Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY held at the Borough Council Offices, Eastleigh on 17 September, 2008
PRESENT:
Councillors: M.F. Cartwright (Chairman); I.F.E. Beagley; K. Chapman; M.G. Cooper; A. Evans; Mrs. J. Frankum; A. Fraser; D. Fuller; P. Galton; K. House; L. Hunt; P.R.C. Hutcheson; R.J. Kimber; P. Marsh-Jenks; R. McIntosh; Sam Payne; R.H. Price; R. Smith.
271 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillors R. Baulk; L. Dunsdon; E.F. Gale, MBE;
D. Harrison; D.A. Kirk and D. Simpson.
272 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in Paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Fire Authority's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 12 of the Code.
There were no declarations of interest made by Members under this item.
273 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 4 June, 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
Arising thereon:
Appointments
On Minute 261, the Chairman reported that Councillor L. Hunt was to fill the Member vacancy on the Gosport Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. Also, it was noted that Councillors K. House and K. Chapman were to replace Councillors D. Simpson and M.J. Woodhall respectively on the Asset Management Working Group of the Finance and General Purposes Committee with immediate effect.
274 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations to the meeting.
275 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS
There were no Members' questions.
276 CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
The Chairman welcomed Councillors D. Fuller and P. Marsh-Jenks to their first meeting of the Authority. Also, he welcomed Emma Apter the acting Head of Marketing and Communications at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service whilst Laura Small was on maternity leave.
The Chairman reported on the Fire and Rescue Conference 2008 which had been held between 27-29 August, 2008 in Liverpool to coincide with the World Firefighter Games. The Conference programme had comprised of many interesting and topical sessions. Whilst in Liverpool, several Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service officers had participated in the World Firefighter Games. Members congratulated John Bonney for completing a 44 mile cycle ride and for reaching his sponsorship target of just over £1,000 for the Firefighters Charity. Also, they congratulated Dave Curry, Director of Service Delivery, for his participation in the half marathon and David Howells, Director of Corporate Services, for winning a silver medal in the marathon and a bronze in the cross-country.
The Chairman reported that following an audit by Hampshire County Council of the Fire Service's Business Continuity plans, the auditors had concluded the Service's plans appropriate with sufficient controls in place to manage the key risks which had been identified in an effective and efficient manner. In addition, Members were pleased to learn that the Fire Service's Information Services department had gained `ISO 27001' accreditation under the international Information Security Management Standard (established to encourage and ensure that organisations have adequate security controls in place to protect information assets).
The Chairman reported that Hampshire was one of four fire and rescue authorities piloting the Organisational Assessment element of the new Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). Finally, the Chairman referred to recent visits he had made to the Alton and Ringwood Retained Fire Stations and he reminded Members of the importance of attending the awareness session arranged for that afternoon.
277 ACTIVITY REPORT
The Authority received the report of the Chief Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) highlighting prevention, protection and response activities in each of the group areas. It was noted that the Service's Extrication and Trauma Team had successfully retained their World Extrication title at the World Extrication Challenge hosted by the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service from 10-12 July, 2008 in Cardiff. Members congratulated those in the team on their excellent performances.
278 FIRE AND RESCUE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK 2008-2011
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) about the new Fire and Rescue National Framework for 2008-2011. It was noted that the officers had produced a gap analysis (Appendix A) to ensure that all the key items in the National Framework were taken into account as part of the Corporate planning process.
RESOLVED:
That the Authority notes the key issues identified in the Fire and Rescue National Framework 2008-2011, together with the officers' comments on them as set out in the gap analysis (Appendix A) to this report.
279 DRAFT "FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE PLAN 2009-2012" : PROPOSED CORPORATE OBJECTIVES AND CONSULTATION STRATEGY
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 9 in the Minute Book) about new corporate objectives being proposed for the draft "Fire and Rescue Service Plan 2009-2012.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Authority endorses the proposed nine new corporate objectives (set out in Appendix A to the report) and the draft key performance targets (set out in paragraph 5.2 of the report) as a basis for consultation with stakeholders.
(b) That the proposed consultation strategy and programme (set out in Appendix B and C to the report) be approved.
280 THE NATIONAL (PERFORMANCE) INDICATOR SET AND LOCAL AREA AGREEMENTS
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 10 in the Minute Book) giving an overview of the implications arising from the introduction of the National (Performance) Indicator Set and in particular the impact of Local Area Agreements and a new performance framework based on the indicators. It was noted that the purpose of the report was to make Members aware of the intended steps that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are proposing to take to deal with these implications in an effective manner.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Authority notes the National Indicator Set and its impact on the Authority as described in the report.
(b) That the Authority notes that N133 and N149 are mandatory indicators for the Authority and will be prioritised as such in community safety activity.
(c) That the Authority notes that Member involvement will be encouraged in Local Area Agreements governance structures.
(d) That the Chief Officer be authorised, in consultation with the Chairman and the Clerk, to sign-off the Local Area Agreements.
281 SOUTH EAST FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES REGIONAL MANAGEMENT BOARD - UPDATE
The Authority received and noted the report of the Chief Officer (Item 11 in the Minute Book) outlining the key issues from the South East Fire and Rescue Services Regional Management Board meeting held on 9 July, 2008.
282 SOUTH EAST REGIONAL FIRE CONTROL PROJECT
Bob Ratcliffe, Area Manager - Strategic Projects and Specialist Response gave a presentation to the Authority on progress in relation to the South East Regional Fire Control Project. It included an overview and summary of the Projects' key elements, namely the Local Authority Controlled Company (LACC); Fire Control and Firelink. Councillor R. Price added his own further comments about the LACC. A copy of the Power Point presentation given at the meeting appears as Item 12 in the Minute Book.
283 PORTSMOUTH COMMUNITY CONTACT POINT (CCP) : PROGRESS REPORT
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 13 in the Minute Book) on progress to date in terms of the delivery of the Portsmouth Community Contact Point (CCP) and on the next steps being proposed for the future. Members welcomed the proposed one-year lease of a shop facility in Kingston Road within the Charles Dickens area of Portsmouth. It would provide a public-facing central focus for community safety and risk reduction and be accompanied by a second element which was a dedicated parking location close to the shop facility for an operational fire appliance. The Chief Officer summarised the intended operating model for the CCP. Members noted that such a facility was unique for the Service and that its effectiveness would be carefully monitored over the coming months. After a period of a year it was to investigate a fully mobile solution and to re-evaluate the operational response resorting point when the mobile unit was operational. Members felt that it was important for the Authority to receive regular reports on this item.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the progress being made in relation to the development and implementation of the Portsmouth Community Contact Point in support of the Fire and Rescue Service Plan - 2008-2011, "Objective 10, relocating our resources in Portsmouth", be noted.
(b) That the Chief Officer give a progress report on this item to each future meeting of the Authority.
284 NATIONAL EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STRATEGY FOR FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 14 in the Minute Book) about the new National Equality and Diversity Strategy for Fire and Rescue Services. It was noted that the Strategy had been endorsed by the Human Resources Committee on 4 July, 2008 and by the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee on 2 September, 2008. Members' views and comments were recorded in the Minutes of the two meetings.
The Authority supported the way forward detailed in the Strategy and the employment targets contained therein which were intended to focus Fire Authorities on action required in areas of particular concern, notably women in the operational sector and minority staff across all sectors of the workforce.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Authority formally endorse the direction of travel as detailed in the National Equality and Diversity Strategy for Fire and Rescue Services.
(b) That the views of the Human Resources Committee on 4 July, 2008 and of the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee on 2 September, 2008 on this matter as set out in Minute 158 and Minute 131 respectively be received and noted (Item 20b and Item 24 of this meeting refer).
(c) That the Authority endorse the Service's commitment to the stretch targets as set out in Paragraphs 4.5/4.6 of the report and the development of a Positive Actions Strategy as set out in Paragraph 4.7 of the report.
285 SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS CHARTER FOR ELECTED MEMBER DEVELOPMENT
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer and the Chairman of the Human Resources Committee (Item 15 in the Minute Book) about the South East Employers Charter for Elected Member development. In discussion, the Authority supported a suggestion that as part of Member development those attending Fire Authority Conferences should be invited to report back on their experience.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Authority notes the content of the report and Members support the work to achieve the charter for Member Development.
(b) That Members agree to undertake a self-assessment questionnaire, based on the Improvement and Development Agency's Political Skills Framework to support the analysis of areas for development.
(c) That in future the "Members' Questions" item on each Authority agenda should be retitled "Members Questions and Development" to provide the opportunity for Members to report back on their attendance at fire and rescue service conferences, seminars and other training and awareness activities.
286 STANDARDS COMMITTEE AND SUB-COMMITTEES - PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Authority considered the report of the Clerk (Item 16 in the Minute Book) recommending proposed terms of reference regarding the Standards Committee and Sub-Committees for approval by the Authority. It was noted that the same report had been agreed by the Standards Committee on 2 September, 2008.
RESOLVED:
That the terms of reference of the Standards Committee and Sub-Committees as set out in the Appendix to the submitted report be approved.
287 HFRA - SCHEME OF DELEGATION TO OFFICERS - AMENDMENT
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 17 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to a revision to the HFRA - Scheme of Delegation to its officers.
RESOLVED:
That the Authority approves the revision to the HFRA Scheme of Delegation to its officers as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report.
288 STRATEGIC RISK REGISTER
The Authority considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 18 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to the current version of the Strategic Risk Register. The Chief Officer reported that an amendment to the version of the Register before Members had been made by the Corporate Management Team at its meeting on 9 September, 2008. It concerned Ref G8 "Impact of Members of the Authority continuing to pursue local interests and priorities". The amendment was tabled and endorsed by the Members of the Authority at the meeting (Item 18(a) in the Minute Book).
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Strategic Risk Register, including the amendment made to Ref G8 "Impact of Members of the Authority continuing to pursue local interests and priorities", be approved.
(b) That, as a result of the controls put in place, the following four entries be endorsed as "low risk" and removed from the active Register:
(i) Failure to maintain the positive engagement of staff to deliver key objectives and priority actions (risk register reference number 02).
(ii) Failure to comply with and/or properly manage the Authority's legal and regulatory responsibilities. (risk register reference number 06).
(iii) Failure to recognise and comply with and/or properly manage the Authority's legal and regulatory responsibilities in respect to the Fire Safety Order (risk register reference number 06b).
(iv) Failure to recognise and comply with and/or properly manage the Authority's legal and regulatory responsibilities in respect to the Working Time Directive (risk register reference number 06d).
289 MINUTES OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE - 17 JUNE AND 12 SEPTEMBER, 2008
The Authority received the Minutes of the Standards Committee meetings held on 17 June and 12 September, 2008 (Items 19(a) and 19(b) in the Minute Book). They adopted the recommendation to the Authority about proposed new terms of reference for the Standards Committee (Minute 286 of this meeting refers).
290 MINUTES OF THE PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE - 18 JUNE AND 2 SEPTEMBER, 2008
The Authority received the Minutes of the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 18 June and 2 September, 2008. (Items 20(a) and 20(b) in the Minute Book).
291 BUDGET MONITORING REPORT 2008/09 : BUILDING WORKS AT SOUTHSEA FIRE STATION
The Authority considered the report of the Treasurer and Chief Officer (Item 21 in the Minute Book) on the first quarter budget monitoring report 2008/09 and about building works at Southsea Fire Station.
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Authority notes the Budget Monitoring Report for the first quarter 2008/09 previously issued to Members of the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
(b) That the Authority endorses acceptance of the lowest tender from Nolan Davis Contracting Limited to carry out essential and urgent works at Southsea Fire Station and notes that negotiations are continuing with the Contractor in respect of additional works to improve the utilisation of accommodation at the Station.
(c) That the Treasurer and Chief Officer report back to the next meeting of the Finance and General Purposes Committee on the outcome of negotiations in respect of additional works and on how the total costs of the improvement works at Cosham and Southsea Fire Stations will be funded.
292 MINUTES OF THE FINANCE AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE - 19 JUNE, 2008
The Authority received the Minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 19 June, 2008 (Item 22 in the Minute Book). They adopted the recommendations to the Authority in relation to the Final Accounts 2007/08 and the Asset Management Working Group meeting held on 24 April, 2008.
293 MINUTES OF THE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE - 26 JUNE, 2008
The Authority received the Minutes of the Governance Committee meeting held on 26 June, 2008 (Item 23 in the Minute Book).
294 MINUTES OF THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE - 4 JULY, 2008
The Authority received the Minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting held on 4 July, 2008 (Item 24 in the Minute Book).
295 SCHEDULE OF HFRA AND HFRA COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2009
The Authority received the report of the Clerk (Item 25 in the Minute Book) setting out a schedule of HFRA and HFRA Committee meetings dates for 2009. It was noted that every effort was always made to try and avoid clashes with County Council, Portsmouth and Southampton City Council meetings. Due to the likelihood of next year's County Council elections being put back from May '09 to coincide with the European Parliamentary elections on 4.6.09, the Clerk was asked to rearrange the Annual General Meeting of the HFRA presently fixed for 3.6.09.
296 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO LGA FIRE CONFERENCE : 10 AND 11 MARCH, 2009
The Authority considered the appointment of Members to attend the LGA Annual Fire Conference on 10 and 11 March, 2009 in Bristol.
RESOLVED:
That Councillors A. Evans; Mrs. J. Frankum; R.H. Price and R. Smith be appointed to attend the LGA Annual Conference on 10 and 11 March, 2009 at the Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bristol.
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