Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new public panel aimed at strengthening engagement with local communities across the region.
The initiative, called Your Service, Your Say, invites residents aged 18 and over to share their views on the fire service through online surveys, focus groups and feedback sessions.
The panel aims to better reflect the diverse voices of the communities served by the fire service across both Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shantha Dickinson has said:
“Our communities are at the heart of the work that we do.
“We are always looking for new ways to improve, so it is important that we reach out to those we serve to understand how we can do things differently to make life safer across our area.
“The new people’s panel, Your Service, Your Say, will see us engage with residents in a way in which we have never done before.”
Those who sign up will receive quarterly online surveys and updates on how their input has helped shape service improvements. They may also be invited to participate in future focus groups and workshops.
The fire service has confirmed that the panel is specifically designed for members of the public with no current affiliation to the organisation, while internal staff and volunteers will continue to contribute feedback through existing internal channels.
A demographic section on the sign-up form will help ensure the panel is representative of the wider population. Full details on how participant data will be used are available via the privacy notice on the fire service’s website.
Island residents can register to take part in the panel now via the official website.
I am not sure what this will achieve (apart from costing money). If my house is on fire I want the brigade to attend quickly and extinguish the fire. If I am in a car accident and need to be cut out of my car, again i want them to attend swiftly and rescue me. What more is there to say?