Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Personnel Committee

Item 4

19 June 2002

Establishment and Service Structure Policy

Report of the Chief Fire Officer

Contact:

John Bonney Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tel: 023 8064 4000 Ext 207

1

Introduction

1.1

The Personnel Department is currently undertaking a review of Personnel policies and procedures. Part of this review has identified a need to formalise the policy in relation to the Service establishment and structure. This will be achieved by the production of a new Service Order.

2

Background

2.1

The Personnel Department is responsible for the development and implementation of the Service's recruitment and selection policy to ensure that the Service discharges its responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner through the selection of people with appropriate skills and potential to meet defined competencies.

2.2

In satisfying resourcing demands, the Service is bound by an 'establishment scheme' as laid out in Section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947, amended by Section 7 of the Fire Services Act 1959. It must also take account of Sections I and II of the National Joint council for Local Authorities Fire Brigades, Scheme of conditions of Service.

2.3

Fire Brigade Statistical Returns are submitted annually to her Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate for the year April to March.

2.4

Increases to the establishment are made through budget bids to HFRA. Changes which have no financial impact are implemented through the Chief Fire Officer's delegated powers and reported to HFRA. Deletion of operational posts must receive approval via a Section 19 Application to the Department of Transport, Local Government and Regions.

3

New Service Order 1/11/1, Establishment and Service Structure

3.1

The proposed Service Order will formalise the policy to be applied to the establishment and structure of the Service and provide appropriate management information. This will include the procedure to be followed should any changes to the establishment be proposed and will ensure a visible 'audit' trail of any variations. This will form the basis of future reports to HFRA.

3.2

The proposed Service Order will include an appendix to illustrate the Service structure and authorised establishment incorporating the adjustment to structure currently being undertaken by the Chief Fire Officer.

4

Financial Implications

4.1

The introduction of the Service Order will not require the commitment of additional resources.

5

European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998

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.

Recommendations

1.

That the Committee notes the contents of this report and endorses the approach taken.

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

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.

None

NB The list excludes:

1 Published works

2 Documents that disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act

File name - HFRA Personnel 19 June 02 - Establishment and Service Structure Policy.doc