Over 10 years ago, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service (CFRS) originally had a very old and outdated training and compliance system that was no longer supported by the supplier, using a server that was no longer supported by Microsoft. This pushed CFRS to review the operational competency system that relied upon paper-based training planners and issues where the system was unable to manage specialist skill sets.
At that time, CFRS was already using learnPro for the management of E-Learning assessments, holding all training materials and content, from PowerPoint to videos.
CFRS was not recording any incidents or driving logs. The development folders were paper-based, along with the training planner, equipment testing and PPE records, appraisals, development plans, reviews, etc.
After a lengthy process to review the software options available, including visiting several fire services and attending user groups for the different software providers, this enabled the tender process to begin and the writing of the initial system requirements (core system with a training planner, driving logs, development plans and development pathways).
In September 2003, pdrPro was successful in the tender process which enabled CFRS to build a training planner, driving logs and launch online development plans and reviews, which in turn was rolled out to all Fire stations (Firefighter to Station Manager and Group Manager for reporting purposes) in April 2004, and which also enabled linking E-Learning content to the training planner.
Over time, CFRS has also started building all the development pathways (Firefighter to Group Manager, inductions, recruit’s courses, etc.).
Since the inception of pdrPro/LMS from LearnPro Group, the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) have gained pace with their confidence in the system and what it delivers, and has subsequently purchased additional modules as well as developing their existing modules and delivering training to all relevant staff users. This has received positive feedback from our HMICFRS inspections and audits.
After a recent HMICFRS inspection, a recommendation was made for appraisals to be removed from a paper-based system and now 100% of the Service is using pdrPro (operational and support staff).
Following a staff feedback survey, this led to CFRS purchasing WorkforcePro for non-operational support staff to provide them with a suitable platform for learning and development. This means that 870 staff members currently use the system, including all members of the SLT.
During this period not only has the pdrPro/LMS system enabled SLT to appreciate what pdrPro can deliver with regards to personal accountability, effective reporting and ease of access to information based on role level (permissions).
Also, the benefits of an online system, which removes the need for users/management to be required to be in the workplace – has presented a modern way of working for a modern fire service. CFRS over the last 10 1/2 years has purchased all modules (except Operational Assurance, which is now under trial) and has become an integrated part of the Service and day-to-day life for everyone within the CFRS.
