Case Studies By Service Area
Evaluation and Research
Evaluating Firewise
The Scope
Consultant, Sonia Ogier, undertook work for the New Zealand Fire Service in 2008 evaluating the Firewise Programme for year one and two students. Firewise is a school based fire safety programme delivered by teachers and supported with materials and resources from the Fire Service. The evaluation was commissioned to help Fire Service promote uptake of Firewise amongst schools; identify areas of improvement for the programme; determine the extent to which the programme contributes to children’s awareness of fire safety and determine whether the programme is an effective investment for the Fire Service.
Our Involvement
MartinJenkins Consultant, Sonia Ogier, led the evaluation. We first conducted an online survey of all New Zealand Primary schools to understand the extent to which schools are aware of, and engage in Firewise. Following the survey we used case study methodology to focus the inquiry more tightly to examine in depth why schools do and do not decide to deliver the programme; how schools deliver the programme; the perceived value of the programme; and an assessment of children’s level of recall to a specific Firewise fire safety message. Case studies included interviews with Firefighters, teachers, principals, parents, and observations of children during a lesson on fire safety.
The Outcome
Our report was well received by the New Zealand Fire Service. They considered it ‘a well documented and comprehensive piece of work.’ Our report confirmed some views held within the service as well as provided additional evidence that challenged commonly held beliefs and perceptions about the programme within the Fire Service.
The evaluation has informed the development of the programme. Following the evaluation the New Zealand Fire Service shortening the programme, the look and content of the resource will be redesigned, and more training and support will be given to Fire Fighters including an updated training guide. The report can be assessed on: http://www3.fire.org.nz/cms.php?page=19050
The MartinJenkins Difference
This project required excellent co-ordination and project management skills as well as sound evaluation skills. Sonia worked closely with the New Zealand Fire Service to ensure that at each stage in the evaluation the work being conducted would meet their needs. The process of triangulation of data gathered from different individuals was robust and rigorous and our analysis tested through workshops with the client. In this way we ensured that we delivered a high quality and credible product that surpassed client expectations.
