Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

Human Resources Committee Item 8

8 September 2006

Error! Bookmark not defined.Elected Member Development

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact : Bob Ratcliffe (Head of Training & Development) Tel : 023 8064 4000 ext 2362

E-mail : [email protected]

1

Summary

1.1

This paper complements and updates a previous paper to the HR Committee on 8 September 2005 regarding elected Member development. From this paper it was agreed to form a Working Group (including Councillors Baulk and Payne), to consider the future provision of development opportunities for the Members of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

1.2

The draft national Role Map for elected Members has yet to be finalised with further development work still to be completed and agreed. The time frame for this work to be completed has not been set.

1.3

The Fire and Rescue Service National Framework document 2006-08 makes clear the Government's expectations regarding Performance Management - People must have assurance that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Throughout this document, the role and expectation of Fire Authorities is very clear.

1.4

Despite the current lack of a definitive national role map for elected Members, there are still benefits in developing and introducing support mechanisms for Members in recognition of their role and responsibility.

2

RecommendationError! Bookmark not defined.s

2.1

That the HR Committee note this report and agree to the introduction of development and support systems for Members in two phases :-

· Phase 1 - Member induction and mentoring programme - commence immediately

· Phase 2 - Review of phase 1 and Member development - in 12 months' time

2.2

Members of the Corporate Management Team (CMT) to receive training regarding mentoring for newly appointed Fire Authority Members. This training will be provided by the Service's Training and Development function and will be tailored to suit the availability and experience of CMT Members.

3

Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined.and Background

3.1

The Working Group for this project considered the existing provision for Councillors and possible areas for future development (as outlined within the draft national role map). In addition, development work conducted by the Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA) was also considered.

3.2

All Members were sent a letter outlining proposals regarding this subject and invited to make comments and suggestions back for consideration by the Working Group. Members of the Corporate Management Team were also afforded the opportunity to express their views and suggestions regarding this subject.

The proposed 3 main areas for consideration at this stage were :-

· Member Induction

· Mentoring for new Members

· A development programme for Members aligned to elements of the draft Role map for Members and the I&DeA framework.

4

Member Induction

4.1

It is proposed to develop the existing induction process for Members to ensure this process is more comprehensive and useful to new Members to ensure an understanding of the Service and its structures. The main areas to be included are :-

· Informal meeting with the Chief Officer

· Individual induction portfolio containing :-

- Corporate Information - Marketing and Communications

- The role and structure of the Fire Authority

- Group Structure - Meeting with relevant Group Manager

- IRMP - Document and process - Discussion with a member of SMT

- Corporate Induction - Opportunity to attend the existing two day process with HFRS staff

- Mentoring Guidance

5

Mentoring for Members

5.1

The need and benefits of a more structured approach to the provision of a mentoring scheme for Members was highlighted by the working group. Whilst acknowledging that Councillors may receive some induction/training when elected, there is no formal process to provide mentoring for newly appointed Councillors on joining the Fire Authority.

5.2

There are clear benefits for the individual and the Service in introducing a mentoring scheme for new Members. This will be a flexible system which will not have a significant additional demand on a Members' time. The benefits of such a scheme are :-

· Immediate personal support and development

· Creation of a sense of belonging and appreciation

· Understanding of role and contribution to the Service

6

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

6.1

This paper and recommendations are an integral part of the Services objectives and strategies within the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS).

7

Risk Analysis

7.1

The provision of induction and support systems for Members will assist in personal and organisational development.

8

Resource Implications

8.1

Human Resources

The resource implications will be minimal with recognition of the availability of Members and the time required for Mentoring training for members of CMT.

8.2

Physical Resources

These will be minimal and provided from within existing Service resources.

8.3

Information and Communications Technology Resources

Not applicable.

8.4

Financial Implications

These will be minimal and provided from within existing Training and Development budgets.

9

Equality Impact Assessment

9.1

The provision of induction and mentoring for Members is aligned to the Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS) and also reflects the Service's Core Values.

9.2

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

10

Consultation

10.1

The development work for this topic was agreed by the HR Committee with the direct involvement of Councillors Payne and Baulk. All Fire Authority Members were consulted on the project development and proposals. The views of members of CMT were also sought.

11

Conclusion

11.1

The introduction of these support systems is an important part of the Service's move to developing a culture of continuous personal and organisational development, and demonstrates a commitment to the Service's Core Values.

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 :-

1. The Fire and Rescue National Framework 2006/08

2. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service IRMP 2006/09

3. Fire and Rescue Comprehensive Performance Assessment (Audit Commission)

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