Archived decisions

Hampshire Fire & Rescue Authority

Performance Review & Scrutiny Committee Item

14 September 2009

Review of Fleet Maintenance Centre

Report of the Chief Officer

1

Summary

1.1

Munro Kempton Associates Limited (Consultants specialising in fleet management practice) were commissioned to review the Service Fleet Maintenance Centre (FMC) facilities. In particular they were asked to look at the management system and the Fleet Management Centre performance.

1.2

The consultants, Martin Kempton and Susan Munro, were engaged to carry out the review under the stewardship of a Fire Authority Member Working Group, comprising Councillors Beagley, Payne and Baulk.

1.3

As part of the review the Consultants carried out a forensic review of procurement, Fleet Management Centre work practices and associated performance. They spoke to customers (fire station personnel), suppliers, representative bodies, senior managers and Fleet Management Centre staff.

1.4

The Service recognises the expertise of the report and the added assurance intrinsic with the use of independent consultants experienced in fleet management and maintenance.

2

Recommendations

2.1

That the recommendations set out in paragraphs 2.1 - 2.16 on pages 3 and 4 of Munro Kempton's report (Appendix 1) be approved for implementation.

2.2

That the Authority consider engaging the consultants Munro Kempton to develop and implement an action plan to address the recommendations made in the report.

2.3

If recommendation 2.2 is agreed, it is further recommended that the initial contract with Munro Kempton be for a period of six months, at which point a review will be undertaken to assess progress.

3

Introduction and Background

3.1

Following the 2007/08 Fleet Maintenance Centre (FMC) annual performance report, the Performance Review and Scrutiny Committee requested a review of progress towards procuring an effective Fleet Management System to replace the existing system .

3.2

The Committee, in setting terms of reference for the Review, chose to widen the scope of the review to include Fleet Management Centre performance and the management structure. Munro Kempton Associates were engaged to carry out the review under the stewardship of a Fire Authority Member Working Group.

3.3

The consultants have now completed their review and their report is attached (Appendix 1).

4

Contribution to Corporate Priorities

4.1

This review contributes to our priority of managing our resources in a cost effective way and helps to ensure that our investment in activities and new initiatives is worthwhile and continues to provide value for money.

5

Resource Implications

5.1

The work involved to address the recommendations made in the report will be considerable . Continued use of the consultants Munro Kempton will ensure continuity of approach together with an independent assurance .

5.2

The Chief Officer can confirm that if Munro Kempton are engaged their fee can be met from the Service Improvement and Sustainability reserve

6

People Impact Assessment

6.1

There are no specific issues arising from this report

6.2

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.

7

Risk Analysis

7.1

Reviews such as the one conducted on the Fleet Maintenance Centre can identify efficiencies and improved managerial and working practices. Failure to monitor our performance in our key activities leaves the Authority vulnerable to criticism from our stakeholders.

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:

Appendix 1 - Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Authority Member Review of the Fleet Maintenance Centre by Munro Kempton Associates Limited, dated 17 6 2009

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