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Vulnerable groups are found to be over-represented in fire fatalities statistics. In official Norwegian documents vulnerability is described as related to factors such as old age, reduced mobility or cognitive abilities, mental health problems, and substance abuse. As vulnerability to fatal fire is frequently related to residents’ health and life situations, prevention work often exceeds the competencies and responsibilities of the fire department. Cross-sector collaboration is therefore required in order to reach the groups that are at risk. This paper reports from a qualitative interview study with representatives from municipal fire services, property management, housing administration, health and social care. The study explores the challenges experienced by service providers in achieving cross-sector collaboration on fire prevention for vulnerable groups. The findings describe challenges at three levels: 1) the national regulatory level represents an obstacle to local cross-sector collaboration, 2) the municipal level lacks strategies and arenas for cross-sector collaboration for fire safety, and 3) the professional level experiences conflicting values and norms, including uncertainties about professional boundaries. Organizational measures that support the fire services in their efforts to reach vulnerable groups must be targeted to all three levels and go beyond the boundaries of the fire services. The study contributes with a social scientific approach to fire prevention and contributes with new perspectives on fire safety for vulnerable residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 1 [1] Based on a presentation at ANZAM 2011. McDonald, S., Young, S. 2011. Mapping the path of a sustainable cross-sector partnership, ANZAM 2011: 25th Annual Australian And New Zealand Academy of Management conference: the future of work and organisations, ANZAM, Wellington, N.Z. : Changing environmental conditions, heightened stakeholder expectations and resource demand pressures have forced the mining sector to continually improve their operational practices whilst engage in Corporate Social Responsibility practices. Closer inspection of these practices within the mining sector reveals a level of differentiation with regard to innovative practices which seek to improve operational practice, modify organizational behaviours and redress environmental impacts. This paper explores the 30-year journey taken by mining giant, Alcoa of Australia, as they addressed their social and environmental responsibilities. In particular, the focus is on the collaborative relationship between Alcoa of Australia and the environmental nonprofit organization, Greening Australia. Testing partnership lifecycle and continuum models, this paper offers a model of Corporate Social Responsibility enacted through cross-sector partnerships. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]