About VFBV

VFBV is the united voice of CFA volunteers and advocates on their behalf to CFA and other key stakeholders. The VFBV Board drives policy development based on volunteer input and is involved in management of issues that are of central importance to all CFA volunteers. There are ten members of the VFBV Board comprising four representatives appointed from urban brigades, four representatives appointed from rural brigades and a Vice President Urban and a Vice President rural who are appointed by State Council. Day to day issues are managed by a Chief Executive Officer and policy and issues are debated and formulated through specialist committees.

Statement of Purpose

The VFBV’s Statement of Purposes was adopted at the formation meeting of the VFBV on 14 October 2002 and incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act on 16 October 2002.

1. To function as a non profit organisation of Volunteer Fire Brigades within Victoria registered by the Country Fire Authority under the Country Fire Authority Act (1958) and its Regulations.
2. To provide a united voice for volunteer fire brigades and regional councils registered with the Victorian Urban Fire Brigades’ Association Inc. and the Victorian Rural Fire Brigades’ Association Inc.
3. To promote VFBV to CFA volunteers.
4. To consult with CFA volunteers on matters that affect them.
5. To provide a consultative mechanism through which CFA can appropriately consult with its volunteer members on matters that affect them according to the principles of the Volunteer Charter.
6. To make representation on all matters which might reasonably affect the welfare and efficiency of CFA volunteers.
7. To promote to volunteers their rights and responsibilities under the Volunteer Charter.
8. To promote to CFA volunteers the comprehensive support services available to them including but not limited to: legal assistance, OH&S, equity and diversity, counselling and welfare, training, employment support and compensation for accidents, injuries and illnesses.
9. To develop policy relating to the welfare and interests of volunteer members and promote that policy to CFA.
10. To assist its members in furthering the purposes of the VFBV.
11. To take any other action as determined by the VFBV Board.

Our Vision

CFA volunteers, recognised as the core strength of CFA and fundamental to emergency management in Victoria, are:

• provided with the resources they need to do their job safely and effectively;
• valued for what they do and recognised for their skill, professionalism and community leadership;
• treated fairly and equally in all matters affecting them;
• always consulted about issues that affect them as volunteers; and
• supported to ensure their welfare is preserved.

VFBV, recognised as the unified voice for all CFA volunteers, is positioned with the profile and capability required to ensure:

• the three way commitment set down in the Volunteer Charter is fully applied by CFA, the State of Victoria and CFA’s Volunteers;
• individual and collective needs of volunteers are protected; and
• proactive representation, leadership and influence on all matters affecting the welfare and efficiency of CFA volunteers.

CFA, recognised as a professional emergency service, is regarded by individuals, families, employers and the community as a great place to volunteer.

Mission

To achieve our vision we will:

• be well informed of and responsive to grass roots volunteer needs, ideas and concerns;
• represent volunteers and work with CFA and the Victorian Government to ensure ongoing commitment to the principles outlined by the Volunteer Charter;
• be aware of strategic influences, opportunities and challenges confronting CFA volunteers, volunteerism generally and the decision makers who influence our future;
• be proactive and prepared to lead and contribute, as volunteer advocates, to decision making and future planning processes at all levels;
• build the profile and relationships required to position VFBV as an active and respected influence on decision making;
• deliver communication, representation and decision processes that keep volunteers informed and provide opportunity for volunteers to be consulted on matters that impact on them
• resolve concerns and issues raised as quickly as possible;
• work collaboratively with CFA management to achieve a CFA culture, structure, and operating context that treats volunteers fairly, justly and reasonably.

Values and Behaviours

The Volunteer Code of Conduct details the behavioural principles expectations and ideals which all CFA volunteers will aspire to. The values and behaviours detailed in the Code, created by volunteers for volunteers, will provide the ethos underpinning all VFBV decision making plus guide how we treat each other and how we treat others.

This means we are committed to promoting and displaying behaviour underpinned by principles of:

• Safety;
• Respect;
• Trust, Integrity, Honesty and Truthfulness;
• Commitment and loyalty;
• Communication;
• Comradeship, teamwork, support and welfare;
• Leadership and Discipline;
• Equity and Diversity

We understand that the world around us is ever changing and we will remain alert to opportunities and challenges requiring our attention. We will respect tradition and also be open to new ideas based on what is best for volunteers into the future.

We will respect and encourage diversity of opinion and will passionately advocate the views of volunteers, providing leadership to ensure our message is based on objective thinking and informed strategic analysis.

We will respect and recognise the vital support provided to volunteers by families and employers and will always remain conscious of the needs and interests of these vital supporters of volunteers.

We will be proactive and will seek to work co-operatively with all who have a genuine interest in volunteer matters, or who can influence decisions impacting on volunteers. We will not show political bias.

We will display strong, transparent, governance and accountability to our constituents and stake-holders at all levels.

We will remain dedicated and focused on improving the welfare and efficiency of volunteers with a philosophy of volunteers supporting and representing volunteers.

We will deliver what we promise and we will finish what we start.