Ten years on: Devon and Somerset merger

摘要

Ten years ago, the former Somerset and Devon fire and rescue services decided to work more closely together in order to meet the increasing expectations that were being placed upon them. This came as a result of the government's modernisation agenda, deepening financial constraints and the expectations of the post 9/11 World. Both services felt restricted by their capacity which was limiting their opportunities for continuous improvement, the pace of change and value for money. Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was a small organisation that was part of the county council, while Devon was a comparatively larger, stand-alone combined fire authority. It was quickly identified that the two organisations had a remarkably similar organisational culture and identity and, in addition, the two services shared similar history and geography.