The Charter Mark
1994-2003
Awarded for excellence

As part of our programme to improve service provision the WSFRS successfully applied for a Charter Mark in 1994.

To qualify for the Charter Mark the Service had to show, in a formal application, how it met 9 stringent criteria. These were:

• Standards
  
  
• Information and Openness
  
  
• Choice & Consultation
  
  
• Courtesy & Helpfulness
  
  
• Value for Money
  
  
• Putting things right
  
  
• Customer Satisfaction
  
  
• Measurable Improvements in Service quality
  
  
• Plans for Innovative Service Enhancements
  

To satisfy the awarding panel, the Service had to make a document-based submission with supporting evidence; peers, partners and service-users were contacted directly by third parties working for the panel and assessors inspected the Service before a final decision was reached.

The award's criteria are always being reviewed to ensure they reflect best practice and remain focussed on service to the public. Although still covering the same broad areas outlined above, the award's criteria have been reduced to six, but increased in terms of detailed requirements.

The Prime Minister The Rt. Hon John Major presented the 1994 award to the County Fire Officer at the annual awards ceremony in London. Subsequent awards have been made by Government Ministers at similar ceremonies.