Report highlights successful collaboration between Norfolk emergency services
The first annual report into the progress made since Norfolk Constabulary agreed to work more closely with its local fire service has found it has “been a real catalyst for change”.
The report, which will presented to Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet today (March 2), highlights some of the key achievements since the start of the collaboration, which was designed to improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of Norfolk’s emergency services.
The two services now have a shared emergency control room, a joint method of dealing with missing persons, shared resources for staff training and shared use of buildings.
In addition, both services are working together to provide joint community engagement events.
Norfolk police and crime commissioner Lorne Green said he was delighted by what had been achieved so far.
“This report evidences how my review into fire service governance 18 months ago has been a real catalyst for change in our county,” he said.
“Ultimately, what we all want is better, more efficient and effective public services for our county’s residents. It’s really pleasing to see what can be gained when we work together. May this closer working relationship long continue and grow.”
Produced jointly by Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, the report has already been approved by the Emergency Services Collaboration Board, which was set up a year ago as part of the agreement.
The board has representatives from Norfolk County Council, Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commission, Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “This report underlines the commitment by staff in both services to take action and work better together for the benefit of everyone in Norfolk.”
