County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority has a statutory duty to provide a fire and rescue service for the residents of County Durham and Darlington under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. Further to this, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 places additional statutory responsibilities on the Authority and other agencies to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to emergency planning, response and recovery work in the event of major, large scale incidents.

It is important that this Service is both fit for purpose and exceeds the needs of our diverse communities. As such we are constantly aware of the changing environment in which we operate and review our strategic direction and priorities accordingly. In 2006/07 we actively engaged our partners, private sector businesses, members of the public and staff in such a review resulting in an aspirational and focused vision:

‘Safer People, Safer Places’

Supporting the vision are our three strategic aims and seven objectives:

Protecting and preventing

1. identify and reduce risks from fire and other hazards to achieve safer, stronger communities
2. respond effectively and competently to prevent loss of life, injury and damage, with resources targeted to risk
3. define and deliver our role in the community to improve the well-being and quality of life for our communities

Developing motivated people to deliver effectively

4. invest in the skills and potential of all our people through continuous personal and professional development
5. optimise the contribution of all our people in a rewarding, challenging and safe environment Value through sustainable improvement
6. develop an organisation that is fit for purpose to meet the changing needs of our communities
7. deliver value for money with prioritisation of available resources based on risk