Welcome to the FBU Region 10 homepage

My name is Tim Davis and I am the Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator for London, Region 10.

I am currently recruiting Union Learning Representatives to assist in carrying out a Learning Needs Analysis in the Brigade.

These ULR’s will be entitled to paid time off to attend training and when qualified be accredited through the Open College Network. They will be trained to support and guide others through the learning process and provide front-line advice to learners.

If you would like to get involved with learning and helping others to learn or would just like to find out a little more about the project then I would like to hear from you.

Learning Co-ordinator:

Tim Davis

Mob: 07917 031 846

tim.davis@fbu.org.uk

Click here for Region 10 ITQ Article

London Learning Needs Analysis Results

                                                                                                                                       
 

Fire Service staff sign up for deaf awareness courses

Fire and Rescue Service staff are currently learning sign language and increasing their deaf awareness as the result of funding by the London Development Agency (LDA) and support from unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organisation . The Deafworks course for firefighters attached to Red Watch at New Malden fire station, a Fire Safety Inspecting Officer and borough-based fire safety admin staff from Lambeth , Croydon and Kingston, specifically focuses on how a deaf or hard of hearing person would need to be approached when carrying out a Home Fire Safety Risk Assessment. It also looks at the need for the appropriate smoke alarm which a deaf person would need in their home, for example, one with flashing lights and a vibrating alarm for under pillow when asleep.

One benefit of the course is already apparent - the course tutor did not have an appropriate fire alarm, but the students soon fixed that problem.The training came about because of firefighters' involvement with Surbiton Deaf Club where they recently gave a short fire safety presentation with the assistance of a Fire Brigade signer. This sparked a lot of interest among the firefighters and at least two of them are aiming to become British Sign Language (BSL) qualified.

The Watch Manager is keen for this session to form part of the initial training firefighters receive when joining the Fire Service as not only does it provide excellent advice on communicating with people suffering from forms of deafness but it is also very useful for helping engaging with anybody who has difficulties with English.

Not only will the course benefit deaf and hard of hearing people in the community, but it will also benefit the learners in their workplaces. The Inspecting Officer meets people deaf and hard of hearing people quite often in various workplaces and skills learnt will help her role tremendously. The office-based staff who work alongside people with hearing difficulties have said how very useful this course is in raising their own awareness of deafness and the best methods to overcome any communication issues.

A recent learning survey carried out over the whole of the London Fire and Rescue Service indicated that over 20% of respondents were interested in sign language, which came a close third behind Spanish and French.

Tania Fletcher, Head of Employability at the LDA said: "This course will break down communication barriers between communities and ultimately save lives. Deafworks has found a new way of working between the fire service and the deaf and hard of hearing communities, and will encourage better practice when engaging with other vulnerable communities. I am delighted the LDA* is part of such a worthwhile and innovative programme ."

Barry Francis, unionlearn with the Southern and Eastern Region TUC said:
'Learning at Work Day has produced a real benefit for the local deaf and hard of hearing community as well as setting Fire Service staff on a personal learning journey. This serves to underline the value of union learning as an important part of social cohesion. The partnership between the LDA, unionlearn and the FBU has resulted in a real benefit to the community.'

Tim Davis, London Region Lifelong Learning Coordinator, FBU said: 'This is a fantastic course, which the students have really enjoyed and which has taught them many useful skills. The Fire and Rescue Service plays an important role in the community and we want to be able to serve the whole of the community. Better communication with those who are deaf or hard of hearing will enable staff to serve the whole community.'