented with the LSGC Medal by LordO’Neill, the Lord Lieutenant for Antrim.This award is permitted by Royal Warrant toFirefighters and Regional Control Centre staffwho have served the community for aminimum of 20 years and displayedexemplary service.NIFRS Graduation Ceremony18 new Trainee Wholetime Firefighterssuccessfully graduated from their FirefighterTraining Course on 11 January 2008. TheTrainee Firefighters successfully completedtheir 12 week intensive programme at the Fire& Rescue Training Centre, Belfast.The Graduation Ceremony was a chance forthe new Trainee Firefighters to showcasetheir skills by performing a number of live fireand rescue demonstrations and drills. Thenew Firefighters have now joined theircolleagues in Fire Stations across NorthernIreland in responding to a wide range of lifethreatening situations such as fires, roadtraffic collisions, chemical spillages, collapsedbuildings, floods, etc.17

Responding to EmergenciesAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 Review: Responding to EmergenciesProvide and maintain an efficient and effective fire and rescue service which is responsive tothe needs of the community in Northern Ireland2007/08 At a Glance• Operational Statistics: a total of 52,831 emergency calls handled and 31,773 incidentsattended• Road Safety: NIFRS Road Safety Strategy developed and consulted on; first Fire andRescue Service in Europe to receive EU Road Safety Charter; introduced advanceddriving standards test; NIFRS 1st in UK and 4th in World at Rescues from Road TrafficCollisions; NIFRS preparation for World Rally Championship• Integrated Risk Management Planning: IRMP Action Plan 07/08 rolled out andconsultation launched for IRMP 08/09• Enhancing Emergency Cover: additional full-time cover at Coleraine Fire Station(variable crew); new Dunmurry Fire Station in Dunmurry operational; Business ContinuityPlan developed; New Standard Operating Procedures developed• Working in Partnership: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) developed withDepartment of Agriculture & Rural Development and Environment & Heritage Service;sharing facilities with Ambulance Service and Coastguard at Bangor and Rathlin Island;New Rathlin Rescue Station opened; enhanced cross border working with DonegalCounty Fire Service• Incidents of Note: Floods June 07; Major Fire February 08; Training Exercise ‘Exodus’May 07• New Dimension: 3 new high volume pumping appliances and Hazardous Materialtraining• Consultation: IRMP; Customer Satisfaction Survey with 99% satisfaction rate for NIFRSEmergency Response; NIFRS Customer Charter19Operational StatisticsEmergency CallsDuring the past year we received 52,831 calls and responded to 31,773 emergency incidentscovering a wide range of situations including fires, road traffic collisions, collapsed buildings,specialist rescues and chemical spillages.2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08Received 58,834 53,838 52,302 52,988 52,831Mobilised 36,403 33,132 32,007 32,183 31,773% Mobilised 61.9% 61.5% 61.2% 60.7% 60.1%Road Traffic Collisions & Special ServiceIncidentsDuring 2007/08 NIFRS attended 743 RoadTraffic Collisions across Northern Ireland.NIFRS also attended 1,126 other SpecialService Incidents, eg, chemical spillages,hazardous materials and rescues - a 14%increase compared to the previous year - thisvery much reflects the move away from thesole need to fight fires to our broaderrescue role.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08Road Traffic Collisions 697 721 738 812 743Rescue or Release of People 236 249 250 269 272Lift Incident 142 144 123 123 131Making Incident Safe 74 97 98 158 136Animal Rescue 116 94 93 111 105Chemical Incident 37 78 98 66 62Effecting Entry at Incident 48 64 51 61 65Flooding 52 31 21 32 196Other 171 154 122 148 159Total 1,573 1,632 1,594 1,780 1,869Road Traffic Collisions20NIFRS's primary role in relation to RTCs isintervention to improve vehicle stablisation,casualty extrication and handling at thescene. NIFRS also has a contribution tomake, along with partner agencies, tocontinue to influence positive change in driverattitudes and behaviours by making additionalresources available to promote road safety.NIFRS continues to contribute to the widerdebate regarding vehicle safety standards atlocal, national and international levels.While the number of deaths and seriousinjuries on Northern Ireland's roads hasdeclined in recent years, NIFRS and otherkey stakeholders will continue to work toachieve further road casualty reductions andpromote safer driver behaviour and attitudes.European Road Safety CharterIn recognition of our commitment to improveroad safety in Northern Ireland, NIFRSbecame the first Fire & Rescue Service inEurope to receive the prestigious EuropeanRoad Safety Charter.The European Road Safety Charter is aEuropean Commission initiative aimed atimproving road safety and halving the numberof road deaths by 2010 across Europe.NIFRS was officially presented with theCharter by representatives from the EuropeanCommission Road Safety Charter Group fromEU NI Commissioner presenting CFO with EURoad Safety CharterBarcelona at a ceremony in Dublin on26 June 2007.NIFRS Road Safety StrategyRoad safety is a key priority for NIFRS andthis is reflected in the development of theNIFRS Road Safety Strategy over the pastyear. The Strategy sets out the key strategicthemes which will contribute to theimprovement of road safety in NorthernIreland. Public consultation on our Draft RoadSafety Strategy concluded on 24 March 2008with excellent feedback from NIFRS staff andexternal stakeholders.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Publication of NIFRS Road Safety Strategyfor 2008-2013 is anticipated in mid-June 2008and will be available to download from ourwebsite www.nifrs.org.the globe to put their everyday skills to thetest as they use state of the art equipment toextricate live casualties from vehicles, whichwill be impact damaged to simulate RTCs.NIFRS 1st in UK and 4th in World forRescue & Extrication at Road TrafficCollisionsNIFRS Firefighters, for the second time in 3years, have been crowned UK Champions,after proving their skill and expertise atrescuing and cutting people free fromsimulated live road traffic collisions (RTCs), atthe UK Rescue & Extrication Championshipsheld from 12-14 July 2007 in Cardiff, Wales.The NIFRS Team from Crescent Link FireStation in Londonderry beat 46 other UK Fire& Rescue Service teams to win thecompetition following fantastic performancesin both the individual and team events. The 6strong Crescent Link Team competed hardthroughout the 2 day challenge whichinvolved over 500 Firefighters taking part inthe competition at the Cardiff InternationalArena.During the intensive individual competitionsthroughout the World Finals NIFRS Teamcame 3rd in the ‘Unlimited ExtricationChallenge’ and 3rd in the ‘Rapid ExtricationChallenge’. Team Captain, Sam Donnell, wasplaced 3rd in the world in the ‘Officer inCommand’ competition. Overall that placedNIFRS 4th in the world for rescuing casualtiesfrom RTCs.World Rally ChampionshipIreland hosted a stage of the World RallyChampionship for the first time from the 15-18November 2007. The rally was staged inparts of Western Area Command in CountiesFermanagh and Tyrone. NIFRS was involved,with the other emergency services andpartner agencies, in planning for this hugesporting and community event. The aim wasto ensure all the emergency services couldstill respond effectively to any emergencyincidents as well as supporting the importantroad safety messages being communicated tothe public.21UKRO CompetitionFollowing their success at the UKChampionships the NIFRS Team competed inthe World Finals Rescue & ExtricationCompetition held from 15-19 October 2007 inBarcelona, Spain.The World Rescue & Extrication Competitionis run by the World Rescue Organisation andchallenges teams of Firefighters from acrossThe specific risks associated with anincreased number of cars and members ofthe public in the area (approximately 150,000spectators) and also the importance ofproviding a safe system of work for NIFRSpersonnel, were all taken into consideration atthe planning stages. Planning for the eventwas extensive and involved NIFRS Officersfrom Western Area Command, Chief FireOfficers in Counties Donegal, Leitrim, Sligoand Cavan, World Rally representatives,Police Service of Northern Ireland, Gardaiand Local Council representatives.During the Rally an Officer from Western AreaCommand was based at the main Rally

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Control Centre, at Rally Headquarters,Clarion Hotel in Sligo. Silver Command wasestablished at Enniskillen Police Station withrepresentatives from all the partner agenciesbased there.22In order to ensure the most accurateinformation was relayed to Fire Crewsresponding to potential incidents, a robustcommunication link (via telephone and TetraRadio) was established between the NIFRSOfficer at Rally HQ, NIFRS SilverCommander, NIFRS Regional Control Centre(RCC) and responding appliances, plus thePSNI Silver Commander.Due to the high volume of traffic it was crucialthat accurate information regarding approachroutes to any potential incident wascommunicated to Fire Crews to ensure thefastest response possible to any incident. Itwas the role of NIFRS Silver Commander toliaise with the PSNI Silver Commander anddetermine the appropriate response.NIFRS temporarily moved some SpecialistAppliances – a water carrier and foam tender– to Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh for theduration of the Rally given the increased riskof an incident caused by the volume ofvehicles and people in the area.Fire Officers in Omagh and Enniskillen Districtcarried out an Operations Profile of the Rallyroute, identifying major fire and other hazardsand water supply issues around the Rallyarea to plan in advance the best operationalresponse, if required. A risk assessment wasalso prepared due to the possibility of FireCrews having to respond to an incident onone of the ‘live’ stages of the Rally.In an attempt to reduce the risk of fires orother emergency incidents household leafletdrops were arranged by Western AreaCommunity Development Department.World Rally ChampionshipRetained personnel distributed leaflets andgave both home fire safety and grassland fireadvice to householders and spectators in thearea.The World Rally was an enormous successand passed off without any major incidents.The contingency plan developed by WesternArea Command will form the basis forplanning for the next World Rally in Irelandwhich is due to take place in January 2009.Integrated Risk ManagementPlanningIntegrated Risk Management Planning(IRMP) is our approach to providingemergency cover for the people of NorthernIreland ensuring NIFRS has the rightresources in the right place at the right time.During the year substantial progress hasbeen made towards imminent completion ofa number of IRMP projects including:• A Special Services Risk Assessment• A Review of Locations of Fire Stations andResources in the Belfast Area• A Review of the use of Second PumpingAppliances in 12 Station Locations.The outcomes of these projects will be usedto inform NIFRS strategy relating to theallocation of appliances, equipment and

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08personnel to ensure we continue to providean effective and efficient service to thecommunity and continue to meet ouremergency response times.Enhancing Emergency CoverThrough IRMP we continued in 2007/08 tomodernise and enhance emergency coveracross Northern Ireland.Variable Crewing Shift SystemFollowing the introduction of the newemergency response standards a Review ofEmergency Cover in Northern Ireland wascarried out during 2006. The Review identifieda number of Retained (part-time) FireStations that required additional Wholetime(full-time) Firefighter cover to meet theemergency response times. A VariableCrewing Shift System was developed toprovide additional emergency cover inthose areas.A Variable Crewing Shift System, on a 2-Watch basis, provides a Wholetime Firefighterresponse between the hours of 11am to11pm, 7 days per week. The additionalWholetime cover during these hourssupplements the already excellent emergencycover provided by the Retained personnel.Outside 11am to 11pm, emergencyresponse continues to be provided byRetained personnel.Variable Crewing in Coleraine Fire StationNew Fire Station in DunmurryA new Fire Station in Dunmurry becameoperational on 1 February 2008. A Fire Crewand fire appliance from Cadogan Fire Station(Lisburn Road, Belfast) are now based atDunmurry Fire Station during the definedhours of 11am to 11pm, 7 days per week.Outside these hours the area will continue tobe served by Fire Stations in Belfast andLisburn as normal.The new Station greatly enhances communityfire safety work and also emergency cover inthe greater Dunmurry area, includingPoleglass, Twinbrook, Lagmore andSeymour Hill.23Variable Crewing was introduced atNewtownards and Portadown Fire Stationsduring March 2007. Within this reporting year,Variable Crewing was introduced at ColeraineFire Station with effect from 10 March 2008.The remaining 4 Fire Stations (Carrickfergus,Antrim, Omagh and Armagh) identified asrequiring similar Wholetime Crewing will beresourced on a phased basis. VariableCrewing is the first shift system of its kind inthe UK.Dunmurry Fire Station

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Further information on all our IRMPs andEnhanced Emergency Cover can be foundon our website, www.nifrs.org, OperationsSection.Business Continuity PlanningBusiness Continuity Planning enables NIFRSto plan in advance our recovery strategyfollowing disruptive events that could affectour ability to provide an effective fire andrescue service. Our Business Continuity Plan(BCP) details the procedures we mustimplement to ensure that we can still providean effective service during disruption.Firefighters removing casualties from simulatedroad traffic collisionsDuring the past year NIFRS continued to takesteps towards the long term goal of achievingcertification to BS 25999, the BusinessContinuity Best Practice Standard.24Specific training was arranged for keymembers of staff on ‘Processes and Planningfor Business Continuity Management (BCM)’and ‘Developing and Embedding the BCMProgramme’, to ensure that the approachNIFRS adopts continues to follow bestpractice. Additional training was delivered topractitioners (BCP Team leaders) on the‘Validation and Communication of Plans’,which has greatly assisted to increaseawareness of BCP across the organisation.A new system to capture and record contactand emergency contact details for all staffwas devised to ensure the data held isaccurate at all times. This is essential to allowNIFRS to effectively co-ordinate the responseto any Business Continuity event.In addition NIFRS introduced a revisedEmergency Recall System which enablesNIFRS to quickly boost the numbers of staffand fire appliances available if a majorincident should occur in Northern Ireland.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08BCM and BCP are used to ensure that NIFRScan continue to operate its core StandardOperating Procedures (SOPs) andOperations Policies functions in the event ofany disruption.New Standard OperatingProcedures (SOPs)SOPs provide guidance to operationalpersonnel on procedures to be followed whendealing with specific types of operationalincidents. During 2007/08 a policy relating totactical ventilation was developed to ensureimproved Firefighter safety at incidents. Inaddition, 3 new Operations Policies weredeveloped to provide guidance for operationalpersonnel at incidents involving rescues,personnel taken to hospital and High VolumePumps (HVPs).Working in PartnershipStrong partnerships remain at the heart ofNIFRS operational activities. NIFRS hasMemorandums of Understanding (MoUs) withseveral partner agencies ensuring, throughthe development and application ofprofessional and effective working practices,that dangers to both our staff and the publicare minimised. MoUs provide the frameworkfor co-operation which clarifies roles andresponsibilities, on-scene management,training and use of each organisation’sresources at incidents.Through MoUs NIFRS ensures that bothcommunity safety and Firefighter safety isenhanced by providing expertise, reducingduplication of effort and providing and workingto examples of best practice.MoU between NIFRS and the Environment& Heritage ServiceOn 30 April 2007 an MoU between NIFRSand the Environment & Heritage Service(EHS) was officially signed. This MoU aims tominimise the hazard to the environment fromfirefighting activities and to formulatepreventable measures at the planning stagefor special risk sites across Northern Irelandwhere there is potential for environmentaldamage to occur duringan incident.MoU between NIFRS and Department ofAgriculture & Rural DevelopmentOn 3 December 2007 the Agriculture & RuralDevelopment Minister, Michelle GildernewMP MLA and the Chief Fire Officer, NIFRS,launched a new emergency planningagreement at Stormont in relation to theoutbreak of epizootic disease.With the potential of Avian Flu reachingNorthern Ireland this MoU is part of theDepartment of Agriculture & RuralDevelopment’s (DARD) ongoing contingencyplanning process for enhancing preparednessfor dealing with any local outbreak ofepizootic disease.Sharing FacilitiesNIFRS is committed to working closely withother emergency services across NorthernIreland. During the year we continued to liaisewith Northern Ireland Ambulance Service(NIAS) to share facilities at Carryduff, Comberand Dromore (Co Down). The sharedfacilities range from NIAS having possessionof an entire building to NIFRS providingspace for NIAS to position a portacabin.We also share our Station facilities with theMaritime & Coastguard Agency at Bangor andon 1 June 2007 we opened the first ever UKjoint Fire & Rescue Service and CoastguardStation on Rathlin Island. This new purposebuilt Station will greatly enhance emergencycover on the island, improving communitysafety for both residents and the many25

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08tourists who visit the island each year, as wellas providing better working facilities forNIFRS and Coastguard personnel.Cross Border WorkingIn April 2007 NIFRS and Donegal County FireService extended their long standing workingpartnership to further enhance public safety,resilience and community well-being on bothsides of the border through a new jointresponding agreement in the border areas ofBelleek, Co Fermanagh and Ballyshannon,Co Donegal.This collaborative working is good news notonly for the people who live in the borderareas as it ultimately enhances theemergency cover for the local community, butit is also good news for our Firefighters asRathlin Rescue Stationenhanced cover clearly contributes toFirefighter safety. In order for this partnershiparrangement to work so effectively NIFRSand Donegal County Fire Service regularlyparticipate in joint training exercises andfamiliarisation visits, as well as undertake toshare best practices, skills and knowledge.Incidents of Note26Incidents of Note: 12 June 2007NIFRS received almost 400 calls following the heavy rain experienced across much ofNorthern Ireland on Tuesday, 12 June 2007.Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in many parts of Belfast, particularly in the eastand south of the city. Omagh and Cookstown in Co Tyrone also experienced very heavylocalised flooding.Fire Crews responded to a range of incidents helping to lead people to safety and rescuingpeople trapped in their cars, homes and businesses due to the floodwater. Fire appliancesand specialist equipment were used to pump water out of buildings that had been flooded.NIFRS Specialist Rescue Team wasalso in operation using their inflatableboat to bring people to safety.NIFRS worked closely with otherpartner agencies including Belfast CityCouncil, Department of theEnvironment, Water Service, HousingExecutive and the Police Service ofNorthern Ireland to ensure a coordinatedapproach in responding to thewidespread flooding.NIFRS Flooding Response - Picturecourtesy of Press Eye Photography

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Incidents of Note: 28 February 2008Fire crews tackled a major fire at the Tidy Doffer pub and restaurant in Lisburn. A fire brokeout in the restaurant area at approximately 13.00hrs on Thursday, 28 February 2008. Thethatched roof of the pub caught fire and the building was well alight upon the arrival of firecrews. 8 fire appliances and 3 specialist fire appliances including a water tanker, a high riseaerial appliance and the Command Support Unit were in attendance during the peak of thefirefighting operation.Approximately 50 Firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze. The thatched roof sectionof the bar was destroyed but fire crews managed to stop the fire from spreading to thenewer part of the building. The new Compressed Air Foam System was used to tackle thefire and proved to be a very effective method of firefighting using less water.27

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Exercise Exodus: 20 May 2007An exercise to test how Northern Ireland’s emergency services would deal with a majordisaster such as a plane crash took place on Sunday, 20 May 2007 at Belfast InternationalAirport.The skills of NIFRS, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland AmbulanceService, hospital staff and airport workers were put to the test during the simulated disasterwhich involved over 1,200 people, 3 airports and 5 hospitals.The disaster scenario involved a plane from ‘Exodus Airlines’ carrying 100 passengersleaving Belfast City Airport en route to the City of Derry Airport. Soon after take-off acatastrophic failure on board forced the plane to divert to Belfast International, where itmade a crash landing.Up to 50 nursing students from the University of Ulster acted as casualties to be rescuedfrom the burning plane. They were taken to a mocked up Triage Centre at the airport andfrom there transferred to either Antrim Area, The Mater, Belfast City, The Royal Victoria orthe Royal Children’s hospitals.The exercise tested all aspects of NIFRS response to such an incident, operational,contingency planning, media response and involved Firefighters, Regional Control Centrestaff and Corporate Communications.28The exercise was an invaluable training opportunity and tested not only NIFRS internalsystems and procedures but tested our methods of communication and working togetherwith key partner agencies and the other emergency services.With Northern Ireland on the flight path for planescrossing the Atlantic, the likelihood of such a majordisaster is always present and one NIFRS needs to beprepared for. An exercise such as ‘Exodus’ provides aninvaluable opportunity for the various agenciesinvolved to discuss lessons learned and amendpolicies and procedures if required.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08New DimensionNIFRS’s New Dimension project aims tomodernise our operational response byequipping and training Firefighters in a rangeof specialist rescue and chemicaldecontamination techniques.In line with resilience preparations in Englandand Wales aimed at strengthening the Fire &Rescue Service response to floodingincidents, NIFRS has taken delivery of andtrained personnel in the use of 3 specialisedHigh Volume Pumping Units. These unitswere successfully deployed at a number oflocalised flooding incidents during 2007/08.To strengthen our response to HazardousMaterials incidents, NIFRS has formed andequipped a team of Specialised Officers inthe use of a range of equipment that candetect, identify and monitor a range ofhazardous materials so as to allow for aspeedier and safer resolution of complexHazmat incidents. This Team mirrors similararrangements introduced in England, Walesand currently being developed for the ScottishFire and Rescue Services.29High Volume Pumping Appliance

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0830ConsultationConsultation on Service ProvisionNIFRS is committed to consulting andengaging with its staff and the wholecommunity in Northern Ireland in relation tocurrent and future service provision. It isimportant to ensure that our services are, andremain relevant and responsive to the needsof our customers. Feedback is key tounderstanding the needs and expectations ofindividuals and groups.During the past year NIFRS continued toemploy quantitative and qualitative methodsof consultation to fully understand theopinions and requirements of its staff and thecommunity it serves.In 2007/08 NIFRS Operations Departmentcarried out 2 major consultation exercises:• NIFRS Draft Integrated Risk ManagementPlan 2008/09• NIFRS Draft Road Safety Strategy.Both of these 12 week consultation exerciseswere widely advertised internally andexternally, targeting all NIFRS majorstakeholders, members of the public andstaff. All views received during consultationwere taken into account and considered bythe Board prior to any final decisions. Furtherdetails on NIFRS consultation exercises canbe viewed on our website, www.nifrs.org andclick on Consultation.Customer Satisfaction on ServiceProvisionNIFRS strives to achieve the very higheststandards of service delivery. To monitor andmeasure the public’s perception of the serviceprovided, NIFRS carried out 3 customersatisfaction surveys during the past year. Keyfindings include:• 99.75% of respondents were satisfied withthe quality of the Emergency ResponseService received from NIFRS• In relation to Fire Safety Inspections, 98%of respondents were satisfied with theservice they received from NIFRS.Summary reports from these surveys andprevious customer satisfaction surveys canbe found on our website www.nifrs.org andclick on Feedback.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS Customer’s CharterBetween April 2007 and March 2008 NIFRSreceived 166 expressions of appreciation, 3relating to charitable events, 23 regarding firesafety, 114 following NIFRS attendance atincidents and 5 letters of thanks relating toNIFRS hospitality. 21 other appreciationswere also received for other achievementssuch as the provision of general talks andvisits to schools and business organisationsand comments about our website.2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08Number of 107 73 75 118 166AppreciationsNIFRS has a clearly defined complaintssystem and is committed to investigating allcomplaints received whether verbal or inwriting. The most common type of complaintreceived last year was in relation to drivingissues whilst responding to incidents.All complaints are investigated and, wherenecessary, improvements to the servicemade. The table below details the numberof formal and informal complaints dealt withover the past 5 years. Since the previousyear, the number of formal complaintsreceived by NIFRS has decreased in total by9 and the number of informal complaints hasincreased by 5.2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08Number ofComplaints:Formal 20 17 4 13 4Informal 44 51 32 27 3231

Developing a Safer CommunityAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 Review: Developing a Safer CommunityReduce the incidence of fire and other emergencies by the provision of an efficient andeffective safety education, advice and legal enforcement service2007/08 At a Glance• Community Safety Education: a total of 24 key fire safety and community safetymessages delivered; NIFRS schools programme delivered to 795 Primary and 37Secondary schools; Year 11 Schools Fire Safety Programme completed and ongoing in30 schools• Community Engagement: 8,052 Free Home Fire Safety Checks completed and 7,500smoke alarms fitted in homes across Northern Ireland; 18,000 leaflet drops completed byfire crews; 3,770 premises whose fire alarm systems generate unwanted fire signalswere visited by NIFRS personnel; 25,000 leaflets distributed to businesses highlightingthe issue; 10% reduction in deliberate fires achieved through targeted pilot scheme inSouthern Area Command; 25 LIFE Schemes delivered across Northern Ireland duringthe year; new NIFRS Cadets Scheme in Carrickfergus• Legal Enforcement Service: a total of 6,279 Statutory Legislative Inspections carriedout in 2007/08; all Inspecting Officers trained on interpretation and application of theanticipated new Fire Safety Legislation• Health & Safety in the Workplace: 15% reduction in accidents at work from 198 in2006/07 to 170 in 2007/08; NIFRS received RoSPA Gold Award for third consecutiveyearCommunity Safety Education33Delivery of Fire and Community SafetyMessagesDuring 2007/08 NIFRS has continued toensure that the people of Northern Irelandreceived at least 24 fire safety messagestargeted to assist the community to keepthemselves safer from fire in their homes.The ‘Smoke Kills’ campaign has ensured thatthe incremental learning process hascontinued, with the emphasis remaining onthe necessity to have a working smoke alarmin your home, while clearly demonstrating theimpact unabated smoke travel in a familyhome can have on the occupants. Thedelivery of fire and community safetymessages to the wider community has beensupported by the ongoing delivery of NIFRSschools programmes to 795 Primary Schoolsand 37 secondary Schools - all of which havecontributed to increased public awareness offire and community fire safety. During 2007/08Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Craig and Mr deJager Launching Fire Safety Week 2007NIFRS won 2 prestigious advertising awards(SHARK Awards) for our ‘Stop Attacks’animated advertising campaign and our‘Waiting Room’ advertising campaign. Theawards are based on advertisingeffectiveness.Delivery of Road Safety MessagesNIFRS has continued to provide educationalmessaging targeted at young people andduring 2007/08 has developed a pilot schemewhich deals with the consequences of Road

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Traffic Collisions (RTCs) on young people.The initiative will underpin the work alreadybeing delivered right across Northern Irelandin schools and the community with our keypartners in Road Safety during 2008/09.Multi-Agency Firework Safety Campaign –Fire Safety Week 2007NIFRS was a lead partner in the developmentof a first of its kind joint Fireworks campaign,with the Police, Northern Ireland Office andDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety. The campaign was launchedduring Fire Safety Week 2007 at Fire &Rescue Training Centre. The multi-agencyadvertising campaign ‘Use your Head, Don’tLose your Hand’ was rolled out on the run upto Halloween, one of our busiest nights ofthe year.Community Engagement34Free Home Fire Safety ChecksOver the past year NIFRS has completedover 8,000 free home safety checks with over7,500 10-year smoke alarms being installedin homes across Northern Ireland. NIFRS hastargeted areas already identified as potentiallyhigh risk and over 18,000 leaflets have beendelivered to targeted homes throughoutNorthern Ireland.Unwanted Fire Signals – ‘Stop It’ InitiativeUnwanted fire signals still prevent operationalpersonnel being available for realemergencies and NIFRS has been workingwith key stakeholders to continue to reducethis burden on society. The ‘Stop It’ initiativehas been designed to assist businessesreduce the frequency of unwanted fire signals(false alarms) and has ensured that NIFRSremains on target to meets it performanceindicator in 2010. During 2007/08 over 25,000leaflets were distributed to businesseshighlighting the issue of unwanted firesignals, their impact on the community and

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08what businesses can do to resolve the issue.A total of 3,770 premises whose fire alarmsystems generate unwanted fire signals werevisited and advised by NIFRS personnel. Thishas contributed to overall awareness of theissue, increased community fire safety andalso reduced the risk of injury to operationalFirefighters responding to this type ofincident.NIFRS Cadet Firefighters SchemeThe Cadet Firefighters Scheme has alsoexpanded over the past year with one newScheme developed in Carrickfergus. Thereare now 10 Cadet Schemes right acrossNorthern Ireland. Like the LIFE Scheme, theCadets Scheme is a highly valued youthengagement initiative which is supported anddelivered by NIFRS personnel and volunteersfrom the local community. Together theseinitiatives are making a significant impact inincreasing young people’s citizenshipknowledge while contributing to a reduction indeliberate fire setting, anti-social behaviourand attacks on fire service appliances andpersonnel.Deliberate Fire SettingDeliberate fire setting remains an issue forNIFRS and during 2007/08 a pilot schemetargeting deliberate fire setting in rural areaswas implemented throughout Southern AreaCommand, working with key partner agenciesand the wider community. Environmentalprotection and community safety issues werealso addressed, which has contributed toNIFRS meeting the required 10% reduction indeliberate fire setting in Northern Ireland.35LIFE SchemesThe Local Intervention Fire Education (LIFE)Scheme, an initiative working with youngpeople, has been a major contributor toNIFRS Youth Engagement Programme withsome 25 courses being delivered all acrossNorthern Ireland with over 250 young peoplebeing given the opportunity to becomeambassadors for NIFRS in their localcommunity.Legal Enforcement ServiceFire Safety LegislationLegislatively NIFRS has continued in 2007/08to prepare for the introduction of new firesafety risk based legislation contained withinThe Fire and Rescue Services Order(Northern Ireland) 2006.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Statutory InspectionsNIFRS is committed to achieving a highstandard of fire protection for the people ofNorthern Ireland. Consequently NIFRS hascontinued to meet its statutory obligations for2007/08 as an enforcing authority and anadvisory agency, carrying out a total of 6,279statutory inspections.The table below details the number ofstatutory inspections carried out by NIFRSduring 2007/08 and the preceding 3 years, aswell as the other community developmentactivities which help protect our community.Statutory Legislative Inspections and Community Development Activities362004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08Publicity Events includes 695 1,223 1,372 1,428Publicity EventsFS QuizzesTalks – General includes 555 589 590 514Talks – HomeTalks – GeneralTalks – Training/InstructionTalks – School includes 856 980 912 838Talks School – Key Stage 1Talks School – Key Stage 2Talks School – Key Stage 3Home Safety Checks/Visits 1,421* 1,388* 4,792 8,702Leaflet Drops - - 1,127 1,098Total – Community 3,527 4,180 8,793 12,580Development includesAll of the above inspectionsadded togetherTotal – Statutory Legislative 9,719 8,968 7,678 6,279Inspections includesBuilding Regulations/ConsultationsDuring Performance InspectionsFollow-Up InspectionsFull InspectionsOther Plans InspectionsRe-inspectionsSpecific InspectionsTOTAL 13,246 13,148 16,471 18,859* In Reporting Periods 2004/2005 and 2005/2006, the Leaflet Drop figures were included in the HomeSafety Checks/Visits figures. The period 2006/2007 column has been updated from last year to includeLeaflet Drops.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Health & Safety in the WorkplaceOver the past year NIFRShas worked closely withthe representativebodies to reduce thenumber of accidentsand injuries to NIFRSemployees by 15% from198 in 2006/07 to 170 in2007/08. Reflecting this sustained reductionyear on year, NIFRS won the prestigiousRoyal Society for the Prevention of Accidents(RoSPA) Health and Safety GOLD Award forthe third consecutive year. The awardhighlights NIFRS’s ongoing commitment tothe health and safety of all its employeesand recognises the emphasis we place onthis important aspect of our day to dayworking lives.Total On Duty AccidentsTotal On Duty Firefighter Accidents2002/03 378 3542003/04 310 2912004/05 263 2392005/06 202 1942006/07 198 1852007/08 170 15937

Supporting our PeopleAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 Review: Supporting our PeopleProvide a well equipped, skilful and highly motivated workforce, able to work safely and whosecomposition reflects the diverse community that we serve2007/08 At a Glance• Workforce Planning & Recruitment:18 Trainee Wholetime Firefighters; 55 RetainedFirefighters; 8 Regional Control Centre staff; 30 Non-Uniformed staff new appointments;62 promotions for operational personnel; Assessment & Development Centre programmecontinued• Training & Development: 19,221.75 training days completed at Fire & Rescue TrainingCentre and Fire Service College; courses delivered in Breathing Apparatus, IncidentCommand, Aerial Appliances, Medical Trauma Care, Personal Development, NVQs;Training Needs Analysis devolved to Areas and Districts• Attendance Management & Occupational Health: Absenteeism improved to 10.4days/shifts lost per person; new fitness level agreed for operational personnel• Equality & Diversity: Equality & Diversity training continued for uniformed staff; NIFRScareers guidance booklet produced; 5 year Disability Action Plan produced; Silvergrading awarded for ‘Opportunity Now’ Gender Diversity• Employee Relations: Grievance procedure finalised; Discipline Policy & Proceduretraining with 226 managers complete; new industrial relations training programmedevelopedWorkforce Planning & RecruitmentNIFRS values developing and supporting itspeople and during 2007/08 recruitment ofnew staff and training for new and existingstaff remained a top priority for theorganisation.Uniformed Recruitment - Firefighters& Regional Control Centre staff18 new Trainee Wholetime Firefighters wereappointed and began the 12-week intensiveTrainee Firefighter Course at the Fire &Rescue Training Centre, Belfast, on15 October 2007. All the new TraineeFirefighters successfully graduated on 11January 2008 and are continuing theiron-station training at Fire Stations acrossNorthern Ireland.55 new Retained Firefighters were appointedto Fire Stations across Northern Ireland. Thisincluded 5 new female Firefighters, bringingthe total number of female Firefighters in theorganisation to 29.8 new Regional Control Centre staff werealso appointed during 2007/08. In addition, 2members of existing NIFRS staff were trainedas part of a new Regional Control CentreResilience Team for business continuityplanning. Future resilience training is planned.3936 additional new Trainee WholetimeFirefighters were appointed in March 2008and commence their 12-week TraineeFirefighter Course in May 2008.Top Trainee Firefighter Lisa Hannan

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0840Trainee Firefighter Graduates 2008Promotions included 6 Group Commanders,17 Assistant Group Commanders, 27 WatchCommanders and 10 Crew Commanders. 2Temporary Station Commanders wereseconded to the Mobile Data Project and toBusiness Continuity Management.Substantive Watch Commanders have alsobeen appointed to each of the VariableCrewed Stations (Portadown, Newtownardsand Coleraine).The Assessment & Development Centreprogramme has continued and assessmentshave been completed for Supervisory andMiddle Management levels. Initial Tests ofPotential were also held for StationCommander and Crew Commander levels.The Assessment & Development Centreprocess is a national process in common usethroughout Fire & Rescue Services in the UK.Support Staff Recruitment30 new support staff appointments weremade during 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008.A number of these appointments wereapproved following restructuring of theFinance, Technical and Estates Departments.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Training & DevelopmentNIFRS Fire & Rescue Training Centredelivered a total of 14,166.5 training daysduring 2007/08 in support of technical skillstraining and personal development of stafffrom across the organisation.Breakdown of training days delivered at both Fire & Rescue Training Centre(Belfast & Londonderry) and Fire Service College (England) during 2007/08Number of Driving Students 373LGVC 35EFAD 49EFADR 246EHLV 43First Aid Based Training 977Defibrillator Instructor 8Microvent Resuscitator 423First Aid at Work Initial 257First Aid at Work Refresher 245First Person on Scene Intermediate 44Student Days DeliveredAdministration & Management 466Aerial Appliances 440BA & CFFT 2827Driving 1473Fire Safety & Occupational Health 1203First Aid & Trauma 1851.75Information & Communications Technology 306Initial Trainee & Induction Programme 798NVQ 690Officer Development 2107.75Operational Core Skills 3901.25Special Service & New Dimension 1474.75Seminars & CPD 108Miscellaneous 1575.25Total Fire & Rescue Service Training Centre Training Days 14,166.5Fire Service College Training Days 1416On Station Core Skill Training 3639.25Total Training Days 19,221.7541

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Breathing Apparatus TrainingInitial and refresher Breathing Apparatus (BA)courses were provided at our training facilitiesat Westland Road, Belfast and NorthlandRoad in Londonderry. An Officers’ BARefresher Course was also introduced. Thiscourse was designed for roles at GroupCommander and above and focused on thecommand and control of major incidentswhere breathing apparatus controlprocedures are required.Training Centre Instructors also developed arevised BA course for personnel who arerequired to wear new Extended DurationBreathing Apparatus (EDBA) sets, forincidents involving confined space rescue (16Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Teammembers trained).Incident Command TrainingIncident command training was delivered toexisting and newly-appointed Fire Officersduring the year. The “Safe to Manage”development programme was delivered to 69Crew and Watch Commanders. Theseprogrammes included practical incidentcommand training courses at the Fire ServiceCollege and at Washington Hall inLancashire, where a total of 105 Officersreceived practical command training.42In addition, 2-day incident command courseswere introduced which combined one day ofclassroom theory followed by one day ofpractical assessments using the VectorCommand virtual reality command simulator.These courses were targeted at all Crew andWatch Commanders. Post-promotioninduction training (3 days) was made up of 2-day theory and practical decision exerciseswith a one day formal assessment forAssistant Group Commander level.Driver TrainingDriver training continued to be a high priorityfor NIFRS during 2007/08 with 373 personnelundergoing basic and advanced level training.Driver training was delivered in a number ofvehicle types including cars, appliances andoff-road vehicles.The introduction of new NationalOccupational Standards (NOS) foremergency service drivers has necessitated areview of current driver training programmesto ensure that NIFRS drivers are operating tothe highest safety standards.10 senior Fire Officers also completed theprestigious RoSPA Advanced Driving Course,all receiving the highest standard possible –

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Gold. The Advanced Driving Course iscontinuing to be rolled out across theorganisation as part of NIFRS requirement forthe EU Road Safety Charter.Aerial Appliance TrainingThe introduction of the new aerial appliancesgenerated a substantial training requirement.440 personnel were trained in the operationof the new aerial appliances in both Belfastand Londonderry.Medical Trauma CareAs a result of the successful pilot of FirstPerson on Scene (FPOS) trauma caretraining, a further 44 personnel were trainedto the FPOS Intermediate standard. Thistraining, with its focus on dealing with medicaltrauma, was well received by operationalpersonnel who found the training to bedirectly relevant to the role of a Firefighter.There are plans to deliver the FPOS trainingmore widely, including integrating the coursedelivery with road traffic collision scenarios.Personal DevelopmentDevelopment programmes have beendesigned and implemented for all uniformedroles. These structured developmentprogrammes have been mapped directly tothe National Occupational Standards (NOS)for all operational roles. The programmesincorporate the development needs foroperational staff at supervisory, middle andstrategic management levels.Development plans for all NIFRS support staffare currently being designed and will beimplemented by the end of 2008.Management training programmes are offeredto all staff at supervisory level and areaccredited by the Institute of Leadership andManagement (ILM). In 2007 the ILM Level 3qualification in First Line Management wassuccessfully completed by 102 uniformed andsupport staff.National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs)NVQs have now been fully embedded into theFirefighter Development Programme. A robustassessor and internal verification structurehas been developed to support thequalifications. Training is continuing for allNIFRS personnel who perform the roles ofAssessors and Verifiers to support theFirefighters undertaking the Level 343

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Operations in the Community and Level 3Control Room Operations.underpinning knowledge required is coveredwithin the course.44Further work is in progress to implement aRetained Firefighter Developmentprogramme. This will incorporate working toNational Occupational Standards, WorkBased Assessment and PersonalDevelopment Reviews which are allcomponents of the Integrated PersonalDevelopment System (IPDS) – the Fire &Rescue Service’s approach to training anddevelopment.Centralised Training Needs InformationCentralised training needs information (the“Traffic Lights” system) was devolved fromthe Fire & Rescue Training Centre to each ofthe 4 Areas and 14 Districts to improvetraining needs analysis, course planning,notification of courses and facilitate studentnominations.A weekend working rota for Training CentreInstructors was introduced, coupled with anincrease in the provision of training atdifferent locations across the organisationthrough the use of:• Satellite BA training facility at NorthlandStation• Mobile Hot Fire Unit• Road Traffic Collision (RTC) team training• Mobile Incident Command simulator.TraineesThere were 18 Wholetime and 55 RetainedFirefighters appointed during 2007/08 whoare now undergoing further development,having completed Phase 1 of their initialtraining.All new Wholetime Trainees are undertakinga Level 3 NVQ in Emergency Fire ServicesOperations in the Community. The Traineecourse is fully aligned to the NVQ and theThe course not only covers all the essentialexpertise needed to become a successfulFirefighter but also embraces a much moreprogressive and independent form of learning,with Trainees taking responsibility for theirown learning.Attendance Management &Occupational Health & WelfareConsistent and focused application of NIFRSAttendance Management Policy hassignificantly reduced sickness absence during2007/08. From 11.3 days absence perperson in 2006/07, the figure for 2007/08 wasreduced to 10.4 days per person. This has ledto an increase of over 1,000 additional daysbeing worked. NIFRS will continue to pursueits attendance management target in thecoming year and is striving for continuedimprovement in 2008/09.The Occupational Health & Welfare Unitcontinues to work closely with the AttendanceManagement Unit, Area Commands, HQDepartments, the external occupational health& welfare provider and the NIFRS SeniorMedical Adviser in developing a co-ordinatedapproach to reducing the number of days lostto long-term sickness / injury absence andmanaging long-term sickness cases throughto retirement or return to work. For the year2007/08 there were 5 Wholetime Firefighterand 7 Retained Firefighter ill-healthretirements which is a reduction of 55% and23% respectively on the 2006/07 figures.In 2007/08 the Occupational Health & WelfareUnit achieved agreement on a new fitnesslevel for all existing operational personnel.The first fitness tests have taken place in2007/08.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS established its first case of reasonableadjustment to an operational role under theDisability Discrimination Act. This was theoutcome of close co-operation betweenOccupational Health & Welfare Unit, AreaCommand, the Senior Medical Adviser andthe individual.Equality & DiversityEquality & Diversity awareness training forFire Station personnel commenced with stafffrom Eastern Area Command during 2007/08.The programme will continue to be rolled outfor personnel in Southern, Northern andWestern Area Commands.A new guidance booklet for Careers in NIFRSwas developed covering all careers optionswithin the Fire & Rescue Service andhighlighting the organisation's commitment tomainstreaming equality. This was widelydistributed to schools across Northern Irelandand complementary training was delivered to65 Department of Employment & LearningCareers Advisers, these Advisers beingresponsible for over 140 schools inNorthern Ireland.students aged 15 upwards and a femaleFirefighter represented NIFRS to promotefirefighting as a viable career option.Employee RelationsDuring 2007/08 the new Grievance Procedurein line with current dispute resolutionlegislation was agreed and implemented. Thisfollowed intensive and constructive discussionwith the representative bodies and provides arobust mechanism for resolving workplacegrievances.To complement the new procedure and thenew Discipline Policy and Procedure alreadyin place, 226 managers received DisputeResolution training.In addition, a new Industrial Relationsprogramme was designed in conjunction withthe Labour Relations Agency and trainingcommenced at NIFRS Board level in March2008. The programme will be rolled-out to allmanagers over the next 18 months.45As part of our 5 year Disability Action Planactivities we welcomed a new PlacementTrainee into the HR Department from theStepping Stones Programme in Lisburn foradults with learning disabilities.During the reporting period we received‘Silver’ grading in the Opportunity NowGender Diversity Benchmarking exercise forthe 2006/07 period. This result demonstratesour long-term commitment to equality &diversity and gives a sound foundation forfuture improvement. We continued to supportthe ‘Opportunity Now’ campaign throughparticipation in the Challenging CareersConference at Belfast City Hall in May 2007.This Conference was aimed at female

Protecting the EnvironmentAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 Review: Protecting the EnvironmentTo contribute to a better and safer environment by developing NIFRS ‘Green’ initiatives in linewith environmental legislation and policy2007/08 At a Glance• Energy Conservation: Estates Surveys; Carbon Dioxide Emissions reduced by 20% atCentral Fire Station; Cycle to Work Scheme introduced with 300 staff participants• Recycling: NIFRS recycling initiative introduced• Working in Partnership: Memorandum of Understanding with Environment & HeritageServiceEnergy ConservationEstates SurveysDuring 2007/08 consultants were appointedby NIFRS to carry out a survey of all NIFRSpremises suitable for photovoltaic panelinstallation to help contribute to energyconservation. The results of this survey willprovide NIFRS with a programme of workover the next 3 years.In addition, an Estates survey wascommissioned this year to provide a detailedcondition report of all NIFRS premisesincluding energy conservation.Reduction of CO2 EmissionsIn line with Government policy to reduce CO2emissions on Combined Heating and Power(CHP), a CHP unit was installed at CentralFire Station in Belfast reducing the overallCO2 emission for that Station by 20%.NIFRS Cycle to Work SchemeNIFRS introduced the Government’s Cycle toWork Scheme to encourage more staff toexercise by leaving their cars at home andmaking use of eco-friendly transport bycycling to work. Across the organisationthere was great support for the schemewith over 300 staff participating. Thescheme was run in conjunction withMcConvey Cycles,Belfast, who providedthe bikesavailable for purchase at a discounted pricethrough a monthly payment scheme. Suchwas the demand for the Cycle to WorkScheme a second scheme is being rolled outin 2008/09.RecyclingDuring 2007/08 NIFRS introduced a recyclingscheme at its Headquarters in Lisburn. Staffmust recycle waste into the designated binsprovided for paper and general waste. Thescheme has proved to be a great successwith staff supporting the recycling initiative. Itwill be rolled out to other areas of NI whereLocal Councils provide the necessaryrecycling support.Working in PartnershipNIFRS works closely with its partner agenciesto help protect the environment. AMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) wasagreed between NIFRS and the Environment& Heritage Service to help protect theenvironment during incidents.The MoU aims to minimise the hazard to theenvironment from firefighting activities and toformulate preventable measures at theplanning stage for special risk sites acrossNorthern Ireland where there is potential forenvironmental damage to occur during anincident.NIFRS also works closely with other agenciessuch as the Forest Service, Rivers Agencyand Water Service in responding to incidentswhich can cause environmental damage.47Environmental Grab Pack

Managing our Resources & Monitoring PerformanceAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 Review: Managing our Resources & Monitoring PerformanceProvide a service that is committed to quality and continuous improvement and that representsvalue for money2007/08 At a Glance• Managing our Estate: new Dunmurry Fire Station; construction began of new ArmaghFire Station; 4 Retained Fire Stations refurbished for Variable crewing; 12 Retained FireStations redecorated; Comber Fire Station refurbished to share facilities with AmbulanceService; Estates Survey commissioned• Managing our Fleet:11 new fire appliances, one Rescue Pump and 2 Aerial LadderPlatforms replaced in line with Fleet Management Strategy representing almost£1.8million investment; 25 Emergency Response Cars and 8 Support Vans purchased• Managing our Equipment: new Gallet Helmet for Firefighters purchased; newGeneration Breathing Apparatus sets and face masks and 67 road traffic collision‘mini-cutters’ purchased; 80 Rescue Suits purchased and issued to Firefighters for pilotevaluation, 50 x 9m ladders purchased; new Breathing Apparatus compressors• Managing our Information Systems: New integrated ICT Department; Phase III of theWindows 2003 and Thin Client Project implemented and rolled out to all RetainedStations; new technology for Command Support Units; Mobile Data System ProjectTeam; Regional Control Centre Call Challenge; new Regional Control CentreResilience Team• Corporate Governance: new Strategic Planning Process; additional £14 million capitalinvestment secured for estate, fleet and equipment during 2007/08 for the next 3 years49Managing our EstateNIFRS Estate portfolio consists of 68 FireStations across Northern Ireland, NIFRSHeadquarters in Lisburn, Fire & RescueTraining Centre in Belfast and 4 AreaCommand Headquarters in Belfast,Londonderry, Portadown and Ballymena.Additional premises in the Dunmurry areawere acquired over the past year for the newDunmurry Fire Station, which wentoperational in February 2008 and providesfull-time emergency cover to the surroundingarea from 11am-11pm each day.Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey at theOpening of new Dunmurry Fire StationDuring 2007/08 total spend by the EstatesManagement Department for maintenanceand improvement to Fire Stations was£1.29 million.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08New BuildDuring 2007/08 construction work began onthe new Armagh Fire Station and is due to becompleted in December 2008. This FireStation when completed will replace theexisting Fire Station in Upper English Street,Armagh, and will provide additionalemergency cover in the area with theintroduction of a Variable Crewed Stationtogether with the existing Retained (part-time)cover. In addition, this new Station will havethe facilities to provide the local communitywith the opportunity to participate in a rangeof community fire safety services.Programme is prioritised to ensure allpremises are fit for purpose.NIFRS and Ambulance Service Sharing FacilitiesManaging our Fleet50NIFRS Board Chairman Bill Gillespie, PublicSafety Minister Michael McGimpsey and AreaCommander Brian Gough at the site of the newArmagh Fire StationRefurbishmentDuring the year under review a number ofexisting Retained Stations were refurbished toaccommodate Variable crewing (additionalfull-time Firefighter cover). These FireStations were Coleraine, Omagh, Antrim andCarrickfergus. In addition to this 12 existingRetained Stations were also redecorated.New Fire AppliancesA total of 11 new fire appliances werepurchased by NIFRS for Fire Stations acrossNorthern Ireland during the 2007/08 FleetReplacement Programme. One Rescue Pumpand 2 Aerial Ladder Platforms were alsopurchased over the past year. These new fireappliances represented a total investment ofalmost £1.8 million in local services.All new appliances were equipped with themost up to date specialist equipmentincluding foam capability to improvefirefighting and new stowage systems tomaximise the amount of equipment which canbe carried to enable Firefighters to deal with arange of emergency incidents including fires,road traffic collisions and other specialistrescue situations.In March 2008 Comber Fire Station wasrefurbished to accommodate Northern IrelandAmbulance Service (NIAS) who now sharethese premises with NIFRS and provide anemergency response within the area.During 2007/08 an Estates survey wascommissioned to provide a detailed conditionreport of all NIFRS property. This report willensure NIFRS Estates Refurbishment

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Managing our EquipmentNew Generation Operational EquipmentThroughout 2007/08 NIFRS invested heavilyin new equipment and the latest technologies- helping Firefighters to do their job moreeffectively and ultimately helping to savemore lives.New Firefighters HelmetIn 2007/08 NIFRS purchased a new state-ofthe-arthelmet – the latest model of the Gallethelmet for all its Firefighters. NIFRS will bethe first Fire & Rescue Service in the UK tohave these new helmets. After 3 years ofextensive research to find the bestreplacement for the current fire helmet,NIFRS awarded MSA Britain the contract tosupply the new helmets. This helmet was oneof the top performers during the nationalwearer trials conducted by the IntegratedClothing Group who conducted the largestand most comprehensive wearer trials everundertaken by the UK Fire & Rescue Service.Latest Technology Breathing Apparatus(BA) SetDuring 2007/08 NIFRS has procured 150 setsof the new state-of-the-art BAcommunications system for all of our 112frontline pumping appliances, specialistrescue and marine response units and theFire & Rescue Training Centre. The new BAsets incorporate a new Draeger FPS 7000 BAface mask with an enhanced voiceamplification system. This equipment with a‘Press to Talk’ button on the face mask andenhanced voice amplifier, provides greatlyenhanced speech clarity enabling bettercommunication between Firefighters.New Generation Breathing Apparatus (BA)FacemasksNIFRS also purchased a new BreathingApparatus face mask for all Firefighters. Thenew face mask, the Drager FPS 7000, setsinnovative safety and comfort standards. Thecompletely redesigned full face maskprovides the best protection and optimal viewthrough the coated visor. There is also a builtin speech amplifier to ensure clearercommunication with other BA wearers. Thenew face mask can also be utilised as anindependent respirator when Firefighters are‘damping down’ at an incident, or otherincidents when a Breathing Apparatus setmay be deemed cumbersome to use. Theprocurement of this new BA communicationsand BA face mask equipment will provideenhanced safety for all Firefighters.51Road Traffic Collision ‘Mini-Cutters’In line with the NIFRS Road SafetyStrategy, NIFRS has enhanced the RTCequipment hydraulic kits carried on ourfrontline fire appliances, through thepurchase of 67 high-powered ‘minicutters’for placement on our first fireappliances. This equipment supersedes theaging hand-operated pedal cutters previouslycarried and will provide increased power andNew BA face mask incorporating voiceamplification and integrated BAcommunications system

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0852greater flexibility when used in conjunctionwith the mainstream RTC equipment.Rescue Personal ProtectionEquipment (PPE)With the broader ‘rescue’ role now mandatoryfor a modern Fire & Rescue Service NIFRShas re-examined all Personal ProtectionEquipment (PPE) to ensure it fully protectsfrom the wide range of risks that may occurwhen Firefighters are responding to fires,road traffic collisions and other specialistrescue incidents. Research has clearly showna need to develop a dedicated Rescue PPE.4 different prototypes were trialled by NIFRSSpecialist Rescue Team during 2007/08 and afinal specification was agreed which providesthe best possible all round protection forresponding to a range of emergencysituations. Rescue PPE is a 2-pieceensemble with an outer shell using KermelTwin and incorporating a Gore-Tex PTFEmembrane. The clothing is red to reflect thenationally accepted rescue colour. Great carewas taken in the design of the garment toensure that the cut and style maximised itsperformance. The 2-piece garment, which isable to become a one piece by using a zipplaced at the back of the jacket, has adetachable hood large enough to cover aconventional helmet.LaddersAfter a review on the use of NIFRS ladders,the 13.5m ladders on all second fireappliances have been replaced with a new9m ladder incorporating drill handles, footingspigot and automatic pawls. This new lighterand more manoeuvrable ladder is extremelyversatile and will add to our operationalcapability, whilst meeting NIFRS requirementsof a more diverse workforce.New Breathing Apparatus CompressorsOver the last year NIFRS has replaced itsaging fleet of BA compressors with new‘Bauer’ compressors, which offer advancedmodern technology with reduced noise levels.These latest generation compressors willfacilitate greater efficiency in filling of BAcylinders and provide reduced maintenancecost at each of the strategically locatedcompressor sites, while also providing futureprooffor the organisation with a projectedproduct life of 20 years.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Managing our Information SystemsNew Integrated ICT StructureDuring the year there was a restructuring ofthe Information Technology andCommunications Departments to a newintegrated ICT Department. The consolidationof these structures has provided a unifiedframework for the alignment of informationand communication technologies and acombined wealth of knowledge and skills toaddress the many exciting technicalchallenges facing NIFRS.Thin-Client, Windows 2003, Internet andE-Mail RolloutDuring 2007/08 the ICT Departmentcompleted the rollout of Thin-Client, Windows2003, Internet and E-Mail to the RegionalControl Centre, Operations SupportDepartment and every Retained Stationacross Northern Ireland.New Technology for CommandSupport UnitsThe NIFRS Command Support Units whichare strategically placed across NorthernIreland in Lisburn, Kilrea, Irvinestown andStrabane, have continued to be developedduring 2007/08. The latest capability includesremote viewing of Thermal Images and theability to transmit fireground plans andimages to remote locations such as GoldCommand Centre.Computer-based Risk Assessment softwarehas been deployed at each Fire Station andis connected to a central information hubwhich allows personnel to collect and retrievepremise specific information when needed.This 2007/08 data collection initiative forms avital part of the Mobile Data Project which,when complete, will provide Firefighter safetycritical information in every fire appliance.Mobile Data System for NIFRSOver the past year NIFRS has established aProject Team to procure a Mobile DataSystem (MDS) which will significantlyenhance the information available toFirefighters attending incidents and to staff inthe Regional Control Centre (RCC).Since its establishment the project team hasbeen working with partner agencies, otherFire & Rescue Services and industry, todevelop the concept and design criteria, aswell as solutions for any integration issues fora Mobile Data System that would suit theneeds of NIFRS.Each frontline fire appliance of NIFRS will befitted with a Mobile Data System terminalproviding:• Accurate updated mapping with satellitepositioning• Risk information on individual premises inNorthern Ireland• Information for chemical incidents• Vehicle construction details for collisionrescues• The location of water supplies• Other information, for example, StandardOperating Procedures and aide memoirs• Status Messaging and Automatic VehicleLocation System (AVLS).Status Messaging is the facility to sendgeneric messages such as ‘mobile to incident’greatly reducing voice traffic between the fireappliances and the Regional Control Centre.Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS)employs satellite positioning technology, andwill give the RCC live information on thelocation of each fire appliance in the NIFRSfleet. This will facilitate ‘Dynamic Mobilisation’,ie, the mobilising of the nearest availableappliance to an incident helping to reduceresponse times.53

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Regional Control Centre Call Challenge2007/08 saw the full implementation of theNIIFRS Call Challenge and Call ManagementPolicies, including the delivery of training toall Regional Control Centre personnel. Thesepolicies are designed primarily to minimiseunnecessary waste of resources and provideguidance to the emergency call handler tohelp eliminate hoax calls at the point ofreceipt and therefore optimise the resourceallocation for individual emergency calls.Corporate GovernanceStrategic Planning ProcessNIFRS Priorities & Targets 2008-2013, whichcan be found on our website at www.nifrs.org,sets out the organisation’s objectives for thenext 5 years and key priorities for 2008/09.During 2007/08 NIFRS completed a review ofits organisational objectives using a newlydeveloped prioritisation matrix which includedboth internal and external influences.54New Regional Control CentreResilience TeamDuring 2007/08 a Regional Control CentreResilience Team was developed as part ofNIFRS overall Business Continuity Planningto provide necessary administrative andclerical support to Control Centre staff in busytimes or in spate conditions.2 members of existing NIFRS staff weretrained for the Resilience Team, successfullycompleting a 3-week training course in June2007. They continue to develop their skills inthe Regional Control Centre and it is plannedto increase the number of Resilience Teampersonnel in the coming year.Monitoring PerformanceSenior Officers meet DHSSPS officialsformally twice a year to discuss NIFRSprogress towards organisational objectiveachievements. To assist this process, NIFRSintroduced a traffic light system into itsmonitoring process in 2007/08. This trafficlight system uses colour coded keys (red /amber / green) to identify progress towardstarget and objective achievement.Capital Investment ProgrammeNIFRS continues to work with the EmergencyServices Investment Programme to progressour capital investment programme for theperiod 2008-18. During the year under reviewRegional Control Centre

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS was successful in having an additional£14million capital investment allocated by theDHSSPS towards improving our estate, fleetand equipment over the next 3 years2008-11.Insurance SettlementsDuring 2007/08 the following insurance settlements were finalised and approved:Number Total Cost Reserve NotionalInsurance of Claims (£) (£) Savings %Employers' Liability 13 207,946.00 594,000.00 65Public Liability 1 22,687.00 40,000.00 43Motor 23 304,704.00 410,505.00 26The table below shows the total cost of insurance settlement claims covering Motor, Publicliability and Employer’s Liability over the last 5 years.Total Cost of Insurance Settlement Claims55Managing our BudgetMonitoring Performance & Planning forthe futureFinancial ReviewIn 2007/08 NIFRS received revenue fundingof £72.658million from the Department ofHealth, Social Services &Public Safety.Achievements during the Year2007/08 was another successful financialyear for Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService and despite a number of financialpressures, we were able to operate withinavailable resources.During the year the Fire & Rescue Servicecontinued with the ambitious reform andmodernisation agenda and we continued torealign our finances to facilitate this process.We were able to re-align from within ourexisting budget:• An additional £364k funding was madeavailable to train Wholetime and RetainedFirefighters in our new statutoryresponsibilities• An additional £363k was provided toenhance our Community Safety andCommunity Education Programmes• Additional resources of £132k were made

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0856available for further development of USARcapabilities• £34k of funding was utilised for therefurbishment of Variable crewing Stationsand for the provision of a temporary FireStation in Dunmurry in accordance withthe IRMP strategy.During the year, Finance staff were involvedin the preparation of detailed budgetarysubmissions, under the CSR process, to bidfor and secure adequate resources for the3-year period 2008/09 to 2011/12. Aftersuccessful representations to DHSSPS wehave secured a reasonable settlement whichwill allow us to continue with our reform andmodernisation agenda.InvestmentThe main focus of our capital investmentduring the year was on replacement of ouremergency fleet. Some £3.2million was spenton replacement fire appliances and rapidresponse vehicles.planning model to identify our 10 yearinvestment requirements to inform theNorthern Ireland Investment Strategy. Thishas identified an investment need of some£200million over the next 10 years. This workhas also assisted us in securing additionalcapital resources during the new CSR 2007funding cycle.Remuneration ReportNIFRS established a RemunerationCommittee in 2005 to comply with BestPractice in Corporate Governance andcomprised of the following Board Members at31 March 2008:Mr William Gillespie, Chairman ofNIFRS BoardMrs Barbara GillilandMr Kenneth HarperMrs Paula TallyThe Terms of Reference for the Committeeare as detailed below:Work has also commenced on thereplacement Fire Station for Armagh and weincurred some £160k on site works during theyear. It is anticipated that this project will becompleted during the 2008/09 financial year.Some £159k was spent on New Dimensionequipment. This project will be finalised in2008/09 by which stage NIFRS will be fullyequipped in accordance with the Nationalmodel in respect of Mass Decontamination,Urban Search & Rescue and High VolumePumping.• To conduct an evaluation of the salaries ofthe 4 Principal Officers in comparison withsimilar positions in other Brigades takingaccount of all other relevant factors• To deal with all issues relating to thesalaries of Directors• Such other business as may be delegatedto it by the Board• To make recommendations to the fullBoard.During 2007/08 the Committee met on22 January 2008 and 26 February 2008.The transformational reform of the Fire &Rescue Service will need to be underpinnedby significant investment to ensure that wemeet our new response targets and have theappropriate facilities to effectively dischargeour new statutory responsibilities. During theyear Finance staff developed a financialThe governance arrangements for the NIFRSBoard consist of a Chair, the Chief FireOfficer and 10 non-executive Members, 4 ofwhom are District Councillors nominated bythe Northern Ireland Local GovernmentAssociation (NILGA).

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NIFRS is managed by a Senior ManagementTeam which consists of the Chief Fire Officer,Deputy Chief Fire Officer, 2 Assistant ChiefFire Officers and 3 Directors. Details ofChairman and Senior Managers’remuneration and pension information for theyear ended 31 March 2008 is set out in thetable below*.*Chairman and Senior Managers’ remuneration and pension information for the year ended31 March 2008Name & TitleSalaryincludingPerformancePay06/07£'000SalaryincludingPerformancePay07/08£'000Realincrease inPension &RelatedLump Sumat Age 60£'000TotalAccruedPension atAge 60 &RelatedLump Sum£'000CETV at31/3/07£'000CETV at31/3/08£'000RealIncrease inCETV afteradjustment£'000W GillespieChairmanC LammeyChief FireOfficer & ChiefExecutiveL JonesDeputy ChiefFire OfficerP CraigAssistantChief FireOfficer(CommunityDevelopment)T WrightAssistantChief FireOfficer(TechnicalDevelopment)Ms A ConleyDirector ofHumanResourcesT McGonigalDirector ofFinance &PerformanceManagementD MichailDirector ofPlanning &CorporateAffairs21-25106-11086-9080-8580-8556-6056-6050-5521-25126-130100-10590-9590-9560-6560-6556-60013216134440348278252247865680092970873074535516531408907697677903761893470-654217257182857No Benefits in Kind were received in either 2006/07 or 2007/08.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0858A Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) isthe actuarially assessed capital value of thepension scheme benefits accrued by amember at a particular point in time. Thebenefits valued are the member’s accruedbenefits and any contingent spouse’s pensionpayable from the scheme. A CETV is apayment made by a pension scheme, orarrangement to secure pension benefits inanother pension scheme, or arrangementwhen the member leaves a scheme andchooses to transfer the benefits accrued intheir former scheme. The pension figuresshown relate to the benefits that the individualhas accrued as a consequence of their totalmembership of the pension scheme, not justtheir service in a senior capacity to which thedisclosure applies.The CETV figures include the value of anypension details, including the value of anypension benefits in another scheme orarrangement which the individual hastransferred. They also include any additionalpension benefit accrued to the member as aresult of their purchasing additional years ofpension service in the scheme at their owncost. CETVs are calculated within guidelinesand framework prescribed by the Institute andFaculty of Actuaries.The “Real increase in CETV” reflects theincrease in CETV funded by the employeeand the employer. It takes account of theincrease in accrued pension due to inflation,contributions paid by the employee (includingthe benefits transferred from another pensionscheme or arrangements) and uses commonmarket valuation factors.Pension benefits for the Chief Fire Officer andAssistant Chief Fire Officers are providedthrough the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme.This is a statutory scheme which providesbenefits on a “final salary” basis. The normalretirement age is 55, but Officers may retireon full pension once they have attained 50years of age and have 30 years' service. TheChief Fire Officer requires the approval of theNIFRS Board to retire before he has attained55 years of age. Benefits accrue at the rate of1/60th of pensionable salary for each year ofservice up to 20 years and at 2/60th for eachyear of service thereafter. The maximumattainable is 40/60th. Members may commuteup to 25% of their pension in return for alump sum of up to 19 times the commutedamount, subject to age. Members paycontributions of 11% of pensionable earnings.Pensions increase in payment in line with theRetail Prices Index.On death, pensions are payable to thesurviving spouse at a rate of half themember's pension. On death in service, thescheme pays a lump sum benefit of twicepensionable pay and also provides a serviceenhancement on computing the spouse’spension. The enhancement depends onlength of service and cannot exceed 10years. Medical retirement is possible in theevent of serious ill-health. In this casepensions are brought into paymentimmediately without actuarial reduction.The pension benefits of the Directors areprovided through the Northern Ireland LocalGovernment Officers’ SuperannuationScheme. This is a funded scheme whichprovides benefits on a “final salary” basis at anormal retirement age of 65. Benefits accrueat the rate of 1/80th of pensionable salary foreach year of service. In addition, a lump sumequivalent to 3 years’ pension is payable onretirement. Members pay contributions of 6%of pensionable earnings. Pensions increase inpayment in line with the Retail Prices Index.On death, pensions are payable to thesurviving spouse at a rate of half themember’s pension. On death in service, thescheme pays a lump sum benefit of twicepensionable pay and also provides a service

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08enhancement on computing the spouse’spension. The enhancement depends onlength of service and cannot exceed 6 2/3years. Medical retirement is possible in theevent of serious ill-health. In this casepensions are brought into paymentimmediately without actuarial reduction andwith service enhanced as for widow(er)pensions.The Chairman is not a member of theNorthern Ireland Local Government Officers’Superannuation Committee Pension Scheme.The terms and conditions for the Chairmanand Senior Managers are as follows:• The Chairman is appointed by theMinister, usually for a period of up to 4years under the Department’s PublicAppointment Procedures and based onguidance issued by the Commissioner forPublic Appointments for Northern Ireland.• The Chief Fire Officer, Deputy Chief FireOfficer and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’terms and conditions are negotiated andregulated through the National JointCouncil for Principal Fire Officers. Thisbody sets a minimum salary for PrincipalOfficers and local adjustments are madeby the individual Authorities. The DeputyChief Fire Officer’s salary is based on 80%of the Chief Fire Officer’s notional rate (ie,80% of the minimum rate of pay for theappropriate population band which iscurrently band 4) whilst the Assistant ChiefFire Officers’ salaries are based on 75% ofthe Chief Fire Officer’s notional rate. In2007/08 the Officers received a one offpayment under Article 10(b) of The Fireand Rescue Services (Northern Ireland)Order 2006.• The Directors are employed under NJC forLocal Government Services Terms andConditions and their salaries wereevaluated by ATM Consultants in 2004.The Executive Directors are not bound by afixed contract; a 3 month notice periodapplies. No compensation for early retirementwas paid to Executive Directors during theyear and no amounts were paid to a thirdparty for services of an Executive Director.59Senior Employees’ RemunerationDuring the year the number of Officers and Support staff who received remuneration in excessof £50,000, excluding pension contributions were:2008 2007 2006£50,000 - £60,000 38 35 35£60,001 - £70,000 7 5 5£70,001 - £80,000 0 0 0£80,001 - £90,000 0 3 3£90,001 - £100,000 2 0 0£100,001 - £110,000 1 1 1£110,001 - £120,000 0 0 0£120,001 - £130,000 1 0 049 44 44

Financial StatementsAnnual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARENDED 31 MARCH 2008IndexPagesForeword 62Certificate of Chief Fire Officer 66Statement of the NIFRS Board and Chief Fire Officer's Responsibilities 67NIFRS Board Members 68Statement of Internal Control 69The Certificate and Report of the Comptroller & Auditor General to the 72House of Commons and the Northern Ireland AssemblyIncome and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 March 2008 74Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2008 75Cashflow Statement for the year ended 31 March 2008 76Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses for the year ended 31 March 2008 7761Notes to the Accounts 78Accounts Direction 107

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICEFOREWORD£4,029,000 of Grant-In-Aid funding.621 Statutory BasisNorthern Ireland Fire and Rescue ServiceBoard is a body corporate which wasestablished by The Fire and RescueServices (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Itis a Non-Departmental Public Body withthe Department of Health, Social Services& Public Safety as it’s sponsoringDepartment.These Accounts have been prepared inaccordance with Article 3 (15) of The Fireand Rescue Services (Northern Ireland)Order 2006 and cover the year ended 31March 2008. The Accounts have beenprepared in a form directed by theDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety with the approval of theDepartment of Finance & Personnel inaccordance with Article 3 (3) & Schedule 1(15) of The Fire and Rescue Services(Northern Ireland) Order 2006.The accounting policies adopted follow UKgenerally accepted accounting practice(UK GAAP) to the extent that it ismeaningful and appropriate to the publicsector. The accounting policies areselected in accordance with the principlesset out in FRS 18 “Accounting Policies” asthe most appropriate for giving a true andfair view. The accounting policies havebeen applied consistently in dealing withitems considered material in relation to theaccounts.2 ResultsNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service isfunded substantially by grants under theDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety. For 2007/2008 we received£72,658,000 of grant revenue funding andFor the year ended 31 March 2008 thedeficit, on ordinary activities excluding anotional negative cost of capital, was£109,741,000 (see page 74). This deficitdoes not take account of the Grant receivedfrom the Department of Health, SocialServices & Public Safety.To comply with FRS 17, Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service received GAD’sActuarial Valuation of the liabilities for thetwo Operational Pension Schemes. Thisresulted in a decrease in the provision of£25,949,000 (see Note 14d, page 96). TheDepartment currently funds Firefighterspension costs annually.GAD also valued the CompensationScheme under FRS 12 and the currentvalue of the provision is £45,583,000 (seeNote 14b, page 95).The NIFRS NILGOSC Pension Schemeactuarial valuation was carried out as at 31March 2008 in accordance with FRS 17which resulted in a scheme liability of£2,009,000 (see Note 14(e), page 97).The pension deficits to date have resultedin Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicehaving net liabilities of £300,815,000 (seepage 75). As Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service is adequately funded on acash basis, it is not regarded as beingoperationally insolvent.3 Business ReviewA Report on the functions carried out by theBoard during the year is contained in theNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service'sAnnual Report. In accordance with Article 3(3) & Schedule 1 (16) of The Fire andRescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082006 the report is to be submitted to theHead of the Department of Health, SocialServices & Public Safety and is to be laidbefore the Assembly.4 Research and DevelopmentA number of Research and Developmentactivities have been carried out during theyear and the details are included in theAnnual Report.5 Post Balance Sheet EventsThere were no Post Balance Sheet events.6 Charitable Donations9 Board MembersThe Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService Board was established on 1 July2006 with powers granted under The Fireand Rescue Services (Northern Ireland)Order 2006.The NIFRS Board comprises of a nonexecutiveChair, the Chief Fire Officer and10 non-executive Members, 4 of whom areDistrict Councillors nominated by theNorthern Ireland Local GovernmentAssociation (NILGA). A full list ofMembers who served during the year 1April 2007 to 31 March 2008 is set outon page 68.There were no charitable donations madeduring the year.10 Statement of Board Members'Responsibilities7 Fixed AssetsThe movement in fixed assets during theyear is set out at Note 8, pages 89-92 tothe Financial Statements. Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service is of the view thatthere is a material difference between themarket and book value of its land andbuildings. This is because the valuation ofits Fire Stations shown in the accounts ison the basis of depreciated replacementcost. The price that could be achieved ifthe premises were sold on the openmarket is approximately 62% of theexisting depreciated replacement costwhich is shown on the balance sheet. Thiscould amount to a difference ofapproximately £41,110,000.8 Future DevelopmentsFuture Development within NIFRS isdriven by our Priorities and Targets 2008-2013 as detailed in the Annual Report.Members of the NIFRS Board havecorporate responsibility for ensuring thatNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicecomplies with any statutory (or other)requirements for the use of public funds.Other important responsibilities of BoardMembers include:• establishing the overall strategicdirection of Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service within the policy andresources framework agreed with theMinister;• formulating a strategy for implementingthe Code of Practice on Access toGovernment Information, includingprompt response to public requests forinformation;• ensuring Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service operates soundenvironmental policies and practices inaccordance with practices set out in the1990 White Paper "This CommonInheritance" (a copy of which isavailable in the library at Fire & Rescue63

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0864Service Headquarters) and otherrelevant guidance;• ensuring that the high standards ofcorporate governance are observed atall times;• overseeing the delivery of plannedresults by monitoring performanceagainst agreed strategic objectives andtargets;• ensuring that, in reaching decisions,Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService has taken into account anyguidance issued by the Department;and• ensuring that Northern Ireland Fire& Rescue Service operates within thelimit of its statutory authority; within thelimits of the Service's delegatedauthority agreed with the Department;and in accordance with any otherconditions relating to the use of publicfunds.11 Employee InvolvementThe NIFRS Board encourages employeeparticipation and considers staffcommunication and involvement as a keysuccess factor within the Organisation.The relevant Representative Bodies areinvolved in the development of policywithin NIFRS through informal consultativeprocesses such as Joint Working Partiesand also the more formal negotiatingcommittee framework. In particular, theyhave had an integral role in thedevelopment of employment practices andprocedures, including appointments andpromotions and, with the Board, theycontinue to review these to ensurecompliance with legislation and Codes ofPractice.12 Disabled Applicants and EmployeesNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Serviceoperates the following policies:• It is the policy of NIFRS to provide fulland fair consideration for disabledpeople throughout their employment.This may involve taking reasonablesteps to reduce, or remove a physicalfeature or employment arrangementthat would cause a disabled employeeor job applicant any substantialdisadvantage.• All job advertisements carry aWelcoming Statement in line withDepartmental policy which confirmsthat the principle of equal treatment willapply to all applicants irrespective ofdisability;• For each post, disabled applicants aremonitored under the Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service's EqualOpportunities Monitoring procedures;and• A Textphone system has been installedat Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService Headquarters so that thosewith a hearing impairment can obtainFire Safety advice and audio tapes onFire Safety are also available onrequest.NIFRS is subject to statutory disabilityduties under the Disability Discrimination(NI) Order 2006. This requires NIFRS, incarrying out its functions, to have dueregard to the need to promote positiveattitudes towards disabled people; andencourage participation by disabled peoplein public life. NIFRS has an approvedDisability Action Plan in compliance withthe Order.13 Health and SafetyNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service iscommitted to adhering to all existinglegislation on health and safety at work toensure that staff and customers enjoy thebenefits of a safe environment. NIFRS haswon the prestigious Royal Society for the

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Health &Safety Gold Award for the third yearrunning.14 Prompt Payment PolicyNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service iscommitted to the prompt payment of billsfor goods and services received inaccordance with the Confederation ofBritish Industry's Prompt Payers Code.Unless otherwise stated in the contract,payment is due within 30 days of thereceipt of the goods or services, onpresentation of a valid invoice or a similardemand, whichever is later.So far as the Accounting Officer is aware,there is no relevant audit information of whichthe entity’s auditors are unaware, and he hastaken all the steps that ought to have beentaken to make himself aware of any relevantaudit information and to establish that theentity’s auditors are aware of that information.Regular reviews conducted to measurehow promptly Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service paid its bills found that96.92% of bills were paid within thisstandard.The Late Payment of Commercial Debts(Interest) Regulations 2002 provides smallbusinesses with a statutory right to claiminterest on the late payment of commercialdebt. During the year, Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service incurred no interestpayments.6515 AuditorThe Comptroller & Auditor General wasappointed the statutory Auditor from 1 April2003 following the Audit & Accountability(Northern Ireland) Order 2003. He is theHead of Northern Ireland Audit Office andhe and his staff are wholly independent ofNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Serviceand report his findings to Parliament.Details of the external audit fees arehighlighted in Note 7 (page 88) to theAccounts.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08CERTIFICATE OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICERI certify that the Annual Accounts set out in the Financial Statements and Notes to theAccounts (pages 74 to 106) of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service have been compiledfrom, and are in accordance with the accounts and financial records maintained by NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service and with the accounting standards and policies for Non-Departmental Public Bodies approved by the Department of Health, Social Services& Public Safety.Chief Fire Officer24 June 2008Date66

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08STATEMENT OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICEBOARD AND CHIEF FIRE OFFICER'S RESPONSIBILITIESUnder Article 3 (15) of The Fire and RescueServices (Northern Ireland) Order 2006,Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service isrequired to prepare Financial Statements foreach financial year in the form and on thebasis determined by the Department ofHealth, Social Services & Public Safety withthe approval of the Department of Finance &Personnel. The Financial Statements areprepared on an accruals basis and mustpresent a true and fair view of the state ofaffairs of Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService, of its income and expenditure,recognised gains and losses and cash flowsfor the financial year.In preparing the Financial Statements,Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service isrequired to:• observe the Accounts Direction issued bythe Department of Health, Social Services& Public Safety including relevantaccounting and disclosure requirements,and apply suitable accounting policies ona consistent basis;• pursue and demonstrate value for moneyin the services the Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service provides and in its use ofpublic assets and the resources it controls.The Permanent Secretary for the Departmentof Health, Social Services & Public Safety, asAccounting Officer for Health and PersonalSocial Services in Northern Ireland, hasdesignated the Chief Fire Officer as theAccounting Officer for Northern Ireland Fire& Rescue Service. His relevantresponsibilities as Accounting Officer,including his responsibility for the proprietyand regularity of the public finances for whichhe is answerable and for the keeping ofproper records, are set out in the AccountingOfficer Memorandum, issued by theDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety. The Accounting Officer is alsoresponsible for safeguarding the assets ofNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service andhence for taking reasonable steps to preventand detect fraud and other irregularities.67• make judgements and estimates on areasonable basis;• state whether applicable accountingstandards have been followed, anddisclose and explain any materialdepartures in the financial statements;• prepare the Financial Statements on thegoing concern basis, unless it isinappropriate to presume that NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service willcontinue in operation;• keep proper accounting records whichdisclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime the financial position of NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service; and

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NORTHERN IRELAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE BOARD MEMBERS1 APRIL 2007 - 31 MARCH 2008CHAIRMANMr W F Gillespie OBE TD MBA JP DL FCIOB FSCAMEMBERSMr C Lammey MSc FCIPD FIFireE, Chief Fire Officer/Chief ExecutiveMr J Beattie MCIPDMr P Bradley CBE MAMr J B Clarke (appointed 1 June 2007)Mrs B J GillilandMrs P TallyMr J Campbell BA MBA FAIA FCIS FInstAM FCMI68Mr G A Hatch TFA (appointed 1 June 2007)Mr K Harper MIFireEMr J F McKeeverMr R Pollock

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08STATEMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL1 Scope of ResponsibilityAs Accounting Officer, I have responsibilityfor maintaining a sound system of internalcontrol that supports the achievement ofNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicepolicies, aims and objectives, whilstsafeguarding the public funds and NIFRSassets for which I am personallyresponsible, in accordance with theresponsibilities assigned to me inGovernment Accounting Northern Ireland.NIFRS agrees with its sponsoringDepartment, after extensive publicconsultation, a Corporate Plan whichsets out objectives over a three yearperiod and a Business Plan whichdetails the business objectives for thefirst year of the Corporate Plan,together with appropriate targets andperformance measures. Results againsttargets on performance measures arereported monthly and in the annualreport at the year end.Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicehas established a Business Risk Registerwhich monitors and records the control ofrisk within the NIFRS Board. The BusinessRisk Register has been designed usingrecommended Department of Health,Social Services and Public Safetyguidance.rather than to eliminate all risk of failure toachieve policies, aims and objectives; itcan therefore only provide reasonable andnot absolute assurance of effectiveness.The system of internal control is based onan ongoing process designed to identifyand prioritise the risks to the achievementof Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Servicepolicies, aims and objectives, to evaluatethe likelihood of those risks being realisedand the impact should they be realised,and to manage them efficiently, effectivelyand economically. The system of internalcontrol has been in place in NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service for the yearended 31 March 2008 and up to the dateof approval of the Annual Report andAccounts, and accords with Department ofFinance and Personnel guidance.3 Capacity to Handle RiskI have carried out appropriate proceduresto ensure that I have identified the Board'sobjectives and risks and determined acontrol strategy for each of the significantrisks. As a result, risk ownership has beenallocated to the appropriate staff and theBoard has set out its attitude to risk to theachievement of the Board's objectives.Each Principal Officer and Director hascompleted a Management AssuranceStatement which is designed to highlightimportant issues.69The Board's Business Risk Register isthen forwarded to the Department ofHealth, Social Services and Public Safetywhere its data forms part of theDepartment's Business Risk Register.2 The Purpose of the System of InternalControlThe system of internal control is designedto manage risk to a reasonable levelMy Management Team has ensured thatprocedures are in place for verifying thataspects of risk management and internalcontrol are regularly reviewed andreported on. There has been a full risk andcontrol assessment prior to reporting onthe year ending 31 March 2008.Risk management has been incorporatedmore fully into the corporate planning anddecision-making processes of NIFRS.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08704 The Risk and Control FrameworkKey Organisational objectives are set bythe Board and my Management Team.Risks associated with the nonachievementof these objectives areidentified and appropriate mechanisms tocontrol these risks are established. Thelikelihood and impact of the risk upon theBoard is calculated and the appropriaterisk response is determined by myManagement Team using experience andnational best practice.Furthermore, risk management is anagenda item on each Principal Officersand Directors monthly managementmeeting, to enable reporting and reviewof new risks, the effectiveness ofcontrols over risks identified, theprogress of action plans and tofacilitate early corrective action.NIFRS risk priorities during 2007/2008included:• Following the introduction of newemergency response standards forNIFRS, a review of emergency cover inNorthern Ireland was carried out toprovide the optimum solution inresource allocation while ensuringNIFRS meets its new standards;• Implementing a Community Fire SafetyStrategy to reduce identified risk,particularly to achieve targetedreductions in death/injury among the NIpublic and a reduction in attacks onemergency service personnel andappliances;• Developing a comprehensive BusinessContinuity Plan which details theprocedures we will implement to ensurethat we can still provide an effectiveservice during disruption; and• Submitting an ambitious capitalinvestment programme to implementover the next 10 years that will ensurethat NIFRS is capable of meeting futureservice requirements and challenges.5 Review of EffectivenessAs Accounting Officer, I have responsibilityfor reviewing the effectiveness of thesystem of internal control. My review ofthe effectiveness of the system of internalcontrol is informed by the work of theinternal auditors and the executivemanagers within NIFRS, who haveresponsibility for the development andmaintenance of the internal controlframework, and comments made by theexternal auditors in their ManagementLetter and other reports.I have been advised on the implications ofthe results of my review of theeffectiveness of the system of internalcontrol by the Board, the Audit Committee,and a plan to address weaknesses andensure continuous improvement of thesystem is in place.The Board receives periodic reportsconcerning internal control. Theappropriate steps are being taken tomanage risks in significant areas ofresponsibility and monitor progress on keyprojects.Due to the operational procedures of theFire & Rescue Service, there is a cultureof risk awareness and risk assessmentwithin the Organisation. NIFRS has aService Delivery Committee, which isresponsible for monitoring and developing

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08policies to ensure that it is meeting itsstatutory obligations in relation to allaspects of safety. It also has an AuditCommittee which is responsible forensuring that all of NIFRS financial andoperating systems reflect best practiceand ensure adequate safeguards againstfraud and theft.I recognise my responsibility asAccounting Officer to ensure I receiveindependent assurance from an InternalAudit Service organised in accordancewith Government Audit Standards. During2006-07 and 2007-08 the Quality ServicesUnit has been operating at below its fullestablishment level however extraresources have been provided to conductinternal audits. A backlog of Internal Auditwork, which I referred to in the 2006-07Statement of Internal Control, has beenreduced and at this point in time only oneof the eight audit reviews scheduled for2007-08 remains outstanding. The vacantpositions within the Quality Services Unit(including the Head of the Unit) will beadvertised shortly. Should the vacanciesimpact on the capacity of the QualityServices Unit to deliver planned InternalAudit work for 2008-09 extra resources willbe provided to meet this shortfall.We are also aware that there are 2 areaswhere we are not fully compliant withGIAS. These comprise:• There are no formal terms of referencein place for the scope of Internal Auditactivity• There has been no formal qualityreview of Internal Audit activityundertaken since 2001.This situation will be reviewed in 2008-09to ensure the appropriate level of InternalAudit assurances is provided, consistentwith Government Internal Audit Standards.NIFRS has an Internal Audit Unit – theQuality Services Unit (QSU), whichoperates to standards defined in theGovernment Internal Audit Manual. TheUnit submits regular reports which includethe Head of Internal Audit’s independentopinion on the adequacy and effectivenessof the Organisation's system of internalcontrol together with recommendations forimprovement.A Management Assurance Statement issubmitted by each PrincipalOfficer/Director which is based on thework of each Directorate in relation toapprovals given, risks identified andcontrolled, and on regularity andcompliance action.6 Internal Control IssuesOne issue remains a priority for the Fireand Rescue Service senior managementteam:- to address the identified InternalAudit resource deficit NIFRS willimplement a strategy to recruit for, andresource, the Internal Audit function. Thiswill be in accordance with GovernmentInternal Audit Standards.Chief Fire Officer:Date: 24 June 200871

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08THE CERTIFICATE AND REPORT OF THE COMPTROLLER & AUDITORGENERAL TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THE NORTHERNIRELAND ASSEMBLY72I certify that I have audited the financialstatements of the Northern Ireland Fire andRescue Service for the year ended 31 March2008 under the Fire and Rescue Services(Northern Ireland) Order 2006. Thesecomprise the Income and ExpenditureAccount, the Balance Sheet, the Cash FlowStatement and Statement of RecognisedGains and Losses and the related notes.These financial statements have beenprepared under the accounting policies setout within them. I have also audited theinformation in the Remuneration Report thatis described in that report as having beenaudited.Respective responsibilities of the NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service, Chief FireOfficer and AuditorThe Northern Ireland Fire and RescueService and the Chief Fire Officer areresponsible for preparing the Annual Report,the Remuneration Report and the financialstatements in accordance with the Fire andRescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order2006 and Department of Health, SocialServices & Public Safety directions madethereunder and for ensuring the regularity offinancial transactions. These responsibilitiesare set out in the Statement of NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service and ChiefFire Officer’s Responsibilities.My responsibility is to audit the financialstatements and the part of the remunerationreport to be audited in accordance withrelevant legal and regulatory requirements,and with International Standards on Auditing(UK and Ireland).I report to you my opinion as to whether thefinancial statements give a true and fair viewand whether the financial statements and thepart of the Remuneration Report to beaudited have been properly prepared inaccordance with the Fire and RescueServices (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 andDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety directions made thereunder. Ireport to you whether, in my opinion, theinformation which comprises the forewords ofthe Chairman and the Chief Fire Officer; KeyPerformance Targets; Vision, Mission andValues; Organisational Structure; Awards andAchievements; and 2007-08 Review, given inthe Annual Report, is consistent with thefinancial statements. I also report whether inall material respects the expenditure andincome have been applied to the purposesintended by the Assembly and the financialtransactions conform to the authorities whichgovern them.In addition, I report to you if the NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service has not keptproper accounting records, if I have notreceived all the information and explanations Irequire for my audit, or if information specifiedby the Department of Finance and Personnelregarding remuneration and othertransactions is not disclosed.I review whether the Statement on InternalControl reflects the Northern Ireland Fire andRescue Service’s compliance with theDepartment of Finance and Personnel’sguidance, and I report if it does not. I am notrequired to consider whether this statementcovers all risks and controls, or form anopinion on the effectiveness of the NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service’s corporategovernance procedures or its risk and controlprocedures.I read the other information contained in theAnnual Report and consider whether it isconsistent with the audited financialstatements. This other information comprisesthe forewords of the Chairman and the ChiefFire Officer; Key Performance Targets;Vision, Mission and Values; OrganisationalStructure; Awards and Achievements; and2007-08.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Basis of audit opinionI conducted my audit in accordance withInternational Standards on Auditing (UK andIreland) issued by the Auditing PracticesBoard. My audit includes examination, on atest basis, of evidence relevant to theamounts, disclosures and regularity offinancial transactions included in the financialstatements and the part of the RemunerationReport to be audited. It also includes anassessment of the significant estimates andjudgments made by the Northern Ireland Fireand Rescue Service and the Chief FireOfficer in the preparation of the financialstatements, and of whether the accountingpolicies are most appropriate to the NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service’scircumstances, consistently applied andadequately disclosed.2006 and directions made thereunder by theDepartment of Health, Social Services &Public Safety, of the state of the NorthernIreland Fire and Rescue Service’s affairs asat 31 March 2008 and of its deficit/surplusfor the year then ended;• the financial statements and the part of theRemuneration Report to be audited havebeen properly prepared in accordance withthe Fire and Rescue Services (NorthernIreland) Order 2006 and Department ofHealth, Social Services & Public Safetydirections made thereunder; and• information given within the Annual Report,which comprises the Directors’ Report,Management Commentary, and theRemuneration Report is consistent with thefinancial statements.I planned and performed my audit so as toobtain all the information and explanationswhich I considered necessary in order toprovide me with sufficient evidence to givereasonable assurance that the financialstatements and the part of the RemunerationReport to be audited are free from materialmisstatement, whether caused by fraud orerror and that in all material respects theexpenditure and income have been applied tothe purposes intended by the Assembly andthe financial transactions conform to theauthorities which govern them. In forming myopinion I also evaluated the overall adequacyof the presentation of information in thefinancial statements and the part of theRemuneration Report to be audited.Audit OpinionIn my opinion:Audit Opinion on RegularityIn my opinion, in all material respects theexpenditure and income have been applied tothe purposes intended by the Assembly andthe financial transactions conform to theauthorities which govern them.ReportI have no observations to make on thesefinancial statements.JM Dowdall CBComptroller and Auditor GeneralNorthern Ireland Audit Office106 University StreetBelfast BT7 1EUJune 200873• the financial statements give a true andfair view, in accordance with the Fire andRescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2008RestatedGROSS INCOME2007/08 2006/07Note £'000 £'000Income from Fees and Charges 3 158 186Other Income 4 1,590 8201,748 1,006EXPENDITUREStaff Costs – normal costs 5.1 47,683 46,527Staff Costs – pension costs 5.1 15,701 1,432Other Operating Expenses 7 13,956 11,111Notional Cost of Capital (credit) (11,362) (11,346)65,978 47,72474(Deficit) On Ordinary Activities Before Provisions (64,230) (46,718)and InterestProvision for Future Obligations – Insurance 14(a) (475) (992)Provision for Future Obligations – Compensation 14(b) (9,003) 22,500Provision for Retained Firefighter Pension 14(c) (3,478)(Deficit) on Ordinary Activities Before Interest (77,186) (25,210)PayableFinancing Costs – unwinding of discounts 14(a,b,d) (21,339) (21,154)Net Return on Assets 14(e) 146 176Notional Cost of Capital (11,362) (11,346)(Deficit) on Ordinary Activities excluding Notional (109,741) (57,534)Cost of CapitalAll amounts relate to continuing activities.The notes on pages 78 to 106 form part of these accounts.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2008Restated2007/08 2006/07Note £'000 £'000FIXED ASSETSIntangible Assets 8(a) 68 89Tangible Assets 8(d) 127,114 102,504127,182 102,593CURRENT ASSETSStock 9 665 639Debtors 10 2,669 3,015Short Term Deposits 11 6,225 5,400Cash at Bank and in Hand 12 7,369 3,37816,928 12,432CREDITORSAmounts falling due within one year 13(a) (4,095) (4,337)NET CURRENT ASSETS 12,833 8,095TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 140,015 110,68875PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGESInsurance Provision 14(a) (2,265) (2,190)Pension Provision – Firefighters Compensation 14 (b) (45,583) (36,600)Pension Provision – Retained Firefighter 14 (c) (3,478) 0Pension Provision – Firefighters 14(d) (387,495) (413,444)Pension Provision – NILGOSC 14(e) (2,009) (6,474)NET LIABILITIES (300,815) (348,020)CAPITAL AND RESERVESGeneral Fund 15 (417,977) (444,121)Government Grant Reserve 16 116,953 95,893Donated Asset Reserve 17 209 208(300,815) (348,020)I certify that the Annual Accounts set out in the Financial Statements and the Notes to theAccounts (pages 78 to 106) have been submitted and duly approved by the Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service.Chairman: Date: 24 June 2008Chief Fire Officer:

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08CASHFLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008Restated2007/08 2006/07Note £'000 £'000Net Cash (Outflow) from Operating Activities 21(a) (69,018) (66,127)RETURNS ON INVESTMENT AND SERVICINGOF FINANCEInterest Receivable 4 991 420CAPITAL EXPENDITUREPayments to acquire Tangible Fixed Assets 8(b) (3,913) (6,762)Capital Grant-In-Aid Received 4,029 6,729Proceeds from sale of Fixed Assets 69 20Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from Investing Activities 185 (13)MANAGEMENT OF LIQUID RESOURCES76Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from management 0 0of Liquid ResourcesNet Cash (Outflow) before Financing (67,842) (65,720)FINANCINGRevenue Funding 72,658 72,111Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from Financing 0 0Increase in Cash and Bank Balances 21(c) 4,816 6,391The notes on pages 78 to 106 form part of this statement.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES FOR THE YEARENDED 31 MARCH 2008MOVEMENT IN REVENUE RESERVESRestated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'000(Deficit) for the Financial Year – Revenue (Pg 74) (109,741) (57,534)Revenue Funding Received 72,658 72,111Grant-In-Aid Funding Received 3,774 6,590Actuarial Gain/(Loss) on Pension Scheme (Note 14d) 54,700 (59,400)Actuarial Gain/(Loss) on Pension Scheme (Note 14e) 4,753 (5,423)NILGOSCTotal for Movement in Revenue Reserves 26,144 (43,656)MOVEMENT IN CAPITAL RESERVESUnrealised surplus on revaluation of fixed assets purchased 20,921 555(Note 16)Transferred from deferred income 139 172Unrealised surplus on revaluation of fixed assets donated (Note 17) 1 0Donated assets received in the year 0 8Total for Movement in Capital Reserves 21,061 73577Total of recognised Gain/(Loss) relating to the year 47,205 (42,921)Impact of prior year adjustmentDeficit for the Financial Year (32,600)Actuarial Loss on Pension Scheme 15,100

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS781 ACCOUNTING POLICIES(a)(b)(c)AuthorityThe Accounts have been preparedin a form determined by theDepartment of Health, SocialServices & Public Safety with theapproval of the Department ofFinance & Personnel in accordancewith the requirements of Article 3(15) of The Fire and RescueServices (Northern Ireland) Order2006.Accounting ConventionThe Accounts have been preparedunder the historical cost convention(as modified to reflect changes inthe cost of fixed assets, see (d)below).Basis of Preparation of AccountsWithout limiting the informationgiven, the Accounts comply with theaccounting and disclosurerequirements of the Companies(Northern Ireland) Order 1986, theaccounting standards issued oradopted by the AccountingStandards Board and accountingand disclosure requirements issuedby the Department of Finance &Personnel, insofar as thoserequirements are appropriate.(d)The Accounts are prepared inaccordance with the principles setout in the Financial ReportingStandard 18 (FRS 18) “AccountingPolicies” as the most appropriate forthe purpose of giving a true andfair view.Tangible and Intangible Assets• Capitalisation LevelAssets costing less than £5,000per individual item are written offto the income and expenditureaccount in the period ofacquisition unless they areregarded as a Grouped Asset.• Grouped Asset“Grouped Assets” are acollection of assets whichindividually may be valued atless than £5,000 but whenamalgamated form a singlecollective asset of £5,000.Grouped Assets also need to beinterlinked, each item has avalue of at least £1,000, havethe same replacement date,controlled by a single managerand subject to the same wearand tear.• Land and Buildings –including DepreciationAt the year end liabilities exceedassets due to the pension provision.The Board and Chief Fire Officerare satisfied that Northern IrelandFire & Rescue Service remains agoing concern on the basis thatpension costs, as they arise,continue to be met through fundingby the Department.Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService has 3 types of buildings:Specialised, which are valued atdepreciated replacement cost;Non-specialised, which arevalued at existing use value; and

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Non-operational, which arevalued at open market value.Land and buildings acquiredsince the last valuation areinitially included in the balancesheet at cost. All land andbuildings are indexed usingDHSSPS indices, and a fullvaluation is carried out at fiveyearly intervals by the Lands &Property Service Agency. A fullvaluation was undertaken at31/1/08. Freehold land is notdepreciated and freehold andleasehold buildings aredepreciated over their expecteduseful economic life to NorthernIreland Fire & Rescue Service ofup to 50 years.Grants in aid received forspecific capital expenditure ondepreciable assets are creditedto the Government GrantReserve on the Balance Sheet.The same proportion of theamount of the revaluation thatthe amount of grant bears to theasset’s acquisition cost is alsocredited to the GovernmentGrant Reserve.• Depreciation on Assets otherthan Land(e)(f)• Fixtures, fittings and equipment5 to 20 years• Computers 5 to 7 years• Vehicles 5 to 15 yearsIt should be noted that during theyear office and IT equipment movedfrom accelerated depreciation to astraight line depreciation basis.• Donated AssetsDonated assets are credited tothe Donated Asset Reserve onthe Balance Sheet and they arevalued and depreciated on thesame basis as purchasedassets. Revaluations are takento the Donated Asset Reserveand a depreciated charge for theyear is released from theDonated Asset Reserve to theoperating cost statement. Nocost of capital charge isimposed.StocksStocks are stated at the lower ofcost and net realisable value.Where necessary, provision is madefor obsolete, slow moving anddefective stocks.Government Grants79Depreciation is calculated towrite off the valuation of tangibleand intangible fixed assets lesstheir estimated residual valueson a straight line basis over theirexpected useful economic live.NIFRS use the following usefuleconomic lives:A cash limited grant system is inoperation. Under this, amounts canbe drawn to finance payments madeduring the year which are properlychargeable against the grant,provided that in total they do notexceed the cash limit.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08(g)(h)IncomeIncome from contracts and otherservices provided is included to theextent of the completion of thecontract or service concerned. Allincome from short-term deposits iscredited to the income andexpenditure account in the period inwhich it is earned.Pensionsincreased annually in line with therise in the Retail Price Index afterleaving service.The Department currently fund theFirefighter pension deficit.In addition NIFRS makes one offpayments in respect of ill-healthretirements which effectivelyincreases the employers’contributions to 26.5% and 14.2%respectively.80Firefighters’ Pension SchemesNorthern Ireland Fire & RescueService operates two Firefighters’Pension Schemes, namely:• The Firefighters’ PensionScheme (Northern Ireland) 2007• The New Firefighters’ PensionScheme (Northern Ireland) 2007These are governed by theprovisions of The Firefighters’Pension Scheme Order (NorthernIreland) 2007 and The NewFirefighters’ Pension Scheme Order(Northern Ireland) 2007 respectively.The Schemes are final salaryschemes providing a combination ofpension and lump sum benefits on arange of contingencies and areunfunded. These benefits arerelated to each individual’s salary onleaving the Scheme and areEmployees and employers contributions are as follows:NIFRS Scheme members may alsoelect to pay additional contributionsto purchase added years of service.NIFRS also operates aCompensation Scheme under TheFirefighters’ Compensation SchemeOrder (Northern Ireland) 2007. ThisScheme makes provision for thepayment of pensions, allowancesand gratuities to and in respect ofpersons who die or are permanentlydisabled as the result of an injurysustained or disease contractedwhile employed by the NIFRS.The actuarial valuation at 31 March2007 valued the two PensionSchemes and the CompensationScheme under FRS 17 whichresulted in the calculation of oneprovision. At 31 March 2008 afterdiscussions with GAD it wasSCHEME EES ERSRATERATEThe Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2007 11% 21.3%The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2007 8.5% 11%

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08decided that the CompensationScheme should be reflected in aprovision of its own and accountedfor under FRS12. The 2006/07figures have been restated toaccount for this change.Pension ProvisionAn actuarial valuation was carriedout on 31 March 2008 in relation tothe two Pension Schemes. Thisvaluation was in accordance withFRS 17 and Non-DepartmentalPublic Bodies (NDPB) Guidance2006/2007 and the results aredetailed on Pg96 in Note 14(d).The total net pension deficit as at 31March 2008 is £387 million,representing the sum of theliabilities at that date. See Pg96Note 14(d).The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme(Northern Ireland) 2007 is closed tonew entrants which means that theaverage age of this Scheme wouldbe expected to increase insuccessive years hence the CurrentService Cost can be expected toincrease also.The principal financial assumptions for valuing the liabilities were:% per Annum2008 2007 2006Rate of inflation 2.75 2.75 2.5Rate of increase in salaries 4.3 4.3 4Rate of increase in pensions 2.75 2.75 2.5Rate for discounting scheme liabilities 5.3 4.6 5.481The charge to the income andexpenditure account consists of theCurrent Service Cost (includedwithin staff costs) and interest costs(shown on the Income &Expenditure Statement). Actuarialgains and losses are taken toreserves and shown in theStatement of Recognised Gains andLosses.Compensation SchemeThe Compensation Scheme hasbeen valued under FRS12 and isshown separately from the PensionProvision. The total net deficit forthe Compensation Scheme as at 31March 2008 is £45.5 million. SeePg95 Note 14(b).The liabilities under the Schemeshave been valued using thestandard actuarial technique knownas the Projected Unit Method for allgroups of staff.The principal financial assumptions for valuing the liabilities were:% per Annum2008 2007Rate of inflation 2.75 2.75Rate of increase in salaries 4.3 4.3Rate of increase in pensions 2.75 2.75Rate for discounting scheme liabilities 5.0 5.0

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/081 Current Service Cost is theincrease in the present value of thescheme liabilities expected to arisefrom employee service in thecurrent period2 Interest Cost:The expected increase duringthe period in the present value of thescheme liabilities because thebenefits are one period nearer tosettlement.3 Actuarial Gains andLosses:Changes in actuarial deficits orsurpluses that arise because eventshave not coincided with the actuarialassumptions made for the lastvaluation (experience gains andlosses) or the actuarial assumptionshave changed.been fixed at either 5% or 6% oftheir pensionable remuneration,while employer contribution ratesare determined by the Scheme’sactuary every three years. The2007/08 employer contribution ratewas 13% and increased to 15% in2008/09.An actuarial valuation was carriedout on 31 March 2008 inaccordance with FRS 17 and Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB)Guidance 2003/2004 and theresults of valuation are detailedin Note 14(e).82NI Local GovernmentOfficers’ SuperannuationCommittee SchemeThe Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService also participates in theNorthern Ireland Local GovernmentOfficers’ Superannuation CommitteeScheme for the majority of its Non-Uniformed and Control Roompersonnel.The Pensions Scheme is a definedbenefit statutory scheme,administered in accordance with theLocal Government Pension SchemeRegulations (NI) 2002, as amended.The charge to the income andexpenditure account consists of theCurrent Service and SettlementCosts (included within staff costs)and interest costs (shown on theIncome & Expenditure Statement).Actuarial gains and losses are takento reserves and shown in theStatement of Recognised Gains andLosses.The liabilities under the Schemehave been valued using thestandard actuarial technique knownas the Projected Unit Method for allgroups of staff.The Scheme is funded bycontributions made by bothemployees and employers whohave been admitted to the Scheme.Employee contribution rates haveThe principal financial assumptions for valuing the liabilities were:% per Annum2008 2007 2006Rate of inflation 3.6 3.2 3.1Rate of increase in salaries 5.1 4.7 4.6Rate of increase in pensions 3.6 3.2 3.1Rate for discounting scheme liabilities 6.9 5.4 6.0

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08(i)Foreign Currency Transaction(k)Operating Leases(j)Transactions in foreign currenciesare recorded using the rate ofexchange ruling at the date of thetransaction. Monetary assets andliabilities denominated in foreigncurrencies are translated at therates of exchange ruling at the endof the financial period with allresulting exchange differencesbeing taken to the income andexpenditure account in the period inwhich they arise.TaxationNorthern Ireland Fire & RescueService benefits by being exemptfrom corporation tax on income itreceives from fees and interest. VATincurred by Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service is reclaimed.(l)Rentals payable under operatingleases are charged to the incomeand expenditure account on anaccruals basis over the terms ofthe lease.Notional Cost of CapitalThe income and expenditureaccount bears a non-cash credit forinterest relating to the use of capitalby the Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service. The basis of thecharge is 3.5% of the averagecapital employed during the year,(defined as total assets less allliabilities excluding donated assets).83

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'0002 GRANT RECEIVEDGrant from Department of Health, SocialServices & Public SafetyGrant Received 76,687 78,840Less transfer to/from DeferredIncome – Revenue 0 0Grant Receivable 76,687 78,840Less transfer (to) Deferred Income – Capital (255) (139)Grant credited to Revenue Reserve 76,432 78,7013 INCOME FROM FEES AND CHARGES84Provision of Fire Cover – Other Bodies 70 56Fire Reports/Certificates 31 51Training Courses 37 21Trade Union Deduction Service 20 19Sundry Income from Fees and Charges 0 39158 186Sundry Income includes amounts receivedfor special services, hire of equipment andcourse expenses.4 OTHER INCOMELoss Prevention Council 211 184Insurance Claims 17 30Telephone Calls 5 7Interest Receivable 991 420Miscellaneous Income 366 1791,590 820

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'0005 STAFF COSTS AND MEMBERS’REMUNERATION5.1 Staff Costs(a) The costs of employing staff –whether recorded in the statement offinancial performance or capitalised –are as follows:Salaries and Wages 43,970 42,887Social Security Costs 3,176 3,211Agency/Temporary Staff 537 433Less Recovered Staff Costs Re:- Secondees 0 (4)- Staff costs 47,683 46,527Funded Pension Costs- Current Service Costs 1,034 805- Settlements 111 0Unfunded Pension Costs- Current Service Costs 14,328 10,530- Past Service Credit (10,100)Transfers In 228 197Pension costs 15,701 1,43263,384 47,95985(b)Total Costs can be analysedas follows:Members 47 60Firefighters (Full-Time) 44,480 29,574Firefighters (Part-Time) 10,592 10,505Control Room/Ops Support/Admin personnel 7,728 7,387Agency/Temporary Staff 537 43363,384 47,959

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'0005 STAFF COSTS AND MEMBERS’REMUNERATION cont’d5.1 Staff Costs cont’d(c)The average number of full-timeequivalents (including Members)employed by the NIFRS duringthe year was as follows:86NoNoMembers 11 17Firefighters (Full-Time) 863 865Firefighters (Part-Time) 926 914Control Room Personnel 50 48Administrative/Manual 198 194Agency/Temporary 35 312,083 2,069There are 4 Principal Officers includedwithin Firefighters (Full-Time) and3 Directors included withinAdministrative/Manual.(d)The average number of pensionerspaid by the Northern Ireland Fire &Rescue Service during the period was:NoNo780 771(e)The number of Board Membersin receipt of remuneration fallingwithin the range below was:(excluding Chief Executive)NoNo£0,000 to £4,999 10 16£10,000 to £14,999 0 0£20,000 to £24,999 1 1

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/085 STAFF COSTS AND MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION cont’d5.2 Chairman and Members of the Senior Management Team Emoluments(The salary and pension entitlements of the Chairman and Members of the SeniorManagement Team for the year ended 31 March 2008 are detailed on page 57 of theAnnual Report.)Senior Employees’ RemunerationDuring the year the number of Officers and Support Staff who received remuneration inexcess of £50,000, excluding pension contributions were:2008 2007£50,000 - £60,000 38 35£60,001 - £70,000 7 5£70,001 - £80,000 0 0£80,001 - £90,000 0 3£90,001 - £100,000 2 0£100,001 - £110,000 1 1£110,001 - £120,000 0 0£120,001 - £130,000 1 049 44876 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSThe Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is a Non-Departmental Public Bodysponsored by the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety.The Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety is regarded as a relatedparty. During the year the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has had variousmaterial transactions with the Department.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'0007 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES88Vehicle Running Costs 1,060 1,122Operational Equipment & 1,330 527Maintenance CostsComms Equipment & 843 988Maintenance CostsPremises 3,857 3,235Training 1,366 949Uniforms 916 556Medical Expenses, Subsistence 563 444and other AllowancesContract Catering and KitchenEquipment & Maintenance 503 480Insurance Policies 65 108Fire Safety Publicity 1,470 1,109Office Equipment & Running Costs 835 622Postage and Telephones 164 180Auditors' Remuneration - External Audit 33 15Government Grant Reserve (5,701) (5,850)Release (Note 16)Donated Asset Reserve (9) (9)Release (Note 17)Loss (Profit) on Disposal of Fixed Assets 175 (15)Depreciation (Note 8, a, b & c) 5,710 5,859Other Miscellaneous Expenses 776 79113,956 11,111

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08ComputerSoftwareTotal£’000 £’0008aINTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETSCost/ValuationAt 1 April 2007 99 99Movement in Categories 0 0Assets under Construction 0 0Indexation (10) (10)Revaluation 0 0Additions 0 0Disposals 0 0At 31 March 2008 89 89DepreciationAt 1 April 2007 10 10Movement in categories 0 0Indexation (2) (2)Revaluation 0 0Charge for the year 13 13Disposals 0 0At 31 March 2008 21 2189Net book valueAt 31 March 2008 68 68At 31 March 2007 89 89

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/088bTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETSOperationalLand & Fixtures & Computer & CommsBuildings Fittings Vehicles Equipment Equipment TotalPURCHASED £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000Cost/ValuationAt 1 April 2007 84,878 348 26,828 1,884 10,489 124,427Movement in 0 224 (192) (224) 192 0CategoriesAssets under 274 0 1,040 4 32 1,350ConstructionIndexation 4,426 4 253 (153) 243 4,773Revaluation 18,724 0 0 0 0 18,724Additions 14 15 2,185 17 332 2,563Disposals (38) 0 (2,484) (110) (3,291) (5,923)At 31 March 2008 108,278 591 27,630 1,418 7,997 145,91490DepreciationAt 1 April 2007 1,794 162 14,566 823 4,786 22,131Movement in 163 (105) (163) 105CategoriesIndexation 101 2 138 (70) 109 280Revaluation (3,413) 0 0 0 0 (3,413)Charge for the year 1,821 54 1,743 194 1,876 5,688Disposals (3) 0 (2,354) (71) (3,251) (5,679)At 31 March 2008 300 381 13,988 713 3,625 19,007Net book valueAt 31 March 2008 107,978 210 13,642 705 4,372 126,907At 31 March 2007 83,084 186 12,262 1,061 5,703 102,296

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Land &BuildingsTotal£’000 £’0008cTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETSDONATEDCost/ValuationAt 1 April 2007 217 217Movement in Categories 0 0Assets under Construction 0 0Indexation 10 10Revaluation (19) (19)Additions 0 0Disposals 0 0At 31 March 2008 208 208DepreciationAt 1 April 2007 9 9Indexation 0 0Revaluation (17) (17)Charge for the year 9 9Disposals 0 0At 31 March 2008 1 191Net book valueAt 31 March 2008 207 207At 31 March 2007 208 208

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/088dTOTAL TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETSOperationalLand & Fixtures & Computer & CommsBuildings Fittings Vehicles Equipment Equipment TotalNet Book Value £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000Purchased 107,978 210 13,642 705 4,372 126,907Donated 207 0 0 0 0 207108,185 210 13,642 705 4,372 127,114Add intangible 0 0 0 68 0 68Total 108,185 210 13,642 773 4,372 127,1828eASSETS UNDER CONSTRUCTIONOperationalLand & Fixtures & Computer & CommsBuildings Fittings Vehicles Equipment Equipment Total£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’00092Opening Balance 131 0 975 20 0 1,1261 April 2007Movement in 0 (40) 0 40 0CategoryTransfers out (27) 0 (935) 0 (40) (1,002)Purchases in year 274 0 1,040 4 32 1,350Closing Balance 378 0 1,040 24 32 1,47431 March 2008

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 2006/07£'000£'0009 STOCKSFire fighting Equipment 113 97Uniforms 291 336Transport 137 127Fuel 102 59Stationery, etc 22 20665 63910 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUEWITHIN 1 YEARTrade & Other Debtors 220 91Prepayments and Accrued Income 1,384 1,816VAT Debtor 1,065 1,1082,669 3,01511 SHORT TERM DEPOSITSShort Term Deposits 6,225 5,4006,225 5,4009312 CASH AT BANK AND IN HANDBank Current Accounts 7,359 3,368Cash in Hand 10 107,369 3,37813aCREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUEWITHIN 1 YEARTrade Creditors 1,832 1,947Other Creditors 1,830 2,093Bank Overdraft 0 0Taxation and Social Security 178 158Deferred Income - Capital 255 139Deferred Income - Revenue 0 04,095 4,33713bCREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUEAFTER MORE THAN 1 YEARTrade Creditors - -Other Creditors - -- -

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'00014 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIESAND CHARGES14(a) Insurance ClaimsAt 1 April 2,190 1,765Arising during the year 741 1,299Utilised during the year (339) (522)Reversed Unused (266) (306)Unwinding of Discount (61) (46)At 31 March 2,265 2,19094Expected timing of Cash Flows:Within 1 year 1,015 1,6291 - 5 years 1,250 561Over 5 years 0 0Total 2,265 2,190The charge to the Income andExpenditure Account is as follows:Arising during the year 741 1,299Reversed, Unused (266) (305)475 992Unwinding of Discount (61) (46)The provision relates to outstanding Employer's Liability, Public Liability and VehicleInsurance Claims together with Employment Law Claims.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'00014 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIESAND CHARGES cont’d14(b) Compensation Scheme ProvisionOpening Balance from Pensions 53,000Provision (14(d) Page 96)Restatement under FRS 12 5,200At 1 April 36,600 58,200Arising during the year 1,500 1,800Utilised during the year (1,817) (1,900)Reversed, Unused 0 0Unwinding of Discount 1,800 2,800Actuarial (Gain)/Loss 7,500 (24,300)At 31 March 45,583 36,600Expected timing of Cash Flows:Within 1 year 1,9111 - 5 years 7,219Over 5 years 36,453Total 45,58395The charge to the Income and ExpenditureAccount is as follows:Arising during the year 1,500 1,800Reversed, Unused, Actuarial (Gain)/Loss 7,503 (24,300)9,003 (22,500)Unwinding of Discount 1,800 2,800The Firefighter’s Compensation Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 makes provisionfor the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities to and in respect of persons whodie or are permanently disabled as the result of an injury sustained or disease contractedwhile employed.In 2006/07 the Compensation Scheme valuation was included within the Pensionprovision and accounted for under FRS17. For 2007/08 it has been accounted for underFRS12 as Injury Benefits are not provided in exchange for services rendered by anemployee and employees do not build up an entitlement to any injury awards. Theopening balances have been moved from the Pension Provision and the 2006/07 yearhas been restated to provide comparative figures.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 2006/07£'000£'00014 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIESAND CHARGES cont’d14(c) Retained Firefighters Access to PensionsAt 1 April 2007 0 0Arising during the year 3,478 0Utilised during the year 0 0Reversed Unused 0 0Unwinding of Discount 0 0At 31 March 3,478 0This provision relates to Retained Firefighters in Northern Ireland being given theopportunity to join the Firefighters pension scheme from the year 2000 and representsNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service’s contribution to the pension liability. Theprovision is based on the assumption that 32% of Retained Firefighters decide to join thepension scheme and backdate to July 2000.9614(d) Pensions relating to Firefighter StaffRestatedScheme Liability at 1 April 413,444 394,500Reapportion Opening balance 0 (53,000)Compensation Scheme 14(b) 413,444 341,500Current Service Cost 14,328 10,200Employee Contributions 3,472 3,20017,800 13,400Past Service Credit (10,100)Interest on Pension Scheme Liability 19,600 18,40019,600 8,300Enhancements 0Pension Transfers In 228 197Benefits Paid (8,877) (9,353)Actuarial (Gain)/ Loss (54,700) 59,400Scheme Liability at 31 March 387,495 413,444The provision relates to the outstanding liability to pensions, deferred pensions and activemembers of The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (NI) 2007 and The New FirefightersPension Scheme (NI) 2007. The Benefits Paid figure within the provision is calculated onan accruals basis so differs slightly from the figures provided by GAD.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'00014 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIESAND CHARGES cont’d14(e) Pensions relating to Control/Admin/Manual StaffScheme Liability at 1 April 6,474 1,000Current Service Cost 1,034 805Past Service Cost 0 0Net return on assets (146) (176)7,362 1,629Enhancements 111 0Pension transfers in 0 0Benefits paid (711) (578)Actuarial (Gain)/ Loss (4,753) 5,423Scheme Liability at 31 March 2008 2,009 6,47497The provision relates to the outstanding liability in relation to NIFRS NILGOSC Pensions.It should be noted that the Benefits Paid figure within the provision is calculated on anaccruals basis so differs slightly from the figures provided by NILGOSC.The fair value of the assets held by the Fund as at 31st March together with the presentvalue of the scheme liabilities is set out in the table below:Assets 2008 2007 2006£000 £000 £000Equities 22,382 21,455 21,400Bonds 3,290 4,017 3,200Property 2,305 2,929 1,900Cash 439 325 400Total Estimated Employer Assets 28,416 28,726 26,900Present Value of Scheme Liabilities 30,428 35,200 27,900Net Pension Asset (liability) (2,012) (6,474) (1,000)The expected return on assets is based on the long-term expected investment return for eachclass as at the beginning of the period i.e. as at 31st March and is set out in the table(see pg 98):

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Assets 2008 2007 2006% pa % pa % paEquities 7.7 7.8 7.4Bonds 5.7 4.9 4.6Property 5.7 5.8 5.5Cash 4.8 4.9 4.6History of experience gains and losses:31 March 08 31 March 07£000 £000Difference - Expected and Actual Return on Assets (3,110) (322)Value of Assets 28,416 28,726Percentage of Assets (10.9%) (1.1%)Experience Gains/(Losses) on Liabilities 970 -Total Present Value of Liabilities 30,428 35,200Percentage of the Total Present Value of Liabilities 3.2% -Actuarial Gains / Losses Recognised in STRGL 4,753 (5,426)Total Present Value of Liabilities 30,428 35,200Percentage of the Total Present Value of liabilities 15.6% (15.4%)Analysis of Amount Recognised in Statement of Recognised Gains & Losses98Year To Year To31 March 08 31 March 07£000 £000Actual Return Less Expected Return on PensionScheme Assets (3,110) (322)Experience Gains and Losses Arising on theScheme Liabilities 970 -Changes in Assumptions Underlying the PresentValue of the Scheme Liabilities 6,893 (5,104)Actuarial Gains / (Loss) in Pension Plan 4,753 (5,426)Increase/(Decrease) in irrecoverable Surplusfrom Membership Fall and Other Factors - -Actuarial Gain/(Loss) Recognised in STRGL 4,753 (5,426)

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'00015 MOVEMENT ON THE GENERAL FUNDBalance at 1 April (444,121) (395,265)Revenue Funding from DHSSPS 72,658 72,111Grant-In-Aid Funding from DHSSPS 3,774 6,590Actuarial (Gain)/Loss on Pension 4,753 (5,423)(See Note 14(e))Actuarial (Gain)/Loss on Pension 54,700 (59,400)(See Note 14(d))Restatement of Compensation Scheme 0 (5,200)FRS17 to FRS12 (See Note 14(b))(Deficit) for year (See page 74) (109,741) (57,534)Balance at 31 March (417,977) (444,121)16 MOVEMENT ON THE GOVERNMENTGRANT RESERVECapital allocations not yet released tothe income and expenditure account:99Balance at 1 April 95,893 95,166Transferred from Deferred Income 139 172Revaluation & Indexation in year 26,622 6,405Released to Income and Expenditure (5,701) (5,850)Account (Note 7)Balance at 31 March 116,953 95,893As a result of changes in FREM any Capital Grant-In-Aid received from 2006/07onwards is credited to the Income and Expenditure Reserve17 DONATED ASSET RESERVEBalance at 1 April 208 200Revaluation and indexation in year 10 17Released to Income and Expenditure (9) (9)Account (Note 7)Received in year 0 0Balance as at 31 March 209 20818 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTSThere were no post balance sheet events at date of signature of these accounts whichwould materially affect the figures.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/082007/08 2006/07£'000£'00019 CAPITAL COMMITMENTSCapital expenditure that has been contracted 3,767 1,714for but has not been provided for in thefinancial statements20 LEASESHome Computer InitiativeIn 2006/07 NIFRS undertook the Government sponsored Home Computer InitiativeScheme which enabled employees to loan a home computer through their workplace,paying for it in monthly instalments, tax free. 352 staff and 52 retained fire fightersparticipated in the HCI Scheme and entered a Hire Agreement with NIFRS for hirepayments to be deducted by way of a salary sacrifice scheme. NIFRS subsequentlyentered into two Master Lease Agreements with Fujitsu Siemens Computers Ltd andNicator. Details of the outstanding lease balances are as set out below:100£000 £000 £000Principal Interest TotalInitial Lease Cost 370 24 394Payments 06/07 82 5 87Opening Balance 1/4/07 288 19 307Payments 07/08 124 8 132Closing Balance 31/3/08 164 11 175Cashflow ProjectionWithin 1 year 123 8 1311-5 years 41 3 44Over 5 years 0 0 0

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/0820 LEASES cont’dCycle to Work SchemeIn 2007/2008 NIFRS undertook the Government sponsored Cycle to Work Scheme thatenabled employees to hire a bicycle through their workplace. Payment is deducted inmonthly instalments, tax free. 197 staff and 82 retained fire fighters participated in theCycle to Work Scheme and entered into a Hire Agreement with NIFRS for hire paymentsto be deducted by way of a salary sacrifice scheme. NIFRS subsequently entered into aLease Agreement with BNP Paribas Lease Group. Details of the outstanding leasebalance is set out below£000 £000 £000Principal Interest TotalInitial Lease Cost 155 14 169Payments 07/08 86 8 94Closing Balance 31/3/08 69 6 75Cashflow ProjectionWithin 1 year 69 6 751-5 years 0 0 0Over 5 years 0 0 0101

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08Restated2007/08 2006/07£'000£'00021 NOTES TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT(a)Reconciliation of Operating Deficit toNet Cash Inflow from Operating Activities102Operating Surplus (77,186) (25,210)Adjustments for Non-Cash TransactionsDepreciation on Fixed Assets 5,710 5,859Less Disposal of Fixed Assets 175 (15)Notional Costs (11,362) (11,346)Insurance Provision charge to I&E (Note 14a) 136 470Provision – Compensation Scheme (Note 14b) 7,185 (24,400)Provision – Restatement Compensation SchemeCurrent Serv Cost & Employee Contributions – FF (Note 14d) 17,800 13,400Past Service Credit (10,100)Current Service Cost – NILGOSC (Note 14e) 1,034 805Enhancements – NILGOSC (Note 14e) 111 0Provision Retained FF access to pension (Note 14c) 3,478 0Deferred Grant Release (Note 16) (5,701) (5,850)Donated Asset Release (Note 17) (9) (9)Adjustment for Cash TransactionsInterest Received (Note 4) (991) (420)Pensions – FF (Note 14d) (8,877) (9,353)Pensions – NILGOSC (Note 14e) (711) (578)Transfers In 228 197Adjustments for movements in working capitalDecrease/(Increase) in Stock (26) (21)Decrease/(Increase) in Debtors 346 (1,074)Decrease/(Increase) in Creditors (358) 1,518Net Cash (Outflow) from Operating Activities (See page 76) (69,018) (66,127)(b)Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net fundsIncrease/(Decrease) in Cash in the Period 4,816 6,391Cash Inflow from New Debt 0 0Cash Outflow from Debt Repaid 0 0Cash (Inflow)/Outflow from (Decrease)/Increasein Liquid Resources 0 0Change in Net Funds resulting from Cash Flows 4,816 6,391Non-Cash change in DebtNet Funds at 1 April 8,778 2,387Net Funds at 31 March (See note 11 & 12) 13,594 8,778

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08(c)Analysis of changes in net funds/debtAt 1 April Cash Non-Cash At 31 March2007 Flows changes 2008£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000Cash at Bank and in Hand 8,778 4,816 0 13,594Bank Overdrafts 0 0 0 0Debt due within 1 year 0 0 0 0Debt due after 1 year 0 0 0 0Finance Leases 0 0 0 0Current Asset Investments 0 0 0 08,778 4,816 0 13,59422 CONTINGENT LIABILITIESInsuranceNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service operates a policy of limited self insuranceand has detailed at note 14(a) a provision of £2,265,000 in respect of Public Liability,Employer's Liability, Vehicle Liability and Breach of Employment Law claims which wereunsettled at 31 March 2008. While this is the anticipated sum to meet the liability there ispotential for a further £514,743,000. Our policy is to vigorously defend all cases.103Retained Firefighters and the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less FavourableTreatment) Regulations: Employment tribunalIn September 2000 numerous Retained Firefighters in Northern Ireland lodged claimswith the Office of Industrial Tribunals in respect of access to pension schemes and thePart-Time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations.The Hearing of the claims had been stayed pending the outcome of a lead case onsimilar multiple claims lodged throughout the rest of the United Kingdom which is beingcontested by Fire Authorities nationally.The House of Lords had ruled that earlier decisions on the matter were unsound anddecided to remit the case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for reconsideration.In March 2008 the Retained Firefighters were successful with their claim in respect ofAccess to Pension Rights and Sick Pay Rights.In respect of pensions, a provision has been included within the accounts of £3,478,000representing Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service's contribution to the pension liability,see note 14 (c). While this is the anticipated amount to meet the liability there is potentialfor a further £7,391,000 depending on the number of Retained Firefighters who decide tojoin the pension scheme and back date to July 2000.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08No provision has been calculated for sick pay arrangements as we have insufficientinformation to enable a reliable estimate to be made and NIFRS await further directionfrom National Joint Council.23 SUMMARY OF LOSSES AND SPECIAL PAYMENTSa) Cash LossesNo cash losses were incurred in the financial year over the set diminimus level.b) Special PaymentsNumber of Cases £’000Compensation Payments/Legal Obligations 49 339Ex-Gratia Payments -- Extra-Contractual 0- Compensation Payments 0- Other Payments 0Extra Statutory Payments 024 PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENTS104The Firefighter’s Compensation Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 makes provisionfor the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities to and in respect of persons whodie or are permanently disabled as the result of an injury sustained or diseasecontracted while employed.In 2006/07 the Compensation Scheme valuation was included within the Pensionprovision and accounted for under FRS17. For 2007/08 it has been accounted for underFRS12 as Injury Benefits are not provided in exchange for services rendered by anemployee and employees do not build up an entitlement to any injury awards. The2006/07 accounts have been restated to show comparatives and the opening balancehas been adjusted from the Pension Provision.The impact on the 2006/07 Income and Expenditure Account and closing Balance Sheetas originally reported is set out below:

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08As reported Prior year As restatedadjustment under FRS 12£ 000 £ 000 £ 000Income and Expenditure AccountGross Income 1,006 0 1,006Expenditure 58,132 47,724Insurance Payments note 7 (522)Past Service Credit note 5 (10,100)Notional Negative Cost of Capital 214Surplus/(deficit) on Ord Activities Before (57,126) 10,408 (46,718)Provisions and InterestProvisions for Future ObligationsInsurance movement (424) (568) (992)Compensation Injury movement 0 22,500 22,500Surplus/(deficit) on Ord Activities (57,550) 32,340 (25,210)Before InterestInterest Payable (21,200) 46 (21,154)Net Return on Assets 176 0 176Notional Cost of Capital (11,560) 214 (11,346)Deficit on Ordinary Activities excluding (90,134) 32,600 (57,534)Notional Cost of Capital105

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08As reported Prior year As restatedadjustment under FRS 12£ 000 £ 000 £ 000Balance SheetFixed Assets 102,593 0 102,593Current Assets 12,432 0 12,432Creditors (4,337) 0 (4,337)Net Current Assets 8,095 0 8,095Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 110,688 0 110,688Insurance Provision (2,190) 0 (2,190)Compensation Provision 0 (36,600) (36,600)Pension Provision Firefighters (462,344) 48,900 (413,444)Pension Provision NILGOSC (6,474) 0 (6,474)Net Liabilities (360,320) 12,300 (348,020)106General Fund (463,011) 18,890 (444,121)Government Grant Reserve 102,483 (6,590) 95,893Donated Asset Reserve 208 0 208(360,320) 12,300 (348,020)

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Accounts DirectionThe Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety(a), in exercise of thepowers conferred by article 12(1) and (2)(a) of the Fire Services (Northern Ireland) Order1984(b) and now vested in IT(c) and with the approval of the Department of Finance andPersonnel hereby directs as follows:The annual Accounts of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service shall give a true and fairview of the income and expenditure and cash flows for the financial year, and the state ofaffairs as at the year end. Subject to this requirement, the Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService shall prepare accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2002 and subsequentfinancial years in accordance with:abcNon-Departmental Public Bodies Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance;Other guidance which the Department of Finance and Personnel may issued from time totime in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and fair view; andAny other specific disclosures required by the Department of health, Social Services andPublic Safety;except where agreed otherwise with the Department of Finance & Personnel, in which case theexception shall be described in the Notes to the Accounts. The Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService Accounts Direction (Northern Ireland) 2001 is hereby revoked, but without prejudice toanything done or suffered or to any right, privilege, obligation or liability required, accrued orincurred thereunder.Senior Officer of the Department of Health, Social Service and Public SafetyDate: 16th August 2006107(a) See S.1. 1999/283 (N.J. 1) Article 3(6)(b) S.1. 1984/1821 (N.I. 11)(c) See Article 6(c) of S.R. 1999 No 4S1

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Accounts Direction continuedSchedule 1Application of the accounting and disclosure requirements of the companies (NorthernIreland) order 1986 and Accounting StandardsCompanies (Northern Ireland) Order 19861 The disclosure exemptions permitted by the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 shallnot apply to Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service unless specifically approved by theDepartment of Finance & Personnel.2 The Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 requires certain information to be disclosedin the Director’s Report. To the extent that it is appropriate, the information relating to theNorthern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service shall be contained in the foreword.3 When preparing its income and expenditure account, Northern Ireland Fire & RescueService shall have regard to the profit and loss account format 2 prescribed in Schedule 4to the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.4 When preparing its balance sheet, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service shall haveregard to the balance sheet format 1 prescribed in Schedule 4 of the Companies (NorthernIreland) Order 1986. The Balance Sheet totals shall be struck at “Total assets less currentliabilities”.1085 Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is not required to provide additional informationrequired by paragraph 33(3) of Schedule 4 to the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.6 The foreword and balance sheet shall be signed by the Accounting Officer and dated.Accounting Standards7 Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service is not required to include a note showing historicalcost profits and and losses as described in FRS 3.

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Accounts Direction continuedSchedule 2Additional Disclosure Requirements1 The foreword shall, inter alia:a State that the Accounts have been prepared in a form directed by the Department withthe consent of the Department of Finance & Personnel in accordance with Article 12(1)and (2)(a) of the Fire Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1984; adb Include a brief history of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and its statutorybackground.2 The Notes to the Accounts shall include details of the key corporate financial targets set bythe Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety, together with the performanceachieved.109

Annual Report & Statement of Accounts 2007/08INTERNAL AUDIT VALIDATION CERTIFICATEIn accordance with Best Practice the Chief Fire Officer is required to make arrangements forthe independent validation of the performance levels being reported by the organisation againstits published targets.The organisation’s Internal Auditors have completed an exercise to validate the organisation’sperformance against its targets for 2007/08.The indicators examined were as follows:• Number of accidental fire deaths;• Number of civilian injuries in fires;• Number of dwelling fires;• Number of deliberate property fires (arson);• Percentage of working smoke alarms in private dwellings;• Proportion of working days/shifts lost to sickness absence by all staff; and• Average cost of services provided per head of population.Opinion110On the basis of the data provided by the relevant Departments within NIFRS, Internal Audit canconfirm that the performance against key targets for 2007/08 has been accurately reported bythe organisation in the Annual Report.Deborah ReynoldsVerifying OfficerColin LammeyChief Fire Officer & Accounting OfficerDate: 19 June 2008Printed in the UK for The Stationery Office Limitedon behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery OfficePC2343 08/08

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