Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Performance Review Committee Item 9

20th June 2007

Progress report on the Best Value Review of Environmental Impact

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: Philip Webb, Performance Review Manager

Telephone: 023 8062 6828

E-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 At the Performance Review Committee meeting held on the 12^th September 2006, it was agreed to conduct a review of HFRS's Environmental Impact, and to follow this with a separate but linked review phase of Energy Conservation.

1.2 The first phase of the Review has commenced with the commission of a report by the Environment Centre (a registered environmental charity based in Southampton), which is attached to this report.

2 Recommendation

2.1 That the Committee approves the progress to date.

2.2 That the Committee receives the report of the Environment Centre

3 Introduction

3.1 The report commissioned from the Environment Centre has identified a number of issues for resolution and the Performance Review Team has categorised these under seven themes:-

o Utilities

o Transport/ travel policy

o Procurement

o New Builds/ Housekeeping

o Office consumables

o Recycling and Waste

o Pollution

3.2 The opportunity was taken to offer all members of the HFRS the chance to participate in the review - if not in the whole perhaps to specialise in one of the categories above.

3.3 An early meeting of interested parties was arranged to circulate the report and to form a team to review each theme. A meeting of the Steering Group has been arranged for June 22^nd at which detailed direction and strategy of the review can be agreed.

4 Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

4.1 Undertaking a review of the environmental impact of the Service will contribute to the Service being one of the top Fire and Rescue Services in the country. It will also enhance the Service's Corporate Social Responsibility.

5 Resource Implications

5.1 The major resource requirement for this review will be staff time. It is envisaged that the group will second additional staff members as required during the review process.

5.2 There may be a budgetary requirement for the cost of consultancy advice from the Environment Agency. We have ascertained that initial advice and help should fall into `routine business' for the Agency, but more in-depth help may be charged for. In this case, it is envisaged that the cost would be contained within the Performance Review budget.

6 Consultation

6.1 The review will involve considerable consultation with other Fire and Rescue Services and external organisations, and identify examples of best practice suitable for inclusion in our own procedures and practices. The views and aspirations of our own staff will also be sought.

7 Equality Impact Assessment

7.1 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.

7.2 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.

8 Risk Analysis

8.1 During the review, a risk analysis will be undertaken of issues encountered, in order to inform the review team on the areas to concentrate on in order to utilise resources effectively. It will help to mitigate the risk of the failure to adequately protect the environment in our activities.

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:

Report from the Environment Centre: Phase 1: An Environmental Review of the Eastleigh Headquarters and Four of their Fire Stations for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.