The BFSA was formed in 1949 by the amalgamation of the National Fire Brigade’s Association and the Professional Fire Brigade’s Association. The NFBA was formed in 1887 when it was known as the National Fire Brigade Union and was incorporated in 1912. The PFBA was formed in 1902.
Thus the BFSA can claim over a century of tradition & experience. All of this has been devoted to advancing the status of the nations fire fighters and improving the effectiveness of the measures taken to protect life, save damage to property and render humanitarian services.
The BFSA is unique in that its members are drawn from sections of the fire service. This means not only the public fire brigades established under the Fire Service Act 1947, but also the occupational and private fire brigades established to protect industry, commerce and private premises. These are also the fire brigades of Government Departments and the Ministry of Defence, hospitals and airports just to name a few.
The BFSA is a company incorporated by charter. It is not a trade union and does not attempt to function as such, although like many organisations having concern for its members it has done much to advance their status over the years.
The BFSA is a strictly non-political and as a democratic institution, its members are drawn from all ranks and disciplines. The Governing Council of the Association is freely elected by the Districts, with representatives from the public fire service and occupational and private fire brigades.
History
| 1882 | The Midlands Fire Brigades Association (MFBA) was raised |
| 1887 | The National Fire Brigades Union (NFBU) was founded with the MFBA forming the Midlands District |
| 1889 | The Widows’ Orphans’ and Benevolent Fund was introduced – the first National Charity for Firefighters |
| 1902 | Saw the founding of the Professional Fire Brigades Association (PFBA), membership drawn mainly from the then city, town and village fire brigades |
| 1912 | The NFBU was incorporated as a Registered Company No 121413. The same number applies today |
| 1918 | Following the end of WW1 and the founding of the Fire Brigade Union, the NFBU re-titled to become the National Fire brigades Association (NFBA) |
| 1949 | The NFBA and PFBA amalgamated to form the British Fire Services Association |
Objectives of the British Fire Services Association (BFSA)
Mission Statement
| 1. | To actively promote the personal development of all Fire Fighters |
| 2. | To ensure the highest priority is afforded to all matters appertaining to Fire Safety and Training |
Aims
The principle aim of the Association is to provide a central organisation for all fire brigades and fire trained personnel and to elevate the status and procure the advancement of its members.
Functional Groups
The Association has formed Functional Groups to give points of contact for members and dissemination of information within fields of interest.
The Functional Groups will cover:
- Local Authority (Operational)
- Occupational Fire Service Personnel
- Training and Vocational Qualifications
- Fire Safety Advisory
- Aviation (Civil & MOD)
Districts
Where there is sufficient interest at local level, District activities occur. The General Secretary can advise whether or not there is a District Committee active in your geographical area.
Vocational Qualifications
The Association is currently represented on the integrated personal development working group, looking after the interests of Occupational & Private Firefighters.
Welfare
The Members Welfare Fund assists Members, ex Members and their dependants.
Assistance may be in the form of one-off grants to aid the purchase of mobility items, electrical appliances, furniture or repairs. Alternatively the Management Committee of the Fund may consider long-term maintenance grants, to those on limited income.
It should be noted that any member or ex member, whether from a Local Authority, Ministry of Defence, Private or Occupational Fire Service is eligible for assistance.
The assets and income to the fund have been generated from the Membership without public appeal. Assistance is therefore limited to those holding or having held Membership of the Association.
