Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Photo Opportunity - Friday the 2nd May at Redruth Fire Station at 02/05/2003 14:30

Cornwall County Fire Brigade has received the Charter Mark for the second time after being reassessed in January this year.

Charter Mark is the Government’s award scheme for encouraging and rewarding improvements in public services.

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is committed to continually improving and modernising its service. It is the Brigade’s aim is to make all of its services easier for the individual to access. This means a high quality service which:

• Puts customers first
• Encourages access and promotes choice
• Uses new technology effectively
• Is open and accountable
• Works in partnership with other organisations
• Uses its resources effectively
• Is innovative and continuously improving


Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Webster explains: “Cornwall County Fire Brigade has the responsibility for providing not only a firefighting and fire safety capability for the County, but also a rescue service for other events that threaten public safety, for example floods, chemical emergencies and road traffic accidents”

He added: “To find out more about our services the public can obtain our new ‘Serving Cornwall’ leaflet by visiting their local fire station or visit our website www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire”

Cornwall County Fire Brigade proved that it performs well in all areas of the Charter Mark Assessment, particularly ‘being open and providing full information’ and ‘consulting and involving’ (the public and other organisations).

“We aim to reach all members of the public with focus on vulnerable groups through schemes such as the Phoenix Project, FACE (Fire Awareness Child Education), and our Community Fire Safety Advisors who visit all children in schools throughout Cornwall”
said Sue Day, Management Services Officer

She added: “Cornwall County Fire Brigade performed well in the ‘treat all fairly’ section of the assessment. Highlighted points included our Community Fire Safety Campaigns which target all the general public as well as the vulnerable such as the elderly, students and children”.

David Pym, Assessor for Charter Mark said “We were impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of all those staff seen during the visit. Anecdotal evidence indicates that this impression is shared by those who have, for a variety of reasons, been the recipients of the service you (Cornwall County Fire Brigade) provide”.

“Councillor Jill Ferrett, Executive Member Public Protection added: “It’s a great pleasure, but came as no surprise, that Cornwall County Fire Brigade has achieved the Charter Mark for the second time. Cornwall County Fire Brigade has maintained a very high standard year after year and continues to improve its services”

The Serving Cornwall Leaflet and other information can be found on the brigade website www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire