Fire Chiefs Boost Research With Launch Of New Group

The NFCC Academic Collaboration, Evaluation and Research Group (ACER) will get to work this autumn, led by Nottingham Trent University academic Dr. Rowena Hill.

ACER will review research from both the UK and across the world, keeping a watching brief on lessons learned that could apply to UK fire and rescue services. The NFCC is keen for ACER to encourage approaches from academics who share areas for potential research.

NFCC set up

The NFCC set up NOL that analyzed incidents to then share learning to improve operational practice

Previously, the NFCC set up National Operational Learning (NOL) that analyzed incidents to then share learning to improve operational practice. ACER will provide the NFCC with a new forward-looking, academic-focused approach.

Stuart Nicholson, an Area Manager with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service chairs the user group that provides oversight of NOL, and he will become vice chair of ACER.

The paper provided to Fire Chiefs noted: “The group will be linked to NFCC but operate with a degree of independence and in a capacity to act on the strategic, operational, and external challenges impacting on the fire and rescue service now and in the future.”

ACER’s interests

ACER’s interests will cover not only operational research, but findings that will be of interest to the fire and rescue service's fire protection and fire prevention activities.

Meeting quarterly, ACER will be supported by existing NFCC secretariat functions and report to NFCC members on a regular basis.