Short description of the case:

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is the second largest fire and rescue service in England and introduced new duty systems and flexible employment contracts for firefighters as part of its Human Resources Modernisation Programme. This case study is a contemporary example of an organisation delivering an efficient and effective workforce utilisation strategy incorporating a challenging efficiency target whilst at the same time improving emergency response service performance standards aligned to the Authority’s Integrated Risk Management Plan. The solution has delivered real value for money for the organisation with real opportunity for incremental continuous improvement and incorporates significant benefits and incentives for its employees. This has been achieved in a very challenging industrial relations climate following a bitter national dispute. The introduction of a sophisticated rostering software solution has been one of the key enablers leading to the successful implementation of the project.

Main feature of the case:

- Effective management of resources and working in partnership with the workforce

- Innovation and implementing change

Key words:

Efficiency. Duty systems. Workforce utlisation. Flexible contracts. Performance improvement. Information Technology. Collective agreement. Performance indicators. Service delivery standards. Project management.

Further information:

Long case description (PDF-form)
Case presentation (PDF-form)