Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority

Performance Review Committee Item 6

6th January 2006

Progress Report on the actions taken to meet the recommendations made in the previous Best Value Review of Procurement

Report of Chief Officer

Contact: Philip Webb, Performance Review Manager

Tel: 023 8062 6828

E-mail: [email protected]

Summary

Attached is a progress report on the actions taken to meet the recommendations made in the previously conducted Best Value Review of Procurement.

Recommendations

That the Committee approves the actions taken to meet the final outstanding recommendation listed in the Review of Procurement and closes the Review.

Introduction

The Best Value Review of Procurement made a number of recommendations that refer to action being taken subject to the appointment of a Procurement Manager. An appointment has been made and progress on the outstanding recommendations is attached.

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

Effective procurement is essential to ensure the Authority secures effective resources. Implementation of the recommendations made in the Best Value Review of Procurement will assist the Authority in meeting Corporate Aim (5) - "to become one of the top 20% of high performing Fire and Rescue Services in the Country".

Resource Implications

There are no direct resource implications from this report. Resource allocation for the new Procurement Manager's post was addressed in the 2003/04 budget.

Equality Impact Assessment

Carrying out equality impact assessments will strengthen our Best Value Review practices by ensuring that the consequences of our proposed policies and actions comply with current legislation and expectations for improving equality and diversity in the workplace and in our delivery of services to the public.

The proposals within this report are considered compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Resources Act 1998, and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

Risk Analysis

Failure to implement the recommendations made by the review leave the Authority vulnerable to the consequences of the identified risks and shortcomings. These progress reports are considered to be an important process within the Authority's strategic risk management strategy because they ensure that Members are fully aware of any problems (including any resource implications) associated with addressing the issues raised and the priority given to driving down or eliminating specific risks.

Background information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

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

Note: The list excludes: (1) published works; and (2) documents that disclose exempt or confidential information defined in the Act.

Hampshire Fire And Rescue Authority

Schedule of Outstanding Recommendations from

Best Value Reviews and Scoping Studies

KEY:

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Action taken - recommendations met

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Some action taken - progressing

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No action yet taken

BEST VALUE SCOPING STUDY : PROCUREMENT

Recommendations

Action to Date

9.1.5 Consult with staff, other authorities, and stakeholders of the BV Review?

Review the procedure for delivery of goods and services in the light of comments from the staff survey

Procurement Manager has now reviewed Appendix B.

Manager is part of Regional Procurement Team, and will be looking at regional issues as well as specifics at HFRS

Section 1 - Uniform

A consistent range of Suppliers to be used to provide service to HFRS with a view to consolidating and aggregating spend. This will be done to coincide with the Integrated Clothing Project (ICP) being pursued by `Firebuy' at present and scheduled to having framework agreements in place by 2007. (Please see attached briefing sheet on the Integrated Clothing Project.)

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer's review at station and Uniform Committee meetings has identified improvements to supply and consistent quality. No issues identified in meeting other than future trials of safety shoes and woolscience operational t-shirts.

ICP still ongoing - trials completed by first quarter 2006.

HFRS to maintain a consistent approach to uniform and integrate ICP when available, providing `best fit' for HFRS of a fully managed uniform and PPE system.

Section 2 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Points noted, lead time issues exist with these items. PPE now manufactured in Tunisia and Morocco with a 12-week lead time. Stock levels being adjusted and

monitored to review popular sizes to provide better replacement service and forward visibility of future requirements. Stock holding agreement now entered into with Bristol Uniforms to hold specific sizes on behalf of HFRS. HFRS have liability for this stock if unforeseen changes occur until earliest 2008 when the Integrated Clothing Project (ICP) framework agreements are in place.

Stock held items for replacements are delivered to Station within one week of request by Operations Department. Urgent items can be picked up on the same day.

No unprecedented issues with kit supply or quality at present. Bristol Uniforms are monitored by Spend, Repair, Cleaning and Condemnation of HFRS kit. Reports are sent and charted by Procurement Manager.

Twice yearly reviews are undertaken, one at HFRS and one at Bristol Uniforms, whilst day to day contact is made when operationally required.

HFRS to maintain a consistent approach with Bristol Uniforms until framework agreements are in place for the ICP.

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HFRA/ 6 Jan 2006