Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority Item...

6 June 2007

15/03/2005

Error! Bookmark not defined.CFOA Vice President Elect - Chief Officer Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

Report by the Chief Officer

Contact: Chief Officer John Bonney (Tel: 02380 626830) [email protected]

1

Summary

This report advises the Authority of the recent electoral success of the Chief Officer in being appointed as Vice President Elect of the Chief Fire Officers' Association. The report also explains the implications for the Authority and Service of the Chief Officer undertaking the role.

2

RecommendationError! Bookmark not defined.

2.1

To note the report.

3

Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined.and Background

3.1

The Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA) is the main professional Association of the Fire Service.

3.2

The Association is comprised of approximately 250 members of Area Manager and Brigade Manager level. CFOA is a key stakeholder within the Service and is instrumental in formulating national policy, advising senior officials and Ministers, as well as lobbying for legislative change. The Association holds the chair of the Practitioners' Forum, the key policy group established to advise the Minister.

3.3

In recent years, the role and influence of the Association has grown, particularly as the Department for Communities and Local Government and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Service has shrunk in size.

3.4

The Association is led by the President, who is supported by the Vice President and Vice President Elect and four Board Directors. The Association is managed on a day to day basis by a Chief Executive, who is answerable to the CFOA Board.

4

CFOA Vice President Elect

4.1

Election to the Vice President Elect position means that from May 2008 John Bonney will take up the Vice Presidency and then in May 2009, the Presidency. Each Presidential position has a 12 month term.

4.2

Clearly the Chief Officer is delighted by the election result but more importantly, sees the significant advantages, both for the Authority and Service, as it allows Hampshire's Chief Officer to be ultimately at the very centre of policy influence and advice. It provides an opportunity for the Service particularly to have early access to emerging trends and government thinking around the public sector in general and the Fire Service specifically. It also provides an excellent opportunity for the Chief Officer's personal development to benefit directly the direction and performance of the Service.

4.3

Given the demands of this role, particularly at a time of significant change, there will be an impact upon the Chief Officer's workload, particularly as he moves towards the Presidential position. As such, he will be stepping away from other national commitments, including his current role as the Secretary for the Association of Principal Fire Officers. Certainly, in his Presidential year, there will be a significant call of his time to undertake national work. Experience in other Services has been that although there is an element of disruption, the overall benefits of greater influence and insight outweigh the disadvantages.

6

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

6.1

This provides the Service and Authority with a member of staff working at the very centre of national policy formulation as well as being able to identify key emerging trends. This allows the Service access to a level of insight and influence which can support its own progress.

7

Risk Analysis

7.1

None directly.

8

Resource Implications

8.1

Human Resources

In the Presidential year, the demands of the position will impact on the availability and workload of the Chief Officer. Past experience suggests that arrangements will need to be put in place to provide staffing support. This would need to be negotiated with the Association.

8.2

Physical Resources

None.

8.3

Information and Communications Technology Resources

None.

8.4

Financial Implications

None.

9

Equality Impact Assessment

9.1

None

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

None - this post was filled by direct election.

11

Conclusion

11.1

Election to the Vice President Elect represents a personal tribute to the Chief Officer from his peers and equally importantly places Hampshire in a position to benefit from greater insights to central government thinking and future aspirations for the Service. It also continues a proud tradition of Hampshire Chief Officers succeeding to the Presidency of the Chief Fire Officers' Association.

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.