Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY - BEST VALUE COMMITTEE held at Fire Brigade Headquarters, Eastleigh on 31 October, 2001.
PRESENT:
Councillors: Mrs. E.S.M. Barron (HFRA); K. Chapman (HFRA); M. Gausden (HFRA); D.A. Kirk (Chairman); P. Russell (HFRA); G. Semmens (HFRA).
1 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Cartwright.
2 NOTES
The notes of the meeting held on 10 September, 2001, were agreed.
On Minute 4, on Control and Communications, it was noted that the Best Value Review would be submitted firstly, to the Service Management Team on 5 November, 2001 and then to the Authority.
On Catering, it was agreed that additional time was needed to enable the review to be completed satisfactorily and in any event it should be completed by 31 December, 2001.
On Procurement, it was noted that the emphasis would be on examining strategies and methods. District Audit had agreed this approach.
On Property Services, it was noted that good progress was being made and a number of issues relating to building maintenance strategy had already been identified for improvement.
3 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
The Committee received a presentation by the Chief Fire Officer on the strategic planning process and performance management framework.
The Committee noted that various models had been considered but one suggested in the presentation emphasised the need to focus on the Authority's mission statement was to make Hampshire safer by promoting a greater understanding and responsible attitudes towards fire safety and by providing a highly responsive, caring and efficient Fire and Rescue Service. The Authority's policies and plans needed to directly support the achievement of these two aims. There was a need to ensure that in delivering the service that there was a robust consultation process with key stakeholders and a continuous monitoring of performance, reviews and service delivery. An analysis of the impact of external environment on the service delivery, strategies, plans, targets and on resources was included.
The Committee noted that District Audit was satisfied with the proposed model and with the intention to support this with a more rigorous approach to quarterly monitoring of key performance indicators.
RECOMMENDATION TO THE AUTHORITY:
That the model summarising the strategic planning process and performance management framework be adopted.
4 REVISED PROGRAMME OF BEST VALUE REVIEWS
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Fire Officer (Item 4 in the Minute Book) on proposals to revise the programme of Best Value Reviews.
The Committee agreed the streamlined review programme as outlined in paragraph 6 of the report noting in particular that the Community Safety Review had been brought forward to 2002/03. It was further noted that the District Auditor was generally supportive of this radically streamlined programme of reviews.
RESOLVED:
That the revised programme of Best Value Reviews as outlined in paragraph 6 of the report, be included in the Authority's Corporate Plan.
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