We purchased the Redkite PDS in 2003 following an examination of a number of suppliers and systems against a detailed specification. The Redkite PDS was identified as meeting the requirement which would allow central reporting and monitoring of development activities and staff competence as well as records of all training courses and attendees to build a full portfolio of each individual’s competence and training inputs.
Initially, Redkite supplied the system on our own server operating on our WAN. In 2006 Redkite Systems introduced a web based version with free hosting on their secure hosted server and, as a result, our current system is available via the internet; a potential boon for managers and RDS staff as it allows system access from any internet connected PC.
An Excel export module has recently been released, which NFRS are intending to utilise to further develop our Performance Management. It is intended to use this facility to generate reports showing indicators such as percentages of staff requiring re-assessment, with identified training needs, or set as competent. In addition we intend to report on the time spent on training courses and development activities and to examine this against other KPIs to determine where to best allocate our resources to improve performance.
We have also purchased the Question Master, in which assessments covering the full Firefighter NOS knowledge and understanding requirements are being designed in collaboration with other Local Authority FRS Redkite Systems users. The system will enable us to record the knowledge and understanding attained and identifies knowledge development needs for all our staff. An often overlooked, yet critical part, of the NOS is that staff must know and understand as well as demonstrate practical skills. Redkite's Question Master will enable NFRS to ensure this is both assessed and recorded.
Redkite Systems are a professional and customer focussed company, who have delivered all the support and software updates that we have requested, with no additional cost. Our suggestions for system changes and upgrades are also invited at the biannual User Group, supported by Redkite,
but run by the FRS. 
John Arnold, Deputy Head of Learning and Development
Northumberland FRS and Chair of the Local Authority Redkite PDS User Group.