Partnership between brigade and supermarket giant

The scheme, also available to other organisations, will see brigade experts providing Asda with fire safety advice which the company can then adopt across the country, not just within West Yorkshire.

Consistency is at the heart of The Primary Authority Scheme (PAS), which allows the emergency service and the business world to come together in a partnership, enabling fire and rescue services across England and Wales to work consistently to improve safety.

The creation of this new partnership builds on the existing relationship and has the backing of statutory governance from the Better Regulation Delivery Office.

This statutory governance only came into force in April this year.

Chris Kemp, Fire Protection Manager who has introduced the scheme for WYFRS, said: “I am delighted that we have now signed our first partnership which is a natural extension to the fantastic work we have been undertaking with Asda. We look forward to continuing to develop the benefits and opportunities Primary Authority brings.”

The partnership was officially signed on September 23, 2014, by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton and Stuart Wiggans, Senior Director, Compliance - Retail Operations for Asda.

ACO Walton said: “Both Asda, and by definition West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, have strong roots in the local Yorkshire area. The signing of the Primary Authority Scheme agreement shows our commitment to work together locally to promote and develop fire safety in Asda stores and buildings across the UK.”

“In recognising the benefits of primary authority ASDA have proactively engaged and worked with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in the development of a Primary Authority Partnership for fire safety.

“ASDA are committed to compliance and to ensuring all premises are safe for customers, colleagues and visitors and the Primary Authority Partnership for fire safety supports this commitment.

“As a multi-site retailer the delivery of better regulation is important to ASDA, and we recognise Primary Authority Partnerships play a key role in delivering better regulation through the consistent interpretation of legislation underpinned by Primary Authority Advice.”