Briefly in english

Finnish Contract Fire Brigades’ Federation

The Finnish Contract Fire Brigades’ Federation (SSPL) is a national organisation representing contract fire brigades. Its members may include volunteer fire brigades, organisations representing personnel working under individual employment contracts, and other fire brigade organisations that have entered into agreements with the rescue services.

The federation promotes contract fire brigade activities, supports its member fire brigades and works to strengthen their operating conditions. It monitors developments in the rescue services, participates in preparation and decision-making, and cooperates with public authorities, rescue-sector organisations and other stakeholders.

History

The Finnish Contract Fire Brigades’ Federation was founded in Tampere on 4 February 2001.

One of the main reasons for establishing the federation was the transition of Finland’s rescue services to a regional organisational model. This reform was expected to have a significant effect on the position, operating conditions and contractual arrangements of contract fire brigades. A national organisation was therefore needed to bring together the views of contract fire brigades and promote their consideration in the development of the rescue services.

One of the federation’s first major tasks was to develop a national system of fire brigade agreements in cooperation with the Association of Finnish Municipalities. The federation quickly established a recognised position among organisations operating in the rescue sector.

Since its foundation, the federation has monitored reforms in the rescue services, issued statements, participated in national working groups and cooperated with public authorities and organisations in the rescue sector.

At the federation’s initiative, Finland began observing a national day for volunteer fire brigade activities on the last Saturday of August. The day was celebrated nationally for the first time in 2003.

Activities

The members of the Finnish Contract Fire Brigades’ Federation meet annually at the federation’s general meeting.

The federation’s board consists of the chairperson, eight ordinary members and their personal deputies. The composition of the board aims to represent the contract fire brigade sector throughout Finland as broadly as possible. Regional and linguistic representation, as well as differences in the size, operating models and readiness levels of fire brigades, are taken into account when board members are elected.

The board meets regularly both in person and remotely. When necessary, the board appoints working groups to prepare specific matters.

The federation organises meetings and other events in different parts of Finland to provide its member fire brigades with good opportunities to participate in its activities.

The federation’s activities are financed through membership fees paid by fire brigades and support from the Fire Protection Fund.

Regional activities

The federation’s regional activities promote the work and cooperation of contract fire brigades within the wellbeing services counties.

The regional divisions serve as the joint representatives of contract fire brigades and as cooperation partners for rescue departments and wellbeing services counties. Their aim is to develop the operating conditions of contract fire brigades and to increase awareness and appreciation of contract fire brigade activities.

Regional activities may address matters relating to training, vehicles and equipment, protective equipment, facilities, finances and the different forms of fire brigade activity.

The activities are adapted to regional needs. The federation supports its regional divisions through communications, guidance, training and joint meetings.