The Authority is committed to partnership working and its work is well-regarded by partners. Partnerships are used effectively and deliver successful outcomes.
There are numerous examples of joint working to provide appropriate services with partnerships that are delivering notable improvements for the Authority and residents. For example, a heathland protection project has helped preserve an environmentally sensitive area and also reduced the number of fires by 60 per cent. The Authority has also freed up staff at station level to build links with local groups.
Partnerships and collaboration with other emergency services are robust and effective. This has led to shared use of premises in Lyme Regis, a joint private finance initiative (PFI) scheme for new buildings and the introduction of a successful co-responder trial with Dorset Ambulance Trust. The Authority is increasing capacity and delivering efficiencies through partnership working.
It is working well with local strategic partnerships (LSP) and crime and disorder reduction partnerships (CDRP), where it operates at both the strategic and tactical level to support achievements. Active involvement in two of the main Regional Management Board (RMB) work streams is allowing good practice to be brought in more quickly, particularly in human resources issues.
Management of partnership work is sound. Staff have a clear view of how they contribute to the wider agenda and initiatives. The Authority is a performance-focused organisation and this flows through to its partnership approach. There is good budgetary control over partnership working. Performance information is shared well with partners to improve co-operative working and the service provided to the community.