Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Human Resources Committee Item 10

01 February 2008

Error! Bookmark not defined.Investor in People Accreditation

Report by the Chief Officer

Contact: Area Manager Bob Ratcliffe Tel : 023 8064 4000 ext 3012

E-mail : [email protected]

1

Summary

1.1

This paper complements an earlier paper submitted to the HR Committee on the 21 April 2006 regarding formally commencing work to gain accreditation to the Investors in People (IIP) national standard. Since this time, the Service has sought to improve the organisation in many ways; some of these initiatives including IIP, were developed and introduced as objectives within the Service's Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) - 2007/10.

1.2

During November 2007 the Service was externally audited against the IIP standard. Following a formal report and consideration by an external validation board, the Service has been recognised as an Investor in People organisation. Hampshire are the first Fire and Rescue Service to receive this recognition to the recently revised IIP standard.

2

RecommendationsError! Bookmark not defined.

2.1

That the HR Committee note the success of the Service in gaining IIP accreditation with effect from 22 November 2007.

2.2

That the continued future development and improvement against the IIP standard be reported to the HR Committee in an annual report.

3

Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined.and Background

3.1

In conjunction with other IRMP objectives, the IIP Standard was recognised as a method to identify good practice and enable the Service to focus on key areas for future improvement. Some of these areas were identified as: -

· Improved opportunities for personal recognition and development

· A better working environment

· Improved job satisfaction

· Improved communications and staff engagement

· Increased pride in being part of a successful organisation

· Improved service delivery

· Developing a learning and improving culture within the organisation

3.2

An IIP project team was established to be facilitators and champions of IIP throughout the Service. The project team worked with an external consultant (Dorothy Shirvell) to advise the Service on areas for consideration against the IIP standard. The project team was drawn from staff across the Service.

4

Audit Process

4.1

The audit process required two auditors to individually meet with a total of 90 members of staff. The staff were selected by the auditors and ranged from the Chief Officer to trainee Fire Fighter. Each staff group and Trade Union were represented.

5

Accreditation

5.1

The IIP accreditation is valid for 3 years until 21 November 2010. In order to maintain our accreditation, the Service will be re-audited prior to this date to ensure it has maintained the necessary standards.

6

Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

The Service's recognition and success in gaining IIP accreditation was in part, due to several key objectives within the 2007/10 IRMP:-

· The introduction of a Personal Development Review System (PDRS).

· Engaging staff through better communications.

· Cultural change and living our Values.

· The introduction of a Workforce Strategy.

7

Audit report

7.1

The final assessment report summarised the Service's performance against the 10 key indicators of the IIP standard. Two areas that were highlighted as representing good practice were as follows:-

· "The approach to planning is felt to be exemplary and represents good practice over and above the standard"

· "What separates out the approach taken here from other organisations is that senior managers have not devolved responsibility for communicating but have also taken a lead as individuals. It is this, coupled with a strong communications team, that has contributed to many people recognising the real improvement that have been made".

7.2

Importantly for the Service, the auditors also highlighted possible opportunities to improve for the future, these are summarised as follows:-

· Opportunity to further involve Headquarters and Workshops staff in the future development of the Service's IRMP.

· Further development of our evaluation tools to assess the effectiveness of our partnerships and local initiatives.

· The continued monitoring and development of the PDR system.

· Ensuring that staff are provided with the necessary skills when working increasingly with community based groups.

· Recognition of the role of Retained Duty System (RDS) staff and the support and commitment provided by their families and employers.

8

Resource Implications

8.1

Financial

The total costs for this project were £10,000,00 and this was funded from within existing budgets. The Service received a grant of £2,000,00 as part of this process from the Learning and Skills Council for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

8.2

Physical Resources

Not applicable

8.3

Information and Communications Technology Resources

Not applicable

9

Equality Impact Assessment

9.1

An equality impact assessment was completed at the start of the project. The achievement of gaining the IIP standard recognises the Service's development and support for all staff and is a positive demonstration of the Service's standards and commitment for potential applicants to the Service in the future.

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

Members of the Representative Bodies were part of the IIP project team and have been fully involved and supportive throughout the IIP project.

11

Conclusion

11.1

The success of the Service in gaining IIP accreditation is an important `mile stone' in the process of continual improvement for the organisation. All staff can be justifiably proud of their contribution in gaining this recognition.

11.2

The Service will continue to use the IIP framework to learn from other organisations and seek ways of adapting and introducing best practice into the organisation.

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:

· Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service IRMP 2007/10

· Quality South East - IIP Assessment Report - November 2007

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