Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE held at Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Eastleigh on 14 September, 2009
PRESENT:
Councillors: D.A. Kirk (Chairman); I. Beagley; A. Evans; Mrs. J. Frankum; Sam Payne; P. West.
The Chairman welcomed to the meeting Martin Kempton and Susan Munro of Munro Kempton Associates, Consultants specialising in fleet management practice.
22 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors K. Chapman, D. Simpson and A. Weeks.
23 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.
24 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on 4 September, 2009 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
25 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations made under this item.
26 REVIEW OF FLEET MAINTENANCE CENTRE
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) which introduced the review by Munro Kempton Associates Limited of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Fleet Maintenance facilities. It was noted that the reference in the Chief Officer's report to the recommendations should be amended to read "as set out in paragraphs 2.1-2.17", and that rather than the "Authority" it should read the "Service" to consider engaging the consultants to develop and implement the proposed action plan.
Martin Kempton and Susan Munro of Munro Kempton Associates Limited gave a powerpoint presentation (Item 5(i)) in the Minute Book) on their review of the Service Maintenance Centre (FMC) facilities. In particular, they had looked at the management structure and the Centre's performance. Also, there had been a forensic review of procurement and of work practices. The Consultants reported that they had spoken with customers (fire station personnel), suppliers, representative bodies, senior managers and FMC staff. They went on to highlight the main findings of the review and suggested the next steps to address the recommendations before the Committee.
During a full discussion Members sought clarification on a number of the detailed issues which had been identified. They felt the way forward being proposed was a sensible one and were reassured by the Consultants that existing staff had been fully consulted about the review process and importantly been advised of the future opportunities which may arise as a result of the proposed in-house improvements.
Accordingly, it was
RESOLVED:
(a) That the recommendations set out in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.17 on pages three and four of Munro Kempton's report (Appendix 1) be approved for implementation.
(b) That the Service engage the consultants Munro Kempton Associates to develop and implement an action plan to address the recommendations set out in the report.
(c) That the initial contract with Munro Kempton Associates be for a period of six months, at which point a review will be undertaken to assess progress.
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