RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

July 19, 2007
NEW LINK FOR RoSPA AND SCOTLAND’S FIRE CHIEFS

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the Chief Fire Officers Association Scotland have forged a new partnership so that they can work more closely to reduce deaths and injuries.

The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding today which will lead to greater co-operation on accident prevention campaigns.

The agreement was signed at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue headquarters in Hamilton by Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Chief Executive, and Chief Officer David Wynne, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at the Association.

Tom Mullarkey said: “I am delighted to have reached this understanding with Chief Fire Officers in Scotland as they and RoSPA share so many common goals. The Fire and Rescue Service’s work has changed greatly over the years and brought us even closer together.

“RoSPA’s mission is to save lives and reduce injuries in all walks of life and the fire service operates in a similar way, helping people at home, in the workplace, on the road and at leisure.

“It plays an active role in the community, focusing increasingly on education and prevention, which is key to so many of the things in which RoSPA is involved.”

David Wynne said: "This has to be a good thing for both partners and the communities we serve. We already work together to promote best practice, under the Scottish Community Safety Network, to seek to improve the health and safety and well-being of our communities.

"The partnership has led to the production of a Child Safety Action Plan for Scotland and other work on road, home and water safety promotion. The Memorandum of Understanding formally confirms the partnership approach.

"The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service welcomes the close association it has with RoSPA and we look forward to working together to secure further accident reduction achievements."

As part of the memorandum, the two organisations will seek to collaborate on safety policy, strategy and action plans and enhance communications and co-operation.