Earlier this year the NZPFU walked away from the supposed “design” of a Technical Competency Framework (TCF) as it was fundamentally flawed as discussions were based around avoiding current rank and command requirements so that FENZ could appoint non-qualified or insufficiently experienced personnel to the ranks of Commander and Assistant Commander. The NZPFU position can be revisited via https://www.nzpfu.org.nz/news/technical-competency-framework-is-a-sham/
NZPFU representatives and other subject matter experts have since developed the attached “Career Professional Firefighters and Commanders Authorised Command Level Integration, Transition and Future Pathway Arrangements”.
Members are encouraged to read the attached NZPFU “Career Professional Firefighters and Commanders Authorised Command Level Integration, Transition and Future Pathway Arrangements” to understand the NZPFU position on response capability for the command, control and coordination of emergency incidents by FENZ employees appointed to the ranks of Commander, Assistant Commander and the new Tranche 2 ranks of Fire Commander and Assistant Fire Commander.
The NZPFU policy is based on the following key principles:
- The authorised command level (ACL) pathway and integration must be competency based through current assessed qualifications and a portfolio of evidence and experience, based on successful completion of all agreed prior progression levels, for the relevant (ACL/rank).
- Includes the pathway for all future employees from recruit level through to achieving an ACL.
- Includes an integration and transition path to the appropriate ACL for all current operational FENZ employees.
- Excludes integration and transition of future employees who have not completed all prior progression levels, and that were not employed by FENZ prior to 1 July 2017.
FENZ is intending to release a Technical Competency Framework document this month. As we walked away from the sham of the “design” group we do not know what that document includes. We will be surprised if it meets the standards of safe systems of work ensuring only those qualified and experienced are in command. We will update members on how to feedback on the FENZ document once we have received it and can notify members of the NZPFU response.
In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary
