FRIC's top 10 FAQs
How do I request access changes to FRIC's IT systems?
Claims Cloud, PowerBI and other FRIC systems user change requests (additions/deletions/change of name) can be made via a change request form signed by a Member Representative and submitted to the e-mail address shown in the form. Please include name, FRA email address, role and static IP address for firewall whitelisting (if different to the ones we already have for your FRA). All live user details are then attested through the annual Application Form process for an extra level of assurance.
Do we require Professional Indemnity (PI) cover for our Primary Authority schemes and for any other services provided to third parties on a cost recovery only basis?
No we don't. We class these as “General Services” per FRIC Definitions so the protection is provided in the standard Professional Indemnity and Officials Liability Section. Professional Indemnity for “Profit Services” which we only expect to be delivered through a trading company needs to be flagged to FRIC for our consideration.
Does FRIC protect pupils and students on work experience, Princes Trust, apprenticeship schemes and other similar activities, including when under 18 years of age?
Yes, the definition of "Employee" is sufficiently broad to encompass any young people working as or participating in schemes of this nature. There is no age restriction applied. In the unlikely event that the Employers' Liability protection does not apply (as determined by the courts), the Public Liability protection will do; there are no gaps.
Does FRIC provide protection for employees and elected members from claims made against them for actions taken in the course of their employment or appointment?
Yes as a standard cover in the FRIC Protection Programme, the Professional and Officials Liability Section will meet costs and expenses associated with a claim from a third party. There are exclusions relating to wilful, unlawful or reckless behaviour, but where an official is acting within their remit and in accordance with the business and delegations of the Authority, the protection will operate. There is legal provision enabling public bodies to provide an indemnity (with associated insurance) under the Local Authorities (Indemnities for Members and Officers) Order 2004 .
Does FRIC provide protection for sports and social club activities?
FRIC is content with sedentary non-contact activities to the extent the Authority approves the same. However, FRIC does not provide protection for other types of activity including but not limited to contact and adventure sports on a voluntary off duty basis. FRIC took the decision to distance itself from these risks on the basis that most of the activities are too far removed from the employed role; i.e. participation is voluntary and not considered part of employment.
Does FRIC cover on-call employee owned vehicles used to respond to incidents from home?
No, only vehicles owned and in the care of the Authority and included on the Authority's vehicle schedule as notified and recorded by FRIC are covered. We are only allowed to provide protection to UK fire authorities and their vehicles so cover for vehicles belonging to a third party is outside of FRIC's rules.
Does FRIC's motor protection include overseas use?
Yes, vehicles are protected when driving in the EU and some other countries in mainland Europe; the list of countries included can be found on the rear of the insurance certificate, provided to you. Outside of these countries, you may need to provide additional insurance and/or a green card for the vehicle in question and an international driving permit. Additional information is available from the government websites. Please note there is no breakdown and recovery protection included under FRIC's Motor Protection wording, so it might be worth purchasing additional insurance to cover this eventuality.
Does the FRIC protection extend to include the transport of hazardous materials?
Yes, any product classified as "Dangerous Goods" under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, or any subsequent regulation or legislation is protected, subject to a third party property damage inner limit of £5m. Please refer to the HSE website for further details.
If our drivers have penalty points on their driving licences does it affect our insurance cover in anyway?
FRIC requires all drivers to have a valid licence for the class of vehicle in question, so penalty points on a licence, providing they don’t result in a disqualification, are not an issue for us. License endorsements may however be an issue for the Authority in terms of your own policies, driving risk assessment and selection.
Does FRIC's protection extend to include protection for claims arising from open days? Does this include serving of food and provision of attractions such as face painting.
Yes, subject to legal liability attaching and the usual Member's Retention. With these types of events it would be best to use third parties in the course of event delivery, e.g. caterers, children’s entertainers etc. We would expect you to ensure that all independent third parties have their own public liability insurance to cover what they do and any issues that arise. Food provision by the Authority’s employees should only be undertaken with caution bearing in mind the need for food hygiene certification, food safety standards, and the risk of allergies. Skin allergies, safeguarding, parking and live station operations are additional risk areas for open days as well and should all be considered in your Risk Assessment for the open day and event.