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Strategic Assessment of Technological Factors

Situation

Digital transformation and changes to communication methods have accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These have provided opportunities, whilst also challenging how we deliver core services, and considering how vulnerable we are to cyber-attacks.

IT systems and digital technologies offer the opportunity to deliver better outcomes for our staff and communities. Digitisation can provide smarter, more effective ways for us to operate. This can be through streamlined management systems that enable effective, efficient communication, document management and creation and tools that securely record data. IT systems are now also enhancing operational capability at incidents with many emerging technologies that have been developed to improve firefighter safety and reduce the risk to members of the public.

The strategic assessment considered the following factors in this section.

  • Cyber Security & Data Security
  • Emergency Services Network (ESN)
  • Increased Mobile Technology Usage (Innovation)
  • Online Community Engagement
  • Critical National Infrastructure
  • Assistive Technology

Direction

We hold Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation. Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme that helps to protect organisations against a range of common cyber-attacks. Our cyber security protects devices, services and information from theft, damage, or unauthorised access. Cyber risks are unpredictable with breaches inevitable, but there are protective technologies that help mitigate that unpredictability, accurately assess, and manage risks effectively. We have good arrangements in place to manage these risks.

The ESN programme will deliver secure and resilient critical communications the emergency services can trust to keep them safe, along with a modern voice and data platform which will enable the emergency services to improve front-line operations and work more closely together. We anticipate short-term resourcing issues to deliver this national programme of work, but this should be offset by Central Government funding and potential long-term improvements in functionality, operational and business continuity resilience for NFRS.

Daily computer usage continues to increase, with the highest rate amongst older generations. A growing number of people will access information and services through mobile technology such as smartphones and tablets. The growth in online technology and mobile communications has led to greater emphasis on online access to services, social media, cyber security, and the correct handling of personal data. We have increased our use of online platforms to promote safety messages and the work of the service, potentially reaching new audiences, along with undertaking engagement and consultation in recent years using online platforms.

We are migrating public facing information onto web-based formats, to increase accessibility and take advantage of these changes in public engagement. However, traditional methods of engagement will be maintained to ensure full access to and engagement with our services. We have invested in a programme of work to support smarter and flexible working including in more mobile access to systems and information via cloud-based services. Investments in operational mobile data terminals for fire appliances also support and complement our service delivery.

Critical National Infrastructure are functions which, if compromised, could result in significant impact on the availability of essential services (including those resulting in significant loss of life or casualties), or significant impact on national security, defence, or the functioning of the state. The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure assists those responsible for protecting these functions. We mitigate the risks such sites present through our participation in the Local Resilience Forum, training National Incident Liaison Officers, along with maintaining operational risk information and tactical plans. These sites also form part of routine training and multi-agency exercising.

Assistive technologies are services or products that can help support the independence, wellbeing, and safety of individuals. There is a link between the profile of individuals that would benefit from assistive technology and an increase in the risk of fire. During our prevention work, it may be identified that an individual would benefit from further assistance, and our referral pathways ensure that automatic referrals are made to an appropriate agency. Through our Occupational Therapist, individuals can also be signposted to appropriate support services following our visit.