Transfer of Brigades

[FFNic]

Who in the past has transferred brigades? 

I've recently transferred from LFB to Manchester and currently on my conversion course. 

I'm just wondering what major differences you came across? Procedures or equipment etc. 

[Carl]

I was hoping you would post a thread to discuss this one. Having served all my time in Manchester I am curious as to how you have found it, plus several others on here that have also transferred. I shall look forward to the good and the bad from all sides

One thing I think you will find difficult to adjust to is the fact that we still ride backwards in the back of the pumps. However, you will be glad to know that the program to move and convert the fleet to forward facing has just begun, so you won't have to wait long. 

[Jet]

Enjoying my course so far Carl, except for today when I had to deploy a covering 45mm using British roll. I must say I do love how it takes twice as long and takes twice the effort as Dutch rolled 

[Carl]

Now now @Jamiejet, we have had this debate for many years. There are people cringing at the thought of threads gone by. I think it became the biggest thread of all at one time. 

We shall leave that one there. Glad to hear you enjoying it though.  Hope its been the right move for you.

[Jet]

Haha it was intended as a little bit of good natured bait....I'm aware of the discussions and definitely don't want another debate! 

But yes for the most part I am enjoying it, the London lads are getting a bit of stick though....

[Carl]

I gathered it was intended to make me bite. If I hadn't, another moderator would have

Most part? Which part are you not enjoying? I must admit, I bet its quite a daunting process moving FRS's as there are so many differences between them all. When I was seconded into NR, I found coming back hard as lots of things had changed which appeared not to be big changes to others.

[Carl]

On 13/06/2017 at 21:43, FFNic said:

I've recently transferred from LFB to Manchester and currently on my conversion course. 

So hows it going Nic? I was hoping for a nice new topic starting from either yourself, Jamie or our other secret transferee from Cheshire on whether it was a good move or not and the reasons why its better or worse? Im sure plenty on here would be encouraged by a new thread. No pressure of course

[Jet]

I'm enjoying it so far Carl. It's a bit different and to be honest I was wondering if I had made the right decision after my first tour especially as I was rostering in off pattern straight away! But I've quickly adapted and appreciate the things that GMFRS do better. Still only just completing my second tour so will have more detail after I give it a bit more time!

[Eddier]

As a not so secret transferee from Cheshire I am really glad I made the move. Its made a massive difference to the amount of time I'm spending with my family which up to now is a good thing. I'm enjoying being in a bigger brigade with a different culture and learning new things. I was at the point in my career where things had gotten a bit stale so this has reinvigorated the job for me. 

Jamie did we wear together at the airport? 

[Carl]

Glad you are both enjoying it. I guess like many brigades, we have our strange ways and some perhaps stranger than others. The RR shifts are a pain, luckily as you know Was don't do them, so it doesn't have as much impact. In saying that, I do have to listen to the moans from those coming in and those on my own watch who spent their rota days working.

Anyway, back onto the original topic by @FFNic, what are the major differences ?

[FFNic]

The main differences I have noticed so far are rope rescue and water - both of these skills were at specialist stations only. PPV, lance, charging own cylinders on station, riding backwards, pre alerts and of course the shifts, rostered off patterns and not having the ability to split your annual leave...  

That being said, I do not regret my move. At first it was a bit daunting, but I have managed to settle in well. 

[Jet]

Yeah lots of positives as Nic has pointed out particularly with the equipment and training. Been told the riding backwards thing is being reverted as well. Pre alerts are annoying but I guess I'll get used to them.

For me by far the biggest bug bear is having annual leave allocated to you and how the floating PH system works. Me and Nic are used to having all leave managed on watch using set allocations which generally keeps most people happy. We also used to be able to just take odd days throughout the year if there was spare allocation. Any impasse with regards to who wants what is settled by seniority. Not sure such a system was ever in use here or would work now but don't see why it can't/shouldn't be looked into. I used to enjoy being able to plan my personal life...

Rostering as well, actually don't mind doing this on the odd occasion, but again it would be good to have some say/flexibility on when you do them. For example I have umpteen rota days where I have nothing planned but I've been rostered for a weekend I'm supposed to be going to a friends wedding.

[Carl]

On 31/07/2017 at 17:56, Jamiejet said:

Rostering as well, actually don't mind doing this on the odd occasion, but again it would be good to have some say/flexibility on when you do them. For example I have umpteen rota days where I have nothing planned but I've been rostered for a weekend I'm supposed to be going to a friends wedding.

I was never a big fan of the rostering. We used to do "Short Notice" which I am sure the guys will tell you about. Luckily as a WM I no longer have the on and off patterns and simply work the 2-2-4 which works well for me. Annual leave is a pain and in fact having just been given mine does not look like any planning has gone into it as I am off at the same time as my CM and also the WM and CM at the next station are all on the same leave, so its going to be fun. 

Hopefully the good things about us will override the bad things. I did warn you that we were far from perfect