Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Performance Review Committee Item 6

8^th March 2006

Progress Report on the Best Value Review of Vehicle Workshops

Report of Chief Officer

Contact: Philip Webb, Performance Review Manager

Telephone: 023 8062 6828

E-mail: [email protected]

Summary

It was agreed at the Performance Review Committee on 6^th January 2006, that a best value review team be appointed. This team met on 2^nd February 2006 to decide an action plan to revisit and verify work undertaken during the previous review of workshops.

Members agreed that, John Randall, ex District Auditor, with the help of Nicki Whitehouse, (HFRS Performance Review Team), would examine the action plan and supporting evidence compiled by the Working Group, and identify any further work necessary to conclude the Best Value Review of Workshops. A further meeting is planned for the end of February 2006.

Recommendations

(i) That the Committee notes the action taken to date and agrees to receive further reports on progress.

(ii) That the Service's Human Resources Department be asked to review the potential advantages and disadvantages of combining the organisation and management of the Transport and Vehicle Workshops functions, and to make recommendations to the Human Resources Committee on the most beneficial future structure. 

Introduction

The Review was initially instigated to inform a management choice as to whether the workshops facility should be relocated to a purpose built facility on the Headquarters site.

Contribution to corporate aims and objectives

Facilities to manage the repair and maintenance of the vehicle fleet and associated equipment are essential in assisting the HFRA to meet its corporate aims, particularly so where the Service has to respond to an emergency.

Consultation

The initial review involved considerable consultation with other Fire and Rescue Services and outside contractors, the views and aspirations of our own workforce (Workshops and generally) and also to identified examples of best practice.

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 compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 and considered in the light of 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.