Exploring the changing roles of Fire and Rescue Service employees from a psychological perspective

Fire and Rescue Services in England have experienced a number of transformational changes in the past twenty years, and since 2004 in particular, there has been an increase in the focus on the community safety aspect of the roles of FRS employees. This presentation will explore the changing roles of FRS as part of the organisational changes in Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the introduction of the Home Safety Assessments, focussing on the following questions: What factors have influenced the changing roles of FRS employees? How is community safety work being carried out? What role-related issues have arisen from the changing roles of FRS employees? What are the consequences and outcomes of the changing roles of FRS employees? To answer these questions, this presentation draws on data collected from qualitative methods, including the proposal of a new theoretical model of organisational change for the UK Fire and Rescue Service, with 5 key factors that need to be considered for a successful change. Furthermore, the key role-related issues facing FRS employees are presented, including the career ‘ladder’. Finally, the presentation discusses the impact of these changing roles in the community, including community safety as a new front line.