Enhance Personnel Policies and Procedures for Combination Department

On a regional and national basis, emergency services organizations are facing a high frequency of Management Liability claims such as sexual harassment, wrongful termination and discrimination (race, age, gender, disability, national origin, religion, etc.).   Personnel policy and procedure development, implementation, review, and training are essential parts of proactively addressing these types of claims before they are filed. 

During the recent Risk Control Survey, it was noted your organization does not currently have policies in place which address all areas of significant concern.  Additionally, some policies may apply to career and volunteer staff differently or may only be addressed for one group or the other.

VFIS recommends your organization establish uniform policies and procedures for all personnel – whether paid or volunteer.  Additionally, current polices which are in place should be reviewed and updated frequently.  The following areas should be addressed in policies:

• Orientation Process
• Internal Reporting and Grievance Procedures
• Equal Employment Opportunity/Anti-Discrimination
• Sexual Harassment
• Retaliation Prevention
• Workplace Violence / Threats of Violence
• Family and Medic Leave Act
• Drug and Alcohol Use/ Abuse
• Background / Reference / Motor Vehicle Record Checks
• Telephone / Electronic Communication Systems
• Social Media

VFIS has produced several Risk Communiqués to assist your organization in the completion of these recommendations.  These are available through the VFIS.com website.  Additionally, VFIS Risk Tools is a website dedicated to providing VFIS clients with access to timely information related to employment practices liability.  

A sample personnel manual is available to you by registering as a user on this site by clicking on the login button on the top right of this page.

Available Resources

• VFIS Employment Practice Update Newsletters
• SOG Sample - Hiring-Applying for Membership
• Voting in Members and Discrimination in Volunteer Fire Companies
• Conducting Internal Investigations