Rolls-Royce Submarines has reinforced its commitment to emergency preparedness at its Derby operations through a £60,000 donation of specialist training equipment to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS), alongside the launch of a new joint training programme.
The investment forms part of a long-standing partnership between the two organisations, aimed at strengthening emergency arrangements around Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site. DFRS already plays an active role in emergency response exercises at the facility several times a year, helping to test and refine incident readiness.
Under the expanded partnership, Rolls-Royce’s Emergency Response Unit will gain access to DFRS’s state-of-the-art training facilities, including modern breathing apparatus complexes at the service’s training centre and other locations across Derbyshire. The facilities provide realistic heat and smoke environments, allowing Rolls-Royce personnel to train on purpose-built structures that closely mirror real incident conditions.
The enhanced access is intended to significantly improve the operational readiness of Rolls-Royce’s on-site response teams, strengthening their capability to respond effectively to any incident at the Derby site.
In a further step to deepen collaboration, DFRS has agreed to enrol two Rolls-Royce colleagues into its in-house firefighter training programme. The participants will undertake the same course as new DFRS recruits, completing it to the same professional standards.
Rolls-Royce said the initiative would enhance joint operational capability, enabling both organisations to respond more quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency. By aligning training, risk awareness and emergency management approaches, the partnership is designed to ensure a shared understanding of the unique risks associated with the Rolls-Royce Derby premises and to support a coordinated response when it matters most.
James Cowell, Director – Safety, Security & Licensee Authority for Rolls-Royce Submarines said: Over the years we have built strong partnerships with many local stakeholders, and none more so than with the Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service. By collaborating together on our safety and emergency exercises, and ensuring we share expertise and site knowledge across first responders, we can keep our Raynesway site safe for everyone.”
Nathan Stevens, DFRS Area Manager, added: We’re pleased to announce a partnership focused on enhancing safety and emergency preparedness at Rolls Royce’s Raynesway site and across the local community. By training and planning side by side, building preparedness and developing a shared understanding of risk, Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Rolls Royce’s Emergency Response Team will share knowledge, align standards, and build strong relationships. This collaboration ensures a quicker, more coordinated response if an incident should occur, safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving the environment. We’re proud to be Making Derbyshire Safer Together.”
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