A request for information about cost of operational training -17105
Ref: FOI/17105
RE: FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 REQUEST
I am writing to confirm that the West Midlands Fire Service has now completed its search for the information you requested on 4th October 2017.
Please find below a summary of our findings.
Request
1) What was the gross cost of operational training in your fire service in the previous ten financial years? (please separate by financial year: 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17)
Reply
PLEASE NOTE: We only hold records for six years not ten as requested
| 2016/17 | 2015/16 | 2014/15 | 2013/14 | 2012/13 | 2011/12 | 2010/11 |
| 2,511,178 | 2,810,472 | 2,704,042 | 2,226,765 | 2,072,793 | 2,184,834 | 2,308,791 |
| Structure and Organisational Changes will be reflected in the above Figures |
| Eg -10/11 – Salary Costs for Trainers were still part of the Corporate Pay Budget |
| Prior to DTM management costs were reflected against the Academy budget |
Request
2) How many a) full time fire fighters and b) retained firefighters were employed in the previous ten financial years (please separate by financial year: 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17)
Reply
| Full time Firefighters | Retained Fire fighters | |
| 2007/08 | 1959 | 0 |
| 2008/09 | 1921 | 0 |
| 2009/10 | 1849 | 0 |
| 2010/11 | 1774 | 0 |
| 2011/12 | 1704 | 0 |
| 2012/13 | 1622 | 0 |
| 2013/14 | 1601 | 0 |
| 2014/15 | 1579 | 0 |
| 2015/16 | 1509 | 0 |
| 2016/17 | 1410 | 0 |
Request
3) How many days did a) full time fire fighters and b) retained firefighters spend on operational training in the previous ten financial years? (please separate by financial year: 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17)
Reply
As an organisation employees do not record time spent against operational training, we record against a competency framework which requires the employee to record evidence when they demonstrate competency. Their training/development requirements is recorded on a development plan and this is based around the need of the employee so each employee has a tailored approach to development.
If you have any queries about this email, please contact me. Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications. If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision please write to The Public Relations Department, West Midlands Fire Service, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW
Further information concerning Freedom of Information requests can be found on the Information Commissioner website at either the following link: https://ico.org.uk/ or at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF.
