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Careers & Training

IPDS: Integrated Personal Development System

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What is IPDS?

IPDS is a role-based development structure for the Fire Service. It gives a structured path for every member of staff at every level. It provides for shared responsibilities in the development of the individual. It provides role-based training and development that meets real needs for real situations. It is not just about training it is about continuous development. It works for everyone at every level. It encourages and supports both personal and organisational development.

Useful information

IPDS Station Information Manual Website

IPDS Lecture Pack (MPU) ppt 264Kb

Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA) framework from www.ipds.co.uk website

IPDS will allow you to develop your career, it offers a structured, logical path that allows you to achieve your aims. If you prefer to develop your skills at your current level, it gives you the opportunity to continually update them so that you perform at your best all of the time. You will acquire skills, attain competency in those skills, maintain the level of competency and develop and acquire new skills.

Who is it for?

  1. It will be used by everyone irrespective of rank or role. Different roles require different skills so everyone's development will differ from one role to another. IPDS will provide professional skills and competencies for your individual role. Each role is explained in more detail in the Helix diagram (below).

  2. This development will be set against the national standards for that job/role. Some people will want development to be better able to carry out their role, whereas others may wish to progress to the next role or to a specialist role.

  3. Because IPDS has been developed as a national benchmark that matches levels of competence to NVQ levels, it can be used for Skills Gap Analysis, awards and assessments of any member of staff in any location. For the first time, it makes the skills of all staff truly transferable.