Quote:
Originally Posted by nigel leyland
Clive, you have effectively cited socialising, communications and events as benefits......no reason a Group cannot extend those to fellow Responders, it's been done across the country for long enough.
James, Your concern is training and competency. I refer you to " ...3. There is a mutual aid policy which includes temporary "Responder loan".(requiring only an information exchange between controllers) ..." Liability mitigated!
|
Nigel
Yes Liability potentially Mitigated but risk remains in that a responder from a neighbouring team is an unknown quantity. Please dont miss the point im trying to make, I welcome anything that encourages cross boundary working and brings neighbouring groups together, it is after all exactly what we joined up to do.. help others HOWEVER without any set minimum required operational standards, training levels, uniform, communications or even kit across the entire network you must agree that it proves difficult.
I am very fortunate in that I have two very professional and well organised neighbouring teams in Sussex and Surrey however we all three have very different working practices.
With regards to belonging to two groups.. I have no issues with that at all but want to make a few points.
firstly any responder that joins my group is required to undergo basic training & has his or her vehicle and kit inspected before being appointed as a responder. this is the same for raw recruits as it is for seasoned veterans from other groups however we do offer an accelerated induction for other responders.
We, as do others operate our own insurance scheme, it is essential therefore that if responding to a callout where both teams are operating the relevant controller is aware so there is no issue with who's liability insurance is covering the activity of said responder.
And thirdly with that in mind a proportion of the membership fee paid goes directly to the cost of that insurance, therefore membership of the group requires the fee to be paid, I have members who are " dual hatted" and although I would dearly like to accept them at zero cost to themselves we do have to pay fees on there behalf therefore we charge them a membership fee.. not ideal but there we have it.