Capturing and categorising operational learning

Capturing operational learning

The SPoC should apply a method of capturing outcomes from all operational learning activities, this should include:

• Record of the date, activity and origin of the learning
• Categorisation
• Risk rating
• Allocated owner
• Evidence and rationale of changes made
• Completion and closed dates

A fire and rescue service may choose to make this method available to all staff, improving the transparent nature of learning submissions, and encouraging subsequent learning being identified and submitted.

Categorising operational learning

Using a consistent approach and terminology when collecting and categorising information relating to operational learning will improve the outcomes of trend analysis.

The Health and Safety Executive has analysed major incidents in high-hazard industries, with different technical causes and work contexts as part of their learning lessons process. This identified several common factors involved when things go wrong, which could be used for categorisation purposes.

These factors are related to:

• Leadership
• Attitudes and behaviours
• Risk management and oversight

To consider and address future potential fire and rescue service operational delivery and activities, information should also be gathered about activities where information and guidance does not currently exist in the National Operational Guidance framework.

An examples of this is the co-responder schemes that some fire and rescue services participate in. Gathering information about such activities may help to support the future development of guidance if it becomes a mainstream function of fire and rescue services.