Compulsory Courses - 1 Credit Each

FSMC 001 - Public Safety Leadership
As the Fire Service evolves and becomes an increasingly diverse and dynamic industry, the need for competent leadership also grows. The program will explore modern leadership theory and the core values of honesty, integrity, professionalism, respect, teamwork and building excellence.
 
The session will begin with the discussion and assessment of on-line Leadership Self-Assessments completed by students prior to the program.  The self-assessment is a requirement and is at an additional cost. 

FSMC 002 - Municipal Budgeting and Finance
The program will study the fundamentals of public municipal finance and the statutes/laws/by-laws that provide governance. 
It will take look at the challenges facing Public Safety agencies competing for limited funding.  An examination of a municipal fire current/operating budget will be undertaken.  Capital budget forecasting will be studied as well.  Topics covered will also include Reserve Funding, Alternative Funding Sources and Development Charges.

FSMC 003 - Public Administration - Fire Services
This course is an organizational overview of the 3-levels of government in Canada. There will be a thorough exploration of current issues facing Municipalities and the relationship with the respective provinces.  Students will take a particularly close look at the challenges faced by Public Safety Professionals, related to political structure and the unique make up of all municipalities within the province. Participants will leave with a better overall understanding of the complexities of governmental system and how they fit within it.
 
FSMC 004 - Municipal/Provincial/Federal Fire Service Legislation
An introduction to all of the Federal/Provincial/Municipal legislation governing the Ontario Fire Service, identifying the potential pitfalls when pertinent legislation is not adhered to as well as discussing opportunities to improve performance. Particular attention will be paid to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and the Municipal Act. A review of applicable recent jurisprudence will be conducted.
 
FSMC 005 - Effective Communication and Report Writing
Report writing is an essential skill for professionals, and Fire Management professionals are no exception. 
Reports must be a clear, succinct and accurate presentation of important information. The writer must be able to convey their wants/needs and ideas to the reader in a fashion that is easily understood. When writing a report to senior municipal staff, or Council, a Fire Chief may be competing with other municipal staff for limited attention and funding. This program will teach the participant how to improve their professional report writing.

FSMC 006 - Human Resources Management
This course will provide an overview of Human Resources responsibilities. The importance of a strong partnership between the HR professional and Fire Administration staff will be emphasized.
Insight into organizational vulnerabilities that are exposed when HR issues are ignored will be provided to the participant. Topics covered include overviews of discipline, organizational development, change management, performance management, coaching, human rights, accommodation, and presumptive legislation.

FSMC 007 - Labour Relations - Fire Services
The relationship between Labour and Management can make or break an organization, particularly in the environment of an organized workforce. 
An overview of Labour Relations interests and areas of responsibility including labour law, Ministry of Labour, grievances, mediation, arbitration, investigation and collective bargaining will be studied. Role-playing exercises will be utilized for practical, hands-on learning such that participants can realize the importance of their most valuable resource and the impact of poor labour relations practices.

FSMC 008 - Strategic Management in Fire Service
This course will focus on operational performance excellence. Participants will identify potential impediments to performance improvement and learn methods to overcome them. The challenge facing Chief Officers is not only in identifying weaknesses and threats facing the fire service, but to appreciate the strengths of the department and anticipate opportunities in the external environment. The ability to identify and correct organizational failures and expand upon organizational successes is an essential requirement in today's fire service. Participants will also be taught how to implement and sustain an operational excellence culture. A number of real case studies will be reviewed. You will also study the essential elements of a Public Safety Master plan. Topics will include assessing the need for a plan, writing the plan and choosing a vendor, if necessary. Various accreditation options will be explored. The question: "is accreditation right for our organization?" will be explored as well as weighing the cost and time required vs. the benefits of achieving accreditation.
 
FSMC 009 - Employee Wellness
An organization’s most valuable asset is its employees. 
This course will prepare the participants to leave with the necessary tools to insure their employees are kept well and able to perform to their highest expectations. Fitness and wellness programs will be studied. Participants will explore the importance of employee assistance and support. An awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder will be provided.

FSMC 010 - Health and Safety
All pertinent Provincial legislation will be outlined. Participants will be provided with a comprehensive overview of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Section 21 provisions. The employer’s responsibilities under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and responsibilities under the Act will be highlighted including accommodation and modified work programs. Trends and best practices in Occupational Health and Safety and case law will be studied.
 
FSMC 011 - Career Management
This program is a must-attend for any Fire Service professional.

The participants will be shown how to plan their career path from determining their areas of study for personal development, resume and curriculum vitae writing, to interview skills and negotiating an employment contract.

FSMC 012 - Recruitment, Selection and Talent Management
This course will explore the overall process of attracting, selecting and appointing suitable candidates for jobs within an organization, whether permanent, part-time, volunteer or temporary.  Topics will include assessing the need for new employees, developing job descriptions and postings, candidate testing and onboarding. An emphasis will be placed on fostering an inclusive workplace. A focus on areas of Talent Management will consider topics such as succession planning, talent development, and workplace diversity in order to achieve organizational and operational needs.