West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has a good approach to managing business risks and keeping business continuity plans up to date. The Service has risk champions who keep the profile of risk management high. Business risks are regularly monitored and updated through the Risk Management Strategy Group and robust measures and controls are in place. Thorough testing means that the Service’s business continuity plans are up to date and effective.
For example, in 2008 the Service ran a simulation exercise that involved the full management team and fire authority members. This confirmed the Service’s plans were capable of being implemented, and being successful, in the event of a major disaster. It provided good hands-on experience for those who would be involved in an actual event. The learning from the event was used to refine existing plans. A direct benefit from this commitment to risk management has been the reduction in insurance premiums. Copies of the risk matrix and business continuity plan are used by the brokers as part of the tendering exercise for insurance renewals.