FIRST UK FIRE AUTHORITY ACHIEVES CHARTER STATUS

On 3^rd October 2005 Essex Fire Authority became the first UK Fire Authority to achieve the Client Charter Status Award. The Property Services Team undertook the challenge by completing the Mini Charter. This involved the team reviewing their current practices and policies to formulate a 5-year continuous improvement programme.

"We are extremely proud to become the first fire service to receive the Constructing Excellence, Clients Charter Award", said Jon Doherty, Property Services Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

"Supported by the ODPM, the Charter is designed to provide a development framework in 17 key areas to enable clients to work more effectively with contractors. This Award reflects the Authority’s continued support of excellence within all of its activities and the five-year plan offered by the scheme will help to ensure that Property Services continues to progress and develop into the future."

ECFRS’ Property Services team was established three years ago with a dedicated team of eight. The group manages defects, minor and major building projects, mechanical and electrical works, as well as facilities management and a drawing office facility.

Geoffrey Wort, Head of Construction Services at Achilles Information Limited, who are responsible for the Construction Clients' Charter, said; "I am impressed and delighted that Jon Doherty and his team have achieved Charter Client status so quickly. There is clearly a considerable amount of expertise within the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service which has been brought together to concentrate on achieving even better outcomes from the work of Property Services and thereby improve efficiency for the whole Service."

More information about the Charter can be found at www.clientsuccess.org or www.achilles.com