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The Pink - Issue 04 - 26 January 2024 |
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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89aQ8587_cw&t=5s
We're excited to announce that we opened applications for wholetime firefighters at 12:00 noon on Monday 22 January.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the campaign process, from filming to planning. Thanks to your support we believe we have been able to showcase the fantastic work that goes on here at SFRS.
Anyone who would like to get involved in this or future campaigns can contact the Communications Team. We are always grateful for the input and aid of others in the Service.
Lauren Jeal | Communications Officer
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West Yorkshire Pension Fund no longer send out paper copies of the Annual Benefit Statements, they can only be accessed by logging onto member’s records at:
MyPension (wypf.org.uk)
Figures from WYPF indicate that just over half our members in the Firefighters’ Pension Schemes are registered to access their details. With the upcoming changes over the next 18 months, it would be beneficial to register onto the portal.
Although the statements do not at present include figures for remedy, they do also contain other important information.
Human Resources
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For Pensions to be paid promptly on retirement, West Yorkshire Pension Fund require at least 2 months’ notice in order to process everything. Therefore, anyone who is thinking of retiring/due to retire, can you please notify Human Resources 2 to 3 months before so that we can get the paperwork to West Yorkshire in a timely manner, otherwise there may be delay in the payment of your pension.
Human Resources
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The Government Actuaries Department (GAD) have announced that they have completed the 2020 valuation of the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme 2015 and published the results.
The employer contribution rate will increase from 28.8% to 37.6% with effect from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027.
Please be aware that the increase to the employer contribution rate will not affect the employee contribution rate nor the terms of the scheme.
Human Resources
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Health surveillance medicals are a method of repeated health and safety checks to ensure that any related ill health is identified.
They are a legal requirement via Regulation 22 of Control of Asbestos Regulation 2012 (CAR) and enforced by the HSE.
Therefore, SFRS have a legal duty to ensure employees are under medical surveillance by a doctor appointed by HSE, if they work with specific hazards and undertake certain work activities.
The purpose of statutory medical surveillance is for the appointed doctor to carry out a respiratory focused examination to:
- inform employees of any early signs of health problems caused by the work activity;
- advise the employee on whether or not it is appropriate to continue being exposed to a particular hazard;
- provide feedback to SF&RS regarding any emerging issues so that the risk assessment can be revised and take appropriate action to ensure that risks are properly controlled, and protect the health of staff and prevent further harm occurring;
- allow staff to raise any concerns regarding how work affects their health;
- present the opportunity to reinforce the training and education of staff.
https://www.hse.gov.uk/health-surveillance/overview.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/doctors/information.htm#:~:text=The%20doctor's%20role%20is%20to,and%20ensure%20risks%20to%20their
Therefore, it is essential that when you receive an appointment for an asbestos medical, you ensure your attendance please.
David Parsonage | Health and Safety Officer
Louise Fletcher | Health and Safety FBU Representative
Germaine Worker | Head of HR and Administration
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Please can we request that all ICT equipment in fire stations, including computers and screens, is put back after use and left in the condition it was found in.
A number of issues have been reported regarding missing cables and changed settings etc which can lead to further complications and delays for others trying to use the equipment.
Thank you
ACFO Guy Williams
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Click here for the latest updates in Data Protection. In this edition read about:
- Ministry of Defence fined £350k for data breach.
- Email advice – BCC field, delay send and tidy up autocomplete guidance.
- Keeping track of Service devices and why this is so important.
You can find this newsletter and lots more information on the Portal here (go to My Stuff > GDPR tile).
Emily Bray | Planning and Programmes Officer | Service Development
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MyView and ResourceLink will be unavailable the week beginning 29 January due to being moved from on-premise to being fully hosted in the cloud.
January payslips are now available to access on MyView so please do so before 29 January.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Sarah Shelvock | Systems Analyst | Service Development
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Following the success of the first ‘Stations in Bloom’ competition last year, where stations competed for the accolade of Best Lawned or Best Paved Station, and as we are approaching a new growing season, we are again seeking entries for what is now to be an annual event within Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Last year, seven stations took part to create displays marking the 75th anniversary of the Service, with Market Drayton winning best Lawned Station and Bridgnorth winning Best Paved station.
This year we would like to encourage more stations and departments to take part in creating a display at their station or building, including Headquarters, based on the theme ‘Food for Thought’. There are many edible flowers, plants, fruit and vegetables to choose from and, once they have been judged, all produce will be donated to your local food bank. With the current cost of living crisis and amount of food poverty that we are constantly reminded of in the press, this is an opportunity for us to help out some of the less fortunate in our community.
All participating stations or departments will be granted a £100 budget towards creating an eye-catching and imaginative display, to be judged in August 2024 (date TBC).
All participants are encouraged to promote the scheme on their social media channels and in their local area to involve green-fingered family, friends and members of the community to design a winning exhibit. We are launching earlier this year to give gardeners the chance to grow from seed if they wish.
With the two categories, Best Lawned Station and Best Paved Station, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have much green space at your station - you can utilise troughs, pots, or hanging baskets; your only limit is your imagination!
For entries or further information please email sally.eynon@shropshirefire.gov.uk with the name of your ’gardener in charge’.
Closing date for entries is Thursday 29 February 2024.
Sally Eynon | T/Watch Manager, Fire Control
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 Serve and Protect Credit Union launch limited-time Fixed Saver account, offering a guaranteed return of 5% AER.
Are you looking to earn a guaranteed return on your savings? Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched their latest fixed-rate savings account.
Serve and Protect Credit Union (formerly Police Credit Union) are a not-for-profit organisation designed to help people in the police, prison, military, fire, and health services save money for their financial future.
- Their Fixed Saver account allows you to deposit from £1,000 up to £10,000, with a guaranteed return of 5% AER over a term of 12 months.
- Your savings with Serve and Protect Credit Union are also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, covering you up to £85,000.
By opening a Fixed Saver, you not only earn a competitive return on your savings, but you also play a vital role in providing affordable loans to those who serve and protect the nation.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive offer!
It’s available on a first-come-first-served basis, so act fast. The product is available throughout January and just requires you to complete a simple application online.
Please Note: If you are not already a member of Serve and Protect, you can still apply, but you will have to do so by the 26th of January 2024.
To apply or learn more about the Fixed Saver, visit:
https://serveandprotectcu.co.uk/save/fixed-saver/
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All operational staff who are required to attend a RTC course, will receive LEO notification to complete the Lithium Ion Batteries eLearning. This is required to be completed within 3 months of your enrolment, and can be completed individually or as a watch/station. Further information will be included on your LEO notification and on the course page.
Training and Development Department
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When you receive a LEO booking confirmation an entry will go into your outlook calendar, this is not linked back to LEO, if you click accept or decline no notifications will be sent back to Operational Training, the outlook notification is for your calendar purpose only.
Please see the Operational Training Prospectus Guidance for the cancellation policy which was circulated to watch management teams.
If you have any queries please contact us at Operational Training.
Training and Development Department
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As part of the Service’s continued Health and Wellbeing plan and to continue to raise awareness of mental health, we have been offering half day introductory Mental Health First Aid Aware training. We are pleased to be able to offer further spaces as follows:
12 February – 09.30-13.30 – The Lantern, Shrewsbury
29 April – 09.30-13.30 – The Lantern, Shrewsbury
Course Details
An introductory four-hour session to raise awareness of mental health.
Aims to give:
- An understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma
- A basic knowledge of some common mental health issues
- An introduction to looking after your own mental health and maintaining well-being
- Confidence to support someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue
Learning takes place through a mix of presentations and group discussion. Everyone who completes the course gets:
- An MHFA manual to refer to whenever you need it
- A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support their own mental health
- A certificate of attendance to say you are Mental Health Aware
As there is a cost for participation, if you would like to attend the training, please:
- Discuss with and obtain the agreement of your line manager
- Ensure you are able to attend your preferred date (if you have one)
- Email your expression of interest to jayne.turner@shropshirefire.gov.uk
Jayne Turner | Training and Development Co-ordinator
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The Pink
The Pink is also available electronically on The Portal or can be emailed to you if you contact Admin Support on EXT 1260.
All colleagues are reminded that the information in this staff newsletter is designed to improve internal communications and support effective operation of our Service. Items within it are intended solely for Elected Members and staff of Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority and not for onward transmission. © Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service 2014
All faults and queries with IT and communications should be directed to the ICT Service Desk.
When you require assistance or support please click on the ICT Portal Tile located on the SharePoint Portal homepage and click on the 'contact us' tab. You will then have the option to 'submit an incident' or 'request a service' using the corresponding blue or green button. Please use 'submit an incident' to log any faults or 'request a service' to ask for a service or program that you have not previously used or had access to.
When submitting an incident please make sure you select the category that comes closest to the fault you are experiencing, and that you describe the fault in details and upload any relevant screen shots.
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