Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Performance Review Committee Item 7

12th September 2007

Progress report on actions taken to meet the recommendations detailed in the

Best Value Review of Partnerships

Report of Chief Officer

Contact: Philip Webb, Performance Review Manager

Telephone: 023 8062 6828

E-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 Attached is a progress report on actions taken to meet the recommendations arising from the Best Value Review of Partnerships.

2 Recommendation

2.1 That the Committee notes the actions taken and progress made to meet the recommendations made in the Action Plan.

2.2 That following successful completion of all outstanding items in the Best Value Review of Partnerships, the report can be closed.

3 Introduction

3.1 The Authority recognises the importance of effective partnerships in furthering its aim to `make Hampshire safer' and it commissioned a best value review of the way we manage our partnerships. It was led by an independent consultant from Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) Enterprises.

3.2 The review of Partnerships was completed and reported to the Committee on 16^th June 2006.

3.3 The recommendations arising from the review have now been completed and a report has been forwarded to SMT confirming the current status of the Authorities Partnerships. It is therefore recommended that the Review be closed.

4 Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

4.1 We recognise that if we want to be in the top 10 fire and rescue services in the country, we need to be able to demonstrate our commitment to improving our delivery of services to the public and, increasingly, this includes working in partnership with other key stakeholders.

5 Consultation

5.1 The consultant interviewed a range of key people involved in managing our current partnership arrangements - including those involved from external organisations. We will need to ensure that both current and potential future partners are made aware of our proposed more structured approach to assessing the value and effectiveness of the management arrangements.

6 Equality Impact Assessment

6.1 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.

7 Risk Analysis

7.1 Failure to implement the recommendations made by the review leaves 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:

· Report by Richard Penn, Associate Consultant, SOLACE Enterprises. Review of partnership arrangements

http://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/review_of_partnership_arrangements_april_2006.pdf

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

Appendix 1 - Best Value Review of Partnerships - Action Plan