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Contact: |
SDO Phil Webb |
SDO Performance Review |
Tel 023 8070 3999 |
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1 |
Introduction |
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This report briefly summarises progress being made on the current programme of reviews. |
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2 |
Best Value Scoping Study of Catering |
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2.1 |
Emerging Issues: |
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· More detailed information is needed on the costs involved in providing HQ catering. |
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· It would be useful to consider if service catering provision could in future be centralised and, if so, whether it be delivered by directly employed staff. |
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· It would be useful to consider cooks' availability and the range of duties undertaken by station cooks. |
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· It would be useful to consider the need for and role of "watch caterers" in any revised system. |
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· Although it would appear expensive in comparison with other options and brigade provisions, the Service's emergency catering arrangements seemed to provide good value. |
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2.2 |
It is now accepted that the initial project plan contained some unrealistic timescales and that it is now more likely that the final report will not be available until the middle of 2002. |
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2.3 |
It is likely that the report will explore the options for some form of centralisation of catering provisions. |
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3 |
Best Value Scoping Study of Property Services |
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3.1 |
The review team had its third meeting on 6 December 2001. |
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3.2 |
Comparable information is being gathered on hourly rate fees and charges from Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester City Councils. Also, comparable information from the private sector is being sought. Comparable costs from other fire authorities (Derbyshire, Essex, Kent and Surrey) relating to costs of utilities, building cleaning, grounds maintenance, etc have been obtained. Hampshire Police has also been asked to provide comparable costs. |
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3.3 |
A customer survey has been conducted of managers, station commanders and housing tenants who have used the services of the department within the last twelve months. The closing date for returns was the 30 November 2001, and of the 38 questionnaires sent out, 28 have been returned - a response rate of 73.68% (a good response for a postal questionnaire). From an initial assessment of the returns, most customers seem to be satisfied with services provided. |
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4 |
Best Value Review of Procurement |
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4.1 |
After consultation with the District Auditor, the following methodology has been established: |
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4.2 |
Structured questionnaire produced for use by the review team members when visiting department (questions taken from Audit Commission guidance note - A Good Practice Guide to the Fire Service Procurement) |
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4.3 |
Review areas prioritised as follows: |
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Phase 1 |
Workshops |
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Information Services |
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Supplies |
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Phase 2 |
Property Services |
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Personnel |
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Fire Safety and Community Safety |
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Audio Visual |
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Commercial Training |
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Vehicles |
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4.4 |
A new policy document will be provided to give guidance to staff on good practice in procurement processes. |
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4.5 |
The review is expected to be completed by January 2002, with a final report in March 2002. |
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5 |
European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 |
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5.1 |
The proposals within this report are compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. |
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Recommendations |
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That the report be noted. |
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Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers |
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The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report. |
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None |
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NB The list excludes: |
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1 Published works |
2 Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act |
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Dir-fin HFRA BV Committee 19 12 01 Progress Report |
