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THE Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) annual general meeting, conference and exhibition is fast-approaching. There are no Special Resolutions to be voted upon on this occasion.
The theme for the conference and exhibition, which follows the AGM, is Innovation in community risk reduction – Prevention, protection and emergency response. The conference will encompass a major focus for today’s fire professional and will appeal to and stimulate those working in the broad constituency of the fire community.
Those who have not yet registered to attend can do so by booking online at website: www.eventsforce.net/ife.agm08; using the booking form enclosed with this edition of Fire Risk Management; or contacting IFE head office on e-mail: jenny.angus@ife.org.uk
Branch activity
Branch activity around the world continues to provide an excellent service, and valuable continuing professional development (CPD), for many IFE members and other professionals.
A recent seminar in Lancashire, covering the subject of means of escape for disabled people, has the potential to be repeated across the UK. Organised jointly by the Institution’s Lancashire Group and the Lancashire Branch of the Access Association, the seminar provided the opportunity for fire professionals, access professionals and lay managers of premises to discuss the issues surrounding the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales.
The event was well-attended by delegates from around the UK. A two-hour debate underlined the wide range of issues being raised in meeting the requirements of the two legal regimes, and a number of practical solutions were outlined by the speakers and delegates.
On a separate issue, I was delighted to learn recently that the Midlands Branch alone has organised events that totalled 125% of the Institution’s annual requirement for CPD. There are many other active branches, but the total level of activity is not being reported. Over the next few months, I shall be looking at ways of raising the profile of these excellent events and seeking ways to support activity in local branches around the world. Meanwhile, if branches want to ensure their event has the profile it deserves, send the details to IFE head office on e-mail: helen.ross@ife.org.uk
CPD record
On the subject of professional development, I encourage all members to maintain their record of CPD. The Institution’s guidance on CPD is available via the IFE website at: www.ife.org.uk/professional
Simply collecting certificates of attendance at events is not CPD; the process requires some reflective learning to be valuable. Recording what you did, what you learned, and how you might use the information in the future is much more effective. So, if you have not started your CPD log, now is the time to do so. And, for everyone else, a reminder to update your record with recent activity.
Research event
The Fire Service College, in association with the IFE, has issued a call for papers for its annual research event, and to invite papers for inclusion in plenary, parallel or poster sessions.
This year’s conference is being held at the College in Moreton in Marsh on 12-13 November. Individuals, fire and rescue authorities and other organisations looking to showcase best practice, initiative and cutting-edge research will find this event attracts a wide audience from across the emergency services, the fire industry, research communities, and other private or public sectors interested in the latest fire-related issues.
Delegates will be from a broad range of backgrounds and professional approaches. This gives the conference its distinctive multi-disciplinary and multi-agency flavour.
If you or your colleagues are engaged in an innovative project, research and/or development in a fire-related field, and would like to be included in the programme, contact Dr Anne Eyre on e-mail: anne.eyre@traumatraining.com, or visit the IFE homepage at: www.ife.org.uk/ for more details. The deadline for submissions is 11 April.
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