Archived decisions

Present:

Mr J Bonney

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HFRS (Chairman)

Ms S Baker

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RFU

Mr A Kettle

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HFRS

Ms J McNeill

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HFRS

Mr A Needham

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RFU

Mr L Ramsey

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FBU

Mr R Ratcliffe

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HFRS

Mr S Waas

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HFRS

Mrs R Knight

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Minute Secretary

Members of Green Watch, C54 St Mary's

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllrs Cartwright & Semmens, Ms C Foster-Key and Ms S-J Taylor.

2.

INTRODUCTION

Mr Bonney opened the proceedings by thanking C54 for their hospitality and welcomed all those members of Green Watch who were present and briefly outlined the new format of the current round of meetings. He then welcomed the guest speaker, Bob Purkiss, Chair of the European Monitoring Committee for Racial Equality.

3.

GUEST PRESENTATION

Mr Purkiss gave a very enlightening and interesting presentation on the problems that have been tackled, are being tackled and will have to be tackled in the future in respect of issues relating to gender, culture, age, sexuality, disability, etc. Although things have progressed there are still a lot of problems to solve and always will be; as one problem appears to be sorted another can take its place. Mr Bonney thanked Mr Purkiss and said that his words had certainly given everyone food for thought.

4.

HFRS FAIRNESS AND DIGNITY UPDATE

Mr Waas gave a brief precis of the document - 'Fairness and Dignity - Summary of Current Issues', a copy of which is appended to these Minutes.

5.

RECRUITMENT VIDEO

A recruitment video has been produced in conjunction with media students from Southampton Institute following a survey which had been carried out into the perceptions of other students on their thoughts about joining the Fire Service. Two main threads had arisen from this survey - one that it was a highly dangerous job and secondly that it was a low status job but with high public esteem. The aim of the video is, therefore, to give a more accurate overview of what the Fire Service is about, and that there are career opportunities for all, including women and minority ethnic people. The video is currently in draft form, but once finally edited copies will be used at various recruitment and information events. Stations will receive allied packs of information which can be handed out to the public if requested.

6.

OPEN FORUM

Several questions were raised from the floor in respect of recruitment, the Access Course, etc and these were discussed. The point was made that information on a whole raft of fairness and dignity matters can be accessed on the HFRS Website. The general feeling amongst the watch members present was that the format of the meeting, which was intended to inform rather than to lecture, was more acceptable and had been helpful and informative.

7.

FAIRNESS AND DIGNITY COMMITTEE BUSINESS

7.1

Personnel and Diversity Timelines 2003/04

Mrs McNeill explained what Timelines were and the purpose of them. Timelines for 2003/4 have been compiled and will be accessible on HFRS Website in February.

7.2

Wholetime Recruitment Update

On behalf of CACFOA No 5 Region, Hampshire is going to pilot a new rolling recruitment programme during 2003/04 whereby there will be 3 recruitment campaigns during the year - April and September 2003 and January 2004. All details of dates, etc., will be on HFRS Website.

9.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday, 10 April 2003, commencing at 1000 hrs at (venue to be confirmed).

Dir.fin: HFRA 5 2 2003 F and D Mtg 16 1 03

Personnel Timelines

The timelines for Diversity, Equality and Fairness 02/03 are published on the HFRS website, covering 4 key objectives:

(a) Positive Action

(b) Training

(c) Equality

(d) Thematic Review- `Towards Diversity'

This summary reflects progress to date as follows.

(a)

Positive Action

Recruitment Videos- Women/Minority Ethnic Communities and Schools

HFRS commissioned the Southampton Institute Media Studies Department to produce two recruitment videos to assist the Service in increasing the number of fire-fighter job applicants from women and minority ethnic communities. Prior to the production of the two videos, a team of students from the Institute conducted a research project to find out how the fire service was perceived by the target groups and in particular their views and thoughts about a possible career within the fire service. The research identified a number of issues and indeed some myths about the fire service, which deterred them from choosing a career with the fire service. Briefly, the main research findings were; women saw the fire service as "macho" and dangerous, they weren't strong enough, unsuitable working hours, they didn't consider fire-fighting as a career which met some of their needs. The minority ethnic respondents whilst holding the fire service in high regard felt that the service was for white people only, some felt that they would not be made welcome, lack of information about opportunities and contacts within the fire service, the possibility of discrimination, requiring high levels of fitness, seen as a very dangerous profession.

The two videos, one which is aimed at people who are aged 18 and over and the other which focuses on young people of school age 8 to 16 from the above target groups, reflects the research findings and addresses very professionally, the issues and concerns identified in the research project. The two videos will also be available in a CD format. A programme for the use and distribution of the Videos and CD's is currently being developed.

Emergency and Uniformed Services Access Course- Southampton City College

(Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, Hants Constabulary, Hants Ambulance Service, Prisons Service and Maritime and Coastguards Agency) - Positive Action Day SHQ -16 January 2003

As reported previously, the access course is now in its second year. The course is about preparing potential applicants for entry into any of the chosen services listed above. As part of HFRS's input into this course, the students are offered a structured `taster' day at SHQ, where they can observe practical demonstrations of some of the tests fire fighter job applicants have to undergo on recruitment days. Students, of course, are given an opportunity to try out these tasks themselves. Students from last year found this experience very rewarding and also helped them to make a final decision about the choice of employers.

Future Positive Action Events

As reported at the last F& D meeting, the Service is planning to run a number of events such as the one described above, for women and people from minority ethnic groups prior to the three recruitment drives scheduled for 2003. Up to date information about these events will be posted on our website.

Additionally, a number of other positive action events scheduled over the year is currently under preparation, commencing with a days event at the Southampton Institute on the 18 February 2003.

(b)

Training

Diversity Trainers and the Bullying and Harassment Training Programme

Most colleagues by now should be aware of Service's volunteer Diversity Trainers. However, for the benefit of those who don't, the Service has a pool of 25 Diversity Trainers, out of which 17 were able to attend a five day training the trainer course held at the City College, which entitles them to be qualified Trainers. The balance of the volunteers, including those who have since expressed interest in becoming diversity trainers, will shortly be invited to attend the training the trainer course scheduled for March 2003.

As reported previously the three hour bullying and harassment training programme developed by the trainers was delivered to members of the HFRA in December 2002. The feedback from the Members was both positive and complimentary. Training for members of the SMT is scheduled for February 03. Unfortunately, the training programme scheduled for the stations in December 02 and beyond had to be postponed due to the industrial action. However, a new programme has been produced involving, for practical reasons, just the retained stations over the period January 2003 to march 03. The first training session kicked off on the 6 January 03. A list of the training programme with names of the trainers is available.

The training sessions for the w/t Stations and non- uniformed staff is currently under preparation and planned to commence in April 03. Details will be posted on our website.

(c)

Equality Legislation

Fairness and Dignity Policy- Service Order 1/6/2

It was reported at the last F&D meeting that the above Service Order was being revised and that the draft F&D Policy was going out for consultation in November. The consultation is now complete and the feedback is now under consideration and the revised Service Order is expected to be in force before the end of February 02.

HFRS Local Diversity Group - Update

The Diversity Group to support, monitor and review the implementation of the Fairness and Dignity and Diversity Service Order is now set up. Meeting schedules and operational procedures for this group is currently been developed. Full details will be available shortly on the website.

(d)

Thematic Review

Aspects of this are already covered under the headings above. The Equal Opportunities Adviser is working on a project to set up minority ethnic consultative forums in Eastleigh, Portsmouth and Southampton to assist HFRS in implementing its F&D Policy and advice in responding to the particular needs of members from these communities.