humberside fire authority · the proposal was not seconded. ... fire station along with 3...

HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY

A G E N D A HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY

Monday 14 February 2011

10.30 a.m.

Business Page Number

Lead Primary Action

Requested

A OPEN AGENDA

1. Apologies for absence - Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

To record

2. Declarations of Interest (Members and Officers)

- Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

To declare and withdraw if prejudicial

3. Minutes of meeting of the Authority held on: (a) 14 December 2010 (b) 17 January 2010 (c) 24 January 2011

(pages 1-14) (pages 15-20) (pages 21-22)

Chairperson

To Approve

4. Petitions and Deputations in accordance with Rule 13, Part 4 of the Constitution


To receive

5. Communications as Chairperson or Secretary may desire to lay before the Authority.

- Chairperson / Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

To receive

6. Questions by Members (if any) in accordance with Rule 12, Part 4 of the Constitution


To receive

7. Minutes of Committees:

(Note: ‘A’ denotes minutes approved as a correct record by the relevant committee, ‘D’ denotes yet to be approved)

- Chairperson To receive and approve any recommend-ations

(a) Governance and Standards Committee – 18 January 2011 (D)

(pages 23-28)

(b) Policy and Executive Committee – 21 January 2011 (D)

(pages 29-34)

Business Page Number

Lead Primary Action

Requested

(c) Audit, Performance and

Scrutiny Committee

1. 13 December 2010 (A) 2. 1 February 2011 (D)

(pages 35-42) (pages 43-50)

8. Executive Report

(pages 51-54) Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive

To approve

9. Financial Outlook 2012/13 Onwards

(pages 55-58) Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

To approve

10. Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Precept for 2011-12

(pages 59-74) Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

To approve

11. Members’ Allowances 2011/12 (pages 75-80) Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration and Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

To approve

12. Fees and Charges 2011/12 (pages 81-86) Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

To approve

13. Community Protection Activities: Operations Response - (Incidents of Special Interest)

(pages 87-94) Assistant Chief Officer/ Director Operations Response & Community Protection

To consider

14. Yorkshire And Humberside Fire and Rescue Control Centre Company

(to follow) Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive

To approve

15. Abolition of Standards, related issues and Third Review of Corporate Governance

(pages 95-98) Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

To approve

16. Corporate Risk /Opportunity Management – Edition 6 of Corporate Risk Register

(pages 99-118) Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

To consider

B EXEMPT BUSINESS

The Fire Authority is asked to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. In making its decision, the Fire Authority is asked to confirm that, having regard to all circumstances, it is satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information 17. Corporate Management Team

post April 2011 (to follow) Deputy Chief Officer/

Director of Policy, Performance & Training

To consider

Humberside Fire Authority 14 December 2010 Agenda Item No. 3(a)


14 DECEMBER 2010

PRESENT: Representing East Riding of Yorkshire Council: Councillors Ibson, Jefferies and Jefferson J.P. and Skow Representing Kingston upon Hull City Council: Councillors Fudge, Mathieson, Neal and Petch Representing North Lincolnshire Council: Councillors Bainbridge, Briggs (Chairperson) and Swift Representing North East Lincolnshire Council: Councillor Swinburn Mrs J Clarke and Mr J Jepson (Independent Members of the Governance and Standards Committee and Mrs G Hardy (Independent Member of the Audit, Performance & Scrutiny Committee) attended as observers. Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Assistant Chief Officer/Director Operations Response & Community Protection, Assistant Chief Officer/Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer and Committee Manager were also present. Ms J Rae (Audit Commission) was also present. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Armitage (1.Illness), Bonner (2.Work commitments), Chapman (6.Other reason), Hudson (6.Other reason), Engall (1.Illness), Randall (3.Constituent Authority commitments), Shaw (3.Constituent Authority commitments),Turner (4.Holiday), Wallace (3.Constituent Authority commitments) and Williams (3.Constituent Authority commitments). . The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m. 3329 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration referred to Agenda Item 18 (Appointment of Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive) and confirmed that he had asked all Officers to withdraw for that Agenda item, except himself, the Head of Personnel and the Committee Manager. A Member referred to the lack of Members present and proposed that the business for this meeting should be deferred to a special meeting. The proposal was not seconded. The Chairperson reported that the meeting was quorate notwithstanding the number of Members absent and following a discussion stated that the consensus was that the meeting should proceed. 3330 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 28 September 2010, having been printed and circulated amongst the Members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chairperson.

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Humberside Fire Authority 14 December 2010

MINUTES OF COMMITTEES

3331 Policy and Executive Committee - Resolved - That the minutes of the Policy and Executive Committee held on 19 November 2010 be received and the recommendations therein approved and adopted.

3332 Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee – There was no report from the meeting of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee held the previous day, 13 December 2010, and the minutes of that meeting will be submitted to the next ordinary meeting of the Authority.

(Councillor Swift arrived at 10.37am).

3333 EXECUTIVE REPORT - The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive submitted a report updating Members on the following issues:

Community Protection Unit (CPU) Re-alignment Trial – The report updated Members with respect to the revised management structure within CPU’s which was implemented on 1 October 2010, as a trial and outlined some of the benefits arising from the revised structure.

Re-location of Hull CPU Appliances and Personnel - A number of appliance and personnel movements within the Hull CPU had been successfully completed on 31 October 2010. Primarily this involved the relocation of the second pump from Hull Central Fire Station to Calvert Lane, along with one Crew Manager and 5 Firefighters per watch, and the Rescue Support Unit (RSU) from Hull Central to Clough Road Fire Station along with 3 Firefighters per watch to maintain the Primary Crewing of this Special Appliance. The provision of a second pump at Calvert Lane significantly improved the emergency response to the predominant domestic life risk in the West Hull area whilst maintaining high emergency response standards of fire cover within Hull city centre and other areas of the city. The resource movements also included:

The relocation of the Equipment Support Unit (ESU) from East Hull to Bransholme Fire Station. (Unit Crewed);

The introduction into the Service of a ‘Prime Mover’ and 1 x Technical Rescue Pod at East Hull Fire Station as the first stage of the implementation of the Services Technical Rescue provision.

Crewing on Whole Time Fire Stations – The report informed Members of a key piece of work being undertaken by the Area Manager Group to improve crewing arrangements on whole time fire stations to address current shortfalls in crewing as preparatory work for the forthcoming Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). In order to implement some of the IRMP proposals it would be necessary to redress the daily shortfalls which currently challenge the standard crewing establishment figures outlined in the report. Efforts to hold some posts open in support of IRMP and Strategic Planning had created a number of temporary promotion chains which often resulted in net vacancies at fire station level. Traditionally temporary promotions to backfill vacancies would be used but that arrangement would need to be reconsidered in the future as the Authority reviews the operational ridership factor. Global crewing arrangements had presented a number of challenging problems in that Watch Managers had found it difficult to manage their own fire station availability. In addressing the shortfalls in crewing the Strategic Management Team (SMT) had agreed to implement the following recommendations prior to the introduction of IRMP 2011:

There are currently 18 promotion chains which impact on standard crewing. All temporary promotions which have an impact on firefighter vacancies are being reviewed. This will likely result in a number of managerial vacancies across Directorates and may have an impact on non–risk critical output. This will need careful monitoring at Directorate level.

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Whole time Firefighter sickness is currently running at 7% and will continue to be monitored carefully.

Global Crewing presents a less effective solution than local crewing. Steps will be taken to improve the central monitoring arrangements and re-introduce localised crewing.

Crewing will be monitored closely and unnecessary spends against the overtime budget will be challenged.

A Member referred to the current vacancy level and asked whether any fire

stations were vulnerable to having insufficient crew. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection assured Members that no particular station was currently vulnerable although he had identified 39 gaps on stations and the Service was at the point where it needed either to recruit again or reduce the establishment. A Member commented on the high level of Firefighter sickness. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported that a full report would be submitted to the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee in January 2011 which would set out the trends in sickness across the Service. Flood Response - On 16 November 2010 the Service was informed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that the Flood National Enhancement Board had agreed in principal to the grant bid of £118,832k for additional equipment and training. Although the Service had sufficient capacity to deal with inland flooding, a gap analysis had highlighted that in the event of a major coastal tidal flooding scenario, the Service would be stretched to offer sufficient capacity to provide wide area evacuation of the populated areas. The new assets would be integrated with the current flood response capability and would be deployed within the Service area to provide the greatest degree of resilience to both inland and coastal flooding. The resources would also form part of a National Asset Register in a similar way to the Service’s High Volume Pumps. In line with the Service’s flood response strategy the resources would be based at Bridlington, Bransholme and Scunthorpe as set out in the report. Trauma Care - The joint position of the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) and RCS (Royal College of Surgeons) to bring a national standard of trauma care to the UK Fire & Rescue Service means that the FRS, as clinical practitioners in its own right is subject to clinical governance requirements. Clinical governance is a framework through which NHS organisations are accountable for continually improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish. To support this approach the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) would shortly finalise a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) for that agency to supply HFRS with clinical governance and clinical assurance. It was also envisaged that all four FRS in the Yorkshire & Humber Region will eventually follow this model to give a regional approach to trauma care and all will therefore deliver the Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) course to their operational staff to meet clinical governance requirements. The initial IEC training courses for HFRS personnel had now commenced and were expected to be completed by December 2011. Subsequent refresher training would take place on a three yearly basis.

A Member sought clarification regarding Firefighters using defibrillator equipment. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated that it had been agreed that defibrillators could be used on attendance at an incident or if a fire engine was passing an incident where the use of such equipment was necessary.

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Partnership with BDV - Members were reminded that in 2009, a partnership was formed with BDV, a private enterprise based in Flixborough. That groundbreaking arrangement was to provide a facility to ensure all HFRS response personnel and partner agencies worked together in developing their collective skills in dealing with road traffic collisions. The partnership would cease on 31 December 2010 and work was now being done to ensure that the Service has the capability to maintain the competence of staff in dealing with such incidents.

Regional Working - REIP Bid - Members were reminded that Northgate were funded through REIP to produce a feasibility report in respect to regional joint working comprising technical services, property services, procurement and IT (communications). That work was almost complete, with the final Northgate report awaited. Originally the final report was expected in July 2010, but there was a range of queries/concerns expressed by the 4 FRSs, including the assumptions made by Northgate and the need for a full business case unpinning a series of options. Having had conversations with colleagues in the Region, it was unlikely that that work would be taken forward. However, there were some useful suggestions around resilience and knowledge transfer and the work had been a catalyst to consider the focus of the corporate support. When the final report is issued it would be submitted to Members accompanied by the final due diligence report.

Business Continuity during Severe Weather – The report informed Members that many staff had gone the extra mile not only to ensure that the Service maintained every station as fully functioning and also that communities were given much support by their Fire and Rescue Service.

It was agreed that Members’ thanks be conveyed to crews for maintaining

attendance levels during the severe weather.

Resolved - That Members note the content of the report. 3334 ANNUAL AUDIT LETTER 2009/10 – Ms J Rae, Audit Commission presented the final Annual Audit Letter 2009/10 containing an unqualified opinion on the Authority’s accounts for 2009/10. The letter had been presented at the meeting of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee held on 13 December 2010 (Minute 3316 refers). The Chairperson, on behalf of Members, thanked Ms Rae for her presentation.

Resolved – That the Audit Letter be accepted. 3335 YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE CONTROL COMPANY – The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive submitted a report presenting a detailed report which arose from the meeting of the YHFRCC Board on 27 October 2010 (Appendix 1 to the report). The Directors of the Company had commended the report to all four Fire & Rescue Services for agreement. A further Appendix in respect to proposed tracked changes to the Company constitution was available to any Members wishing to have a copy. The Board was seeking some changes to the Articles of the constitution which would enable the Director to explore opportunities to draw in finance from other sources. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reminded Members that the shareholders agreement had built in safeguards regarding the business of the company, and stated that whilst some of the proposed changes were only procedural other amendments related to actual trading by the company and risk. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration cautioned Members against taking on the lease of the building until they had the opportunity to look at the business case in order to ensure that the Fire Authority was not faced with more risks. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer echoed those concerns and suggested that whilst it may be something the Authority would want to look at, now was not probably the appropriate time and also he considered that further clarity was required regarding the Regional Control Centre.

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Resolved – (a) That the constitutional changes in Part II of Appendix 1 to the report be approved;

(b) that the Authority defer a decision on the remainder of the report until such time as clarification is obtained of the proposals and any associated risks to the Fire Authority and that when the clarification is obtained the Secretary and Director of the YHFRCC be invited to the Fire Authority when the matter is considered further, and

(c) that the YHFRCC Board be informed that it would be helpful if the draft minutes of meetings of the Board could be presented to the next following meeting of this Authority for the purposes of public accountability and transparency of decision making in respect of public funds. 3336 REVENUE BUDGET AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE SETTLEMENT FOR 2011/12 ONWARDS – The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer circulated at the meeting a report focussing on the Authority’s current budget position for the years 2011/12 to 2014/15 and the level of funding that was likely to be available over that period. Appendix 1 to the report set out the very latest position on the Authority’s Revenue Budget for the years 2011/12 onwards and the key assumptions that had been incorporated were included in Appendix 2 with the most pertinent shown in Table 1 below

Table 1 - Assumptions applied to the Medium-Term Financial Plan 2011/12 to 2014/15

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Pay Awards

0%

2.5%

2.5%

2.5%

Council Tax

2.5%*

2.0%

2.0%

2.0%

Price Inflation

- Utilities, Rates & Insurances 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% - Fuel 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%

- All other lines

0% 0% 0% 0%

* Assumed that the Authority’s 2011/12 Council Tax will be frozen at the 2010/11 level in return for the 2.5% compensation grant from Government as announced in the October CSR.

The projection for 2011/12 to 2014/15 was based on the shape of the Service today and did not reflect decisions that may/may not be taken as part of the 2011-14 Strategic Plan/Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) process. Incorporated into the budget information was the outcome of the work undertaken on scrutinising discretionary expenditure. Appendix 3 showed the detail of the work undertaken by the Strategic Management Team (SMT) that had concluded with a reduction to the base budget for 2011/12 onwards of £260k. The local government finance settlement 2011/12 onwards announcement on 13 December 2010 set out the Authority’s provisional Formula Grant allocations for the years 2011/12 and 2012/13 only, in anticipation of a new Grant mechanism from 2013/14 onwards. The levels notified have been incorporated into Appendix 1 to give the full, clear picture of the Authority’s financial position for 2011/12 to 2014/15. Table 2 below shows in detail the position on the Authority’s Formula Grant allocations for the period.

Table 2 - Provisional Formula Grant 2011/12 and 2012/13

2011/12 2012/13 2010/11 Current Year

(£m) Amount (£m)

Change (%)

Amount £m)

Change (%)

Formula Grant 27.174

25.623

-5.71%

25.550

-0.28%

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Table 2 above showed a circa 6% reduction in Formula Grant over the years 2011/12 (5.71%) and 2012/13 (0.28%).

Many Fire Authorities on the floor of the funding mechanism had seen reductions in 2011/12 of 9.5% and in 2012/13 of 3.4% to give a compounded reduction of 12.9%. The position for Humberside had been a reduction close to the average reduction over all English FRAs. Once the Formula Grant information was combined with the latest budget position for Humberside it showed a contribution to reserves in 2011/12 and a call on reserves in 2012/13 of circa £1.6m. The years 2013/14 and 2014/15 were much more uncertain as a new funding mechanism would be brought in from 2013/14. A notional reduction of 5% in Formula Grant had been applied to each of the years 2013/14 and 2014/15 to fit in with the CSR prediction of a 25% back loaded real reduction in Fire Formula Grant by the close of 2014/15. (Average England FRA reductions in Formula Grant 5.82% in 2011/12, 0.70% in 2012/13 which with inflation of 2% per annum is circa 10% real reduction with therefore 5% in each of 2013/14 and 2014/15 which with 2% per annum inflation gives a further 14%, a total of 24% over the period of 4 years 2011/12 to 2014/15). Clearly, the years 2013/14 and 2014/15 were very uncertain and would only become clear once the Formula Review had been completed in 2012. However, the report stated that Members must not lose sight of the likely challenges that the years 2013/14 and 2014/15 will bring. The Authority now knew from the CSR that Fire reductions in Formula Grant were back loaded and therefore the need to generate efficiencies now still remained to ensure that the Authority can balance its budget from 2012/13 onwards without recourse to the use of reserves. The allocations notified for 2011/12 and 2012/13 were provisional and subject to a consultation period which no doubt would be the subject of significant lobbying. The change over the whole period was a £1.624m or circa 6% cash reduction in Formula Grant.

The projected position on Reserves at 31 March 2011 is shown in Table 3 below.

The position is based on the 31 October 2010 Budget Monitoring. Table 3 - Projected Revenue Reserves 31 March 2010

£m

General Reserve*

6.631

Earmarked Reserves Insurance 0.400 Control 0.300 Property Maintenance 0.500 Water Rescue Equipment 0.100 RDS Equal Pay Case 0.350

TOTAL 8.281

* The General Reserve figure of £6.631m now includes the £750k that was held in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) earmarked reserve.

It was considered prudent that the costs associated with the PPE roll out now be capitalised thus releasing the earmarked reserve back to the General Reserve. Members had approved at the 28 September 2010 Fire Authority meeting a Prudent Minimum General Reserve (PMGR) of £4.1m. Given that the projected General Reserve at 31 March 2011 was circa £6.6m it was recommended that the £2.5m above the PMGR be moved to an earmarked reserve that would be used only to meet ‘one-off’ costs that generate ‘ongoing’ revenue savings. That was seen as more prudent and less risky than relying on a Capitalisation Direction. Relying on the capitalisation of one-off costs was risky for a number of reasons:

Capitalisation Directions from Government are usually only granted for statutory minimum redundancy costs;

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There is a double gating mechanism to clear (total costs accumulated as a % of available reserves and net revenue expenditure) before applications are considered;

Even if ‘in principle’ agreement was secured there is a ‘scaling’ process which scales back bids if the totality of approvals exceeds the aggregate approval available from Government.

The challenge for the Authority would be to deploy the reserve effectively in 2011/12 in order that full savings can be derived from 2012/13 onwards thus avoiding the need to use any reserves to underpin base ongoing revenue budget expenditure.

The report concluded that in the light of the financial position for 2011/12 to 2014/15 following the Local Government Finance Settlement announcement the need to generate significant efficiencies remained and early implementation would be essential. The years 2012/13 onwards were particularly challenging and to that end it was recommended that the Change Management Earmarked Reserve is created. This Reserve would facilitate in 2011/12 the achievement of ongoing revenue savings from 2012/13 onwards. The mechanisms to achieve that would require further discussion and debate once the Strategic Plan/IRMP Fire Authority meeting on 24 January 2011 had taken place.

A Member suggested that the Authority should lobby regarding the amount of the settlement and queried whether Fire Services in County Council areas had fared any better. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that he did not have that information available at present. A Member stated that before the Authority started any lobbying it was important that Members had all the relevant information.

Resolved - (a) That Members note the Authority’s financial position over the years 2011/12 to 2014/15;

(b) that Members approve the release of the PPE earmarked reserve back to the General Reserve;

(c) that Members approve the creation of a £2.5m Change Management Earmarked Reserve that will be deployed only to meet ‘one-off’ costs that will deliver demonstrable ‘ongoing’ revenue savings and that any calls on the reserve are subject to full Fire Authority approval, and

(d) that prior to Members receiving the full and final budget report and precept for 2011/12 at the February 2011 Fire Authority meeting a further meeting be arranged early in January 2011 to allow the Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer to report on the additional information requested before the closing date for comments on the settlement with a view to Members taking ownership of the way forward. ASSET MANAGEMENT PLANNING

3337 Estates Capital Programme 2011/12 Onwards - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3306 of the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010, setting out for consideration the estate based schemes to be included in the Fire Authority’s capital programme for 2011/12 onwards. The schemes included took into account both developing service needs and the legislative requirements placed on the Authority. The Authority’s Asset Management Strategy (AMS) for 2010/11 was approved by the Policy and Executive Committee on 26 March 2010. The AMS incorporated all of the Service’s assets and was underpinned by the associated annual Asset Management Plans (AMPs) for each category of asset. The AMS and AMPs were updated through an annual planning process which took into account identified service needs via consultation with stakeholders, previously planned projects and external legislative requirements. The proposals agreed for the estate for 2011/12 would be incorporated into the AMS and AMPs for 2011/12, which would be presented to the Policy and Executive Committee for consideration and approval in March 2011.

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The financial plans agreed by the Authority on 15 February 2010 outlined allocations of £630K and £500K respectively for financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13 for estates related capital works. Both years included £500K for the core capital programme, with additional funding in 2011/12 of £100K for Dignity at Work related schemes and £30K Improvements to Health and Fitness allocated through the Decision-Conferencing process held in November 2008. On 28 September 2010 the Authority subsequently approved the re-profiling of the £100K Dignity at Work allocation into the current financial year in order to progress priority schemes at Pocklington, Snaith, Hornsea and Waltham, leaving a revised total estates capital budget for 2011/12 of £530K. Based on the available resources outlined above, Table 1 to the report detailed the schemes proposed for inclusion in the capital programme for the next two years. The main thrust of the capital programme for those two years would be to address key issues resulting from legislative requirements and to support the achievement of the key strategic service objectives. The Service continued to work closely with partners in Hull to develop plans for a new multi-agency facility in Hull city centre, which would replace the existing premise at Hull Central station. Funding implications were still being assessed thus no allocation had been built into the capital programme at this stage. Resolved - That the schemes included in Table 1 of the report be approved as the basis for the estates capital programme for 2011/12 and 2012/13. 3338 Vehicle Replacement Programme 2011/12 Onwards - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3307 of the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010, indicating the current Vehicle Replacement Programme for 2010/11 to 2014/15 was approved by the Authority on 15 December 2009. Budgetary provision in line with the proposals agreed was incorporated within the Authority’s Medium-Term Financial Plan for 2010/11 to 2012/13 agreed by the Authority on 15 February 2010. The report updated the programme for the additional year 2015/16 and also outlined the recent changes made to the programme for 2011/12 and 2012/13. All of the proposals in the report had been discussed and agreed at the Authority’s Strategic Committee for Operational Equipment (SCOPE). An updated heavy vehicle and associated equipment programme was set out in Appendix A to the report and reflected the following amendments:

A 3% upwards adjustment to unit costs, to reflect prices within the market as a result of current economic conditions;

An additional amount built in to enable the re-financing of a twelve year lease expiry on five existing Dennis appliances, due for replacement in a further three years time.

The light vehicles replacement programme was shown in Appendix B to the report and contained details of the cars, vans and other light vehicles required to meet the Authority’s service delivery needs. The most significant element of the programme was the officer pool cars, for which replacement was undertaken on a five-yearly rolling cycle. Appendix B reflected the following amendments to the programme:

Slippage of one heavy car from 2010/11; now provisionally scheduled for replacement within 2011/12;

Slippage of one heavy van from 2010/11 into 2011/12, pending the outcome of the review of the control unit requirements

The financial impact of the proposals contained within Appendices A and B were summarised in Table 1 to the report. Work was ongoing to research other efficient and effective vehicle options for the Service. Where the outcome of those reviews was likely to impact on the vehicle capital programme, a report would be brought back for approval and consideration by Members in due course. Resolved - That Members approve the proposals set out in Table 1 and Appendices A and B to the report.

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3339 IT Capital Programme 2011/12 Onwards - The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3308 of the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010 setting out the proposed IT based schemes to be included in the Fire Authority’s capital programme for 2011/12 onwards and which would form part of the Finance and Asset Management Directorate Plan. The schemes included took into account developing service needs around flexible access to systems and information, work to align with recognised best practice in IT Service Management using the ITIL Framework and the work necessary around the introduction of an Information Security Management System to achieve ISO27001 certification. The IT Asset Management Plan (AMP) was updated through an annual planning process which took into account service needs identified through IT featuring as part of the Asset Management Group consultation with stakeholders, previously planned and agreed projects, IT best practice and work around Information Security. The proposals agreed for IT for 2011/12 would be incorporated into the AMP and the over-arching Asset Management Strategy for 2011/12, which would be presented to the Policy and Executive Committee for consideration and approval in March 2010.

The financial plans agreed by the Authority on 15 February 2010 outlined allocations of £392k and £320k respectively for financial years 2011/12 and 2012/13 for IT related capital works. Based on the available resources outlined above, Table 1 to the report detailed the schemes proposed for inclusion in the capital programme for the next two years. The Capital Programme would address key issues which were highlighted by Internal Audit in the IT Governance review which was presented to the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee on 6 April 2009; achieve best practice in IT service management to the ITIL framework; support the delivery of the Service’s priorities and objectives as described in the Draft Strategic Plan 2011-14, and increase efficiency going forward.

Resolved - That the schemes included in Table 1 of the report be approved as the basis for the IT capital programme for 2011/12 and 2012/13. 3340 IMPLEMENTING INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS (IFRS) – The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report providing an update on the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and setting out for approval by Members the Accounting Policies to be used in the compilation of the Authority’s 2010/11 final accounts as recommended by the Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer. With effect from 1 April 2010 the Authority would have to present and publish the annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The action plan for the implementation of IFRS was reported to Members of the Fire Authority on 30 June 2009 as part of the final accounts papers, showing key tasks and timescales of completion. An update on the implementation action plan was shown in Appendix 1 to the report. Progress against the plan had been good and the Authority remained on track to produce the 2010/11 Final Accounts in a fully IFRS compliant format. The Authority’s Internal Auditors (Deloitte) had also used one of their specialist auditors to examine the Authority’s IFRS readiness. The work was undertaken as part of the recent Key Financial Controls audit and made no substantive recommendations in relation to IFRS. The change to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) had necessitated a review of the Accounting Policies used in the completion of the Authority’s 2010/11 accounts. The revised Policies were shown in Appendix 2 for and would form part of the Annual Statement of Accounts for 2010/11.

Resolved - (a) That Members note the content of the report, and

(b) that Members approve the 2010/11 Accounting Policies as outlined in Appendix 2 to the report.

(Councillors Mathieson and Neal arrived at 11.40am).

3341 UPDATE - DRAFT STRATEGIC PLAN 2011-2014 AND INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN (IRMP) 2011-2012 - The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training, submitted a report, further to Minute 3296, indicating that so far the

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IRMP 2011-2012 had been the focus of discussion and consultation as it was developed over many months to deliver better value for money for the Authority. The Strategic Plan 2011-2014 beneath which the IRMP sat had also been the subject of consultation though less detailed work had taken place because of uncertainty around the strategic direction of the fire and rescue service nationally and the medium term financial situation. The report outlined further developments within the IRMP and the preliminary work relating to the Strategic Plan as set out below: Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 - On 1 October 2010 a team was

formed with the task of project planning the IRMP. Their initial task was to provide sufficient detailed information to Members to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the approval of the IRMP following the statutory consultation period. In addition they were also developing a number of duty system options on which to consult staff and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and to seek the views of Members. The Members Day on 22 November 2010 provided the opportunity to discuss the IRMP proposals in greater detail with Members, particularly those which focussed on changes to crewing arrangements. The Service had not recruited wholetime personnel for many months in anticipation of a poor financial settlement. Whilst the total number of operational vacancies remained low they were increasing slowly and it was becoming ever more difficult to maintain standard operational crewing levels. As Members were aware measures were being taken to improve operational crewing levels but those would not be sufficient as more personnel leave the service. It was therefore essential that Members appreciate the need to change crewing arrangements as proposed in the IRMP so as to enable the operational establishment to be managed down over the next 12-15 months.

Strategic Plan 2011-2014 - During the first two phases of consultation discussions had taken place with Unitary Authority Chief Executives to discuss the possibility of collaboration in the provision of corporate support. Meetings had also taken place with the Chief Fire Officers of the geographical neighbouring Fire and Rescue Services (North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire) to explore the appetite for joint arrangements such as mergers or shared management teams. A meeting had also taken place with Humberside Police to discuss possible collaboration. The report summarised the outcome of those discussions.

Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Operational Policy Group - The Yorkshire and

Humberside Deputy Chief Officers meet regularly to discuss operational issues and had agreed to collaborate on the creation of a Regional Operational Policy Group whose purpose would be to produce a set of common operational policies and procedures for the Yorkshire and Humberside Region. In addition to savings in staff the initiative created potential for much wider collaboration on issues such as officer cover and better sharing of appliances and equipment, offering many of the benefits of merger without the need to seek legislative change.

Other Options - So far discussions had only taken place with local public sector

bodies. There may be other organisations which could provide services to us or collaborate with us and it would be wise to research and consider such options. Also worthy of consideration was the possibility that Humberside Fire and Rescue Service could provide services to other bodies and thus generate some income.

The report concluded that the IRMP was progressing as planned and detailed business cases were being prepared for Members to enable them to make objective judgements around the nine proposals that were currently out for consultation. There might be some potential for collaboration with Unitary Authorities to provide corporate support services. It should, however, be recognised that there might be other providers of such services in both the public and private sectors and it would be necessary to explore those options. Once a range of options had been identified their relative merits would need to be evaluated objectively. The discussions regarding shared management teams and mergers should be

10


regarded as exploratory and further consideration should be given to these options as the financial picture becomes clearer and the strategic direction of the fire and rescue service emerges from the Fire Futures project. The opportunities for collaboration such as the Regional Operational Policy Team were clear and should be progressed irrespective of national developments. Collaboration with Humberside Police had potential particularly regarding the provision of a shared workshop facility.

A Member referred to paragraph 7 of the report and challenged the statement that “measures were taken to improve crewing levels”. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated that the paragraph referred to the current situation and not the IRMP proposals and the actions referred to were those management actions to put staff back to crewing. A Member stated that he had received reports of a lack of information about proposals relating to self-rostering and crewing arrangements. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated the IRMP team had been working through self rostering options and that members had been informed of options around self rostering on 22 November 2010; the FBU had been informed only last week and an item would now be included in Siren that the Service wants to enter into discussions with the FBU regarding the proposals, and also that a decision could not be taken about rostering in February 2011 until negotiations go forward. The Chairperson stated that it should be noted that some members were not happy with some of the wording in the report but that it should be clearly understood that no decisions have yet been taken. A Member stated that Members now needed to know how the finance settlement relates to the IRMP.

Resolved – That Members note the report.

3342 COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACTIVITIES: OPERATIONS RESPONSE - (INCIDENTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST) – The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection submitted a report, further to Minute 3298, outlining details of incidents of special interest in the last quarter period. The performance of the Directorate in respect of incident statistics had been reported to the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee whereas the Community Safety activity is reported to the Authority from time to time, on a by exception basis.

A Member referred to the way in which the number of personnel attending an incident was reported and suggested that it would be helpful if future reports could identify the crewing arrangements. Resolved – (a) That Members note the content of the report as a quarterly update of Incidents of Special Interest, and

(b) that future reports should identify the crewing arrangements.

3343 FUTURE OF STANDARDS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report reminding Members that the current Standards regime was introduced by the Local Government Act 2000 and then further revised by the Local Government and Public Health Act 2007. The Coalition Government announced in June 2010 the intention to abolish the ‘Standards Board regime’. This was confirmed on 14 October 2010 with the announcement concerning public bodies’ reform (quangos). The Committee on Standards in Public Life would be retained on grounds of impartiality. The Decentralisation and Localism Bill had been published on 13 December 2010 and Standards Committees may no longer continue to exist. For the time being, it was important that Members note that the current Standards regime remains in place until new legislation is introduced. Clearly it was important to maintain the highest ethical standards and for the Authority’s communities to have trust and confidence in the Authority and its democratic process. The report referred to a previous paper from the Secretary in respect to the appointment of an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee (given the retirement of the current Chair at the end of April 2011). Given the uncertainty around the future of Standards Committees generally and in turn the review of governance, it was recommended to delay recruiting an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee until the

11


future of Standards Committees becomes certain under the Act. The report was also to be read in conjunction with the third review of corporate governance and the role of the Governance and Standards Committee. Members were reminded that the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration had suggested an alternative governance structure, which would provide increased scrutiny with an enhanced role for Independent Members. The third review would take place in Spring 2011. As Monitoring Officer, particularly given the twin-hatted role of Members (who are nominated from four different Authorities), there was a concern around the abolition of the national code and consistency of approach. Those issues no doubt would become clearer in due course. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally that a discussion had taken place at the meeting of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee on 13 December 2010 regarding the role of that committee with regard to scrutiny which be taken into account during the third review of corporate governance.

Resolved – (a) That the Authority agree to delay recruiting an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee until the future of Standards Committees becomes certain in the event that the Decentralisation and Localism Bill is enacted, and

(b) that the role of the Standards and Governance Committee in the light of changes to the standards regime be considered as part of the third review of corporate governance.

3344 CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3299, updating Members with regard to Corporate Risk/Opportunity Management. A copy of Edition 6 of the Corporate Risk Register was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. A summary report was attached at Appendix 2 to assist Members identify the most significant changes in the Corporate Risk Register with the adoption of Edition 6. The Action Plans, in support of Edition 6, were available on the Authority’s website. Members were asked to review the Corporate Risk Register and to provide an assurance that Members consider that the Register properly reflects the key issues facing the Authority. In addition, through the Committee structure (particularly the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee), Members should be satisfied that the Action Plans were effective and appropriate steps were being taken to further embed and resource corporate risk management. Members were also asked to use the Corporate Risk Register as a tool to drive (in part) the agenda and discussions at the Fire Authority meetings.

Resolved – That Members are assured as to progress in the effective use of risk management, and

3345 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC – Resolved – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item (Minutes 3346) on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(In making its decision the Authority confirmed that having regard to all the circumstances it was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information).

(All Officers except the Secretary/Head of Corporate Administration, Head of Personnel and the Committee Manager left the meeting for the following item. At the invitation of the Authority the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive remained for the initial part of the discussions only.)

3346 APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3313 of the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010 and the informal discussion by a number of Members of the Authority (15) following that meeting, reflecting the discussions of Members on 19 November 2010 with regard a number of issues and options as set out in the report.

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Resolved – That the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration be requested to submit a further report to a meeting of the Authority to be held during the first two weeks of January 2011 incorporating, inter alia, a recommended course of action for approval by Members along the lines now discussed and noted by the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration. Meeting closed at 12.45pm

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14

Humberside Fire Authority 17 January 2011

Agenda Item No. 3(b)


(SPECIAL MEETING)

17 JANUARY 2011

PRESENT:

Representing East Riding of Yorkshire Council:

Councillors Hudson, Ibson, Jefferies, Jefferson J.P. and Turner

Representing Kingston upon Hull City Council:

Councillors Fudge, Mathieson, Neal, Petch and Randall

Representing North Lincolnshire Council:

Councillors Armitage, Bainbridge and Briggs (Chairperson)

Representing North East Lincolnshire Council:

Councillors Bonner, Shaw, Swinburn and Wallace Mr J Jepson (Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee and Mrs G Hardy (Independent Member of the Audit, Performance & Scrutiny Committee) attended as observers.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer, Head of Human Resources and Committee Manager were also present.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chapman (7.Absent from meeting, but no reason provided), Engall (1.Illness), Skow (7.Absent from meeting, but no reason provided), Swift (3.Constituent Authority commitments) and Williams (2.Work commitments).

The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.00 a.m.

3347 FORMER MEMBER – MR. W. HAUGHEY - A Councillor informed Members that Mr. W. Haughey, a former Member of the Authority had died recently. The Chairperson indicated that it would be appropriate for this information to be formally reported at the next meeting of the Authority on 24 January 2011 to allow Members the opportunity to recognise his contribution to the work of the Authority. 3348 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration referred to Agenda Item 8 (Appointment of Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive) and confirmed that he had asked all Officers to withdraw for that item, except himself, the Head of Human Resources and the Committee Manager.

3349 MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN (MTFP) 2011/12 TO 2014/15 – The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3336, with regard to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2011/12 to 2014/15. The report built on the report to the Fire Authority on 14 December 2010 which examined the Revenue Budget and Local Government Finance Settlement for 2011/12 Onwards (copy attached at Appendix 1 to the report). The report concentrated on the Revenue Budget for 2011/12 onwards and identified the level and timing of the budget reductions that would be required to balance the Authority’s budget over the period 2011/12 to 2014/15. Some further elements of information relating to the 2011/12 to 2014/15 MTFP that would have a bearing on the overall position had not yet been received, principally:

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Both notified to HFA from the 4 Constituent Authorities

Collection Fund Surplus/Deficit for 2011/12; Band D equivalent numbers for 2011/12;

That information would be incorporated into the final MTFP and Precept report to the Fire Authority on 14 February 2011.

Based on the picture outlined in the 14 December 2010 report, the broad financial

profile over the life of the MTFP was as follows:

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Budget Balanced £1.6m Deficit £3.8m Deficit £6.0m Deficit

The 2011/12 budget year had been balanced due to factors such as Council Tax Grant from the Government equal to a 2.5% increase in Council Tax (assuming Members agree to freeze the 2011/12 Council Tax), paid in return for freezing the 2011/12 Council Tax at the 2010/11 level; no pay inflation due to the public sector pay freeze; a permanent reduction in discretionary expenditure and the full year effect saving of the Goole Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2008-11 initiative that saw a Wholetime Duty System (WDS) pump converted to a Retained Duty System (RDS) pump. However, the Authority had suffered a 6% cash reduction (circa 10% real reduction) in external Government funding over the years 2011/12 and 2012/13 as announced in the recent provisional Local Government Finance Settlement. The impact of that could be seen in the projected £1.6m deficit for 2012/13 which would require action to be taken during 2011/12 to reduce the Authority’s base level of expenditure and ensure that a balanced budget could be agreed for the 2012/13 financial year. In summary, the estimated recurring reductions in base expenditure over the life of the MTFP were as follows:

Recurring savings to be implemented during

2011/12


2012/13


2013/14

£1.6m

£2.2m

£2.2m

Those reductions when added together would then become recurring, cumulative savings of £6m before the start of 2014/15. The 2 year Local Government Settlement for 2011/12 and 2012/13 had given some relative certainty on the Authority’s financial position in those 2 years. The subsequent years of 2013/14 and 2014/15 were at this stage based on reasonable estimates of a likely financial settlement for 2013/14 and 2014/15. The last 2 years were subject to greater uncertainty given the Government’s review of the funding mechanism with any changes planned to take effect from 2013/14. The report suggested therefore that the Authority must, as a minimum, generate recurring savings of £1.6m during 2011/12, a further £2.2m recurring savings during 2012/13 and an additional £2.2m recurring savings during 2013/14 to produce a balanced budget over the life of the MTFP. The Authority’s Reserves at 1 April 2011 were estimated to be:

£m Notes General Reserve 4.32 A Prudent Minimum General

Reserve of £4.1m was agreed by the Fire Authority in September 2010

Change Management Earmarked Reserve

2.50 To meet one-off costs that have a recurring benefit

Other Earmarked Reserves

1.65 -

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Whilst the Authority’s Reserves position was currently sound the report indicated that it would be imprudent to deploy Reserves to underpin the mainstream Revenue Budget. Such a measure would only store up problems for later financial years as the gap widened between underlying expenditure and underlying financing.

The report concluded that the Authority must now understand the measures required

to balance the MTFP and agree actions to deliver that. The meeting of the Fire Authority on 24 January 2011 to consider the Strategic Plan 2011-14 and Integrated Risk Management Plan 2011-12 would be critical in that process. The MTFP would be revisited annually as new information comes to light but for now it represented a prudent and sound platform from which to deliver an efficient and effective service against a backdrop of declining resources.

A Member referred to paragraph 9 of the report and the statement that a 6% cash

reduction was circa a 10% real reduction. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that the 10% figure was because the Authority also had to take into account inflation. A Member also queried whether the 6% cash reduction took into account the Council Tax freeze support. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that if the Authority obtained the Council Tax freeze support it would help balance the budget but there was uncertainty as to what would happen in year 5 if the support grant were to cease. A Member referred to the amount of earmarked reserves and asked how the deficit stacked up against the reserves. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer referred to paragraph 15 of the report and explained the prudent approach that had been adopted with regard to the use of reserves and that it would be imprudent to use reserves to underpin the reserve budget for anything other than the very short–term. A Member referred to the earmarked reserves and queried whether, in view of Agenda Item 7, the amount of £300,000 included for Control would be adequate. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer acknowledged that those financial implications would need to be looked in to as the impact of the changes to the RCC project was considered. A Member asked why the cost of Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) was capitalised. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that it was legitimate capital expenditure. A Member asked whether the level of savings identified in the report was in addition to any savings arising from the IRMP 2011-12. The Director of Finance /Section 151 Officer stated that the report set out the financial profile of the Authority as at present and identified the deficits that are projected over the medium-term.

Resolved – (a) That Members acknowledge the level and timing of budget reductions required over 2011/12 to 2014/15, and (b) that Members receive a final budget and precept report for 2011/12 onwards to the February Fire Authority meeting based on the contents of the report now submitted and the outcome meeting of the Fire Authority on 24 January 2011. 3350 CANCELLATION OF FIRECONTROL – YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE CONTROL CENTRE COMPANY – The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report indicating that the FiReControl project had been cancelled by the Government on 20 December 2010 as it was apparent that the requirements of the project could not be delivered to an acceptable timeframe. The Secretary of State had decided that it was in the best interests of both the Fire and Rescue Service and the taxpayer to call a halt to the project. The DCLG and Cassidian had reached an acceptable settlement over the termination but those details would remain commercially confidential. DCLG intended to consult the fire and rescue community soon on the future for control room services, making use of FiReControl assets, and how they could best support the Service with its preferences, but appeared adamant that they would not be imposing a solution. DCLG would commence talking with representatives of all FRAs about the future use of the control centre buildings and had already reached, in principle, an agreement with London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority for them to move their existing control service and some functions into the new control centre accommodation at Merton. DCLG was eager to stop funding implementation activity on the project as quickly as possible. To ensure an

17


orderly closure some activities were still needed and those would be funded for the closedown period. It was not expected that any FRA would face significant closedown costs; however, some FRAs (not Humberside) might face potentially greater liabilities than others. Since mid-2010 DCLG had been making FiReControl payments on a monthly basis and such payments would cease forthwith. DCLG had stated that they would continue to fund costs associated with the RCC accommodation that fall to Local Authority Controlled Companies (LACCs) and would continue until such a time as revised arrangements were agreed and in place.

In terms of regional considerations the report indicated that following the demise of

the Regional Management Board under which previous responsibility for delivery of the project rested, as per requirements of the National Framework, a meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside FRA’s Chairs and Chief Fire Officers met on the 4 January 2011 to consider the implications of the announcement and next steps to be take. A Briefing note was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Yorkshire & Humberside LACC was also convened for the 17 January 2011 and the outcomes of that meeting would be conveyed to Members in due course.

The report outlined a number of technical and operational issues for the Humberside

Fire and Rescue Service. Officers were currently undertaking a full scoping exercise on the close down of the FireControl project and the way forward for Humberside Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS). Also, DCLG would be commencing a twelve week consultation on Control Rooms starting in late January. Whilst that process was in train, DCLG would be working to ensure that the infrastructure that had already been installed in FRSs under the project continued to support their operations. Members would be updated once a full assessment of HFRS infrastructure requirements had been made and also details of any options for Control Room collaboration and/or income generation opportunities the retention of a HFRS Control Room might have.

Separately, the report indicated that the Yorkshire & Humberside Fire and Rescue Control Centre Limited would meet on 20 January 2011 to consider a report to wind up the Company in accordance with the Member Agreement. One of the safeguards built into that Agreement was the need for all four Authorities to give consent and as such, it was likely that the Authority would receive a report at its meeting on 14 February 2011 concerning the Company.

Resolved – That Members note the content of the report and take assurance

regarding current resilience arrangements and the proactive approach of officers in managing the local impact of the project closure and assessing future requirements. 3351 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC – Resolved – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item (Minute 3352) on the grounds that it is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

(In making its decision the Authority confirmed that having regard to all the circumstances it was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information).

(All Officers except the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Head of Human Resources and the Committee Manager left the meeting for the following item. At the invitation of the Authority the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive remained initially in case Members had any questions for him regarding the report. There were no questions and the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive left the meeting.) 3352 APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3346, with regard to the appointment of a Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive. The report

18


referred Members to the reports submitted to the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010 and the Fire Authority 2010 and outlined the consensus of the discussions at those meetings and the informal discussion by a number of Members of the Authority (15) following the Policy and Executive Committee meeting. The report also provided a further update on a number of key considerations identified in the earlier reports. In terms of the budget position, the Authority had now had its provisional settlement for 2011/12 and 2012/13. A separate report on the Agenda for this meeting (Minute 3348 above refers) set out projections for 2013/14 and 2014/15. The Fire Futures Project had issued on 15 December 2010 a consolidated workstream to the Minister for consideration and a report would go before the next scheduled meeting of the Authority to update all Members. The report contained a series of broad options, but sought a steer from the Minister and no doubt potential partners. It was unclear at this stage around timescales or a clear preferred model for the future of the fire and rescue service, although it would be accurate to infer growth in role rather than reduction. At the time of writing the report now submitted the outcomes of the consultation process upon the Strategic Plan 2011-14 were being evaluated. Within the proposed Strategic Plan were key workstreams which might impact upon the appointment process and focus. Resolved – (a) That Mr R Hannigan, Deputy Chief Officer be appointed temporary Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive for a maximum period of one year from 1 May 2011 subject to a review after 6 months;

(b) that the Corporate Management Team report to the meeting of the Fire Authority on 14 February 2011 on any consequences for the management of the Service arising from such temporary appointment, and

(c) that the process of appointing a permanent replacement for the Chief

Fire Officer and Chief Executive be further discussed at a Member Day to be held after 1 May 2011 having regard to those matters listed in paragraph 4 of the report. Meeting closed at 11.07am

19


20


Agenda Item No. 3(c)HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY

24 JANUARY 2011

PRESENT: Representing East Riding of Yorkshire Council:

Councillors Chapman MBE, Engall, Hudson, Ibson, Jefferies, Jefferson J.P., Skow, and Turner

Representing Kingston upon Hull City Council:

Councillors Fudge, Mathieson, Neal, Petch, Randall and Williams Representing North Lincolnshire Council:

Councillors Armitage, Bainbridge, Briggs (Chairperson) and Swift Representing North East Lincolnshire Council:

Councillors Bonner, Shaw, Swinburn and Wallace Mr J Jepson (Independent Members of the Governance and Standards Committee and Mrs G Hardy (Independent Member of the Audit, Performance & Scrutiny Committee) attended as observers. Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer and Committee Manager were also present. The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m. 3379 FORMER MEMBER – WILLIAM HAUGHEY – The Authority stood in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of William Haughey, a former Member of the Authority. 3380 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - The Chairperson (Councillor Briggs) asked that it be recorded that he had been lobbied by the Fire Brigades’ Union, other communities and parish councils regarding the items on the Agenda for this meeting, as had all other Members of the Authority. 3381 COMMUNICATIONS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that no communications had been received. 3382 PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that no petitions had been received and no requests for a deputation had been received under Rule 12, Part 4 of the Constitution. 3383 DEFERMENT OF MEETING – The Chairperson stated that one or two issues had arisen which required some further clarification and proposed that the meeting be deferred to a date to be set before the end of the current financial year. Resolved – That this meeting be deferred to a date to be set before the end of the current financial year as some issues have arisen which require further clarification. Meeting closed at 10.35am

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22

Governance & Standards Committee 18 January 2011

Agenda Item 7(a)


GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE

18 JANUARY 2011

PRESENT: Mrs J Clarke (Chairperson), Councillors Fudge, Jefferson J.P. and Williams and Mr R Dixon, Mr D G Hughes and Mr J Jepson.

Councillor Briggs attended as an observer. Mrs G Hardy, Independent Member of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee also attended as an observer. Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Corporate Communications Manager and Committee Manager were also present. The meeting was held at Beverley Fire Station. Meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m.

An apology for absence was submitted by Councillor Engall (1.Illness).

(Prior to the meeting the Independent Members of the Committee met in private)

3353 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – There were no declarations. 3354 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the Committee held on 7 September 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES, OTHERWISE NOT ON THE AGENDA

3355 Standards for England Training DVD for Members on Assessments – Further to Minute 3235 Mr Dixon confirmed that he had received and viewed the DVD and had found it very useful. Resolved – That the report be noted.

3356 Review of Member Training Generally and Specifically Around Standards – The Chairperson referred to Minute 3241 and queried whether there had been any progress with regard to future training events for Members. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported that an update would be given under Agenda Item 14. Resolved – That the report be noted. 3357 THIRD REVIEW OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3238, asking Members to consider further the timing and focus of the Third Review of Corporate Governance. At its meetings in June and September 2010 the Committee had received full reports regarding the timing and focus of the review. The review had also been discussed briefly at the Member Day on 15 October 2010 and the consensus of Members was that the review should be conducted post-May 2011, after the Authority had been constituted at the Annual General Meeting 2011. For the previous review a Member Day had been utilised in September, and the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration suggested that that approach and timescale seemed about right for the third review, and also that issues regarding structure were the main focus of the review. Recommendation to the Fire Authority – That the timing of the Third Review of Corporate Governance be discussed by the Fire Authority on 14 February 2011. 3358 FUTURE OF STANDARDS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3237, with regard to the future of the standards framework. At its previous meetings in June and September 2010 this Committee had

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received an initial report and update in respect to governance related issues arising from the new Coalition Government and the announced legislative programme. One of the areas highlighted in those reports related to the future of the Standards framework, with the announcement of the abolition of Standards for England, which was confirmed on 14 October 2010. The report now submitted brought the Committee up to date, particularly with a statement made by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) in September 2010 a copy of which was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Decentralisation and Localism Bill had been published on 13 December 2010 and contained provisions relating to the abolition of Standards Committees, with power being effectively transferred to the Local Government Ombudsman. Going forward it would be for local authorities to decide whether to have a Code of Conduct which could result in the Constituent Unitary Authorities and the Fire Authority having different Codes, which might be somewhat confusing for twin-hatted Members and also the public. Whatever the outcome of the Bill, it was important to maintain the highest ethical standards and for the Authority’s communities to have trust and confidence in the Fire Authority and its democratic process. For the time being, it was important that the Committee noted that the current Standards regime would remain in place until new legislation was introduced. It was anticipated that there would first be consultation, but no formal timescales had been announced.

In addition, the Committee was reminded of a paper from the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration in respect to the appointment of an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee (given the retirement of the current Chairperson at the end of April 2011). In view of the postponement of the meeting of this Committee on 26 October 2010, a similar report to that now submitted was presented to the Fire Authority on 14 December 2010, when the Fire Authority had agreed: (a) That the Authority agree to delay recruiting an Independent Member of the

Governance and Standards Committee until the future of Standards Committees becomes certain in the event that the Decentralisation and Localism Bill is enacted, and

(b) that the role of the Standards and Governance Committee in the light of changes to the standards regime be considered as part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance.

The report was also to be read in conjunction with the Third Review of Corporate Governance and the role of the Governance and Standards Committee. The Secretary/ Director of Corporate Administration had previously suggested an alternative governance structure, which would provide increased scrutiny with an enhanced role for Independent Members. The timing of the third review in 2011 was to be referred to the Fire Authority (Minute 3357 above refers). The report stated that as Monitoring Officer, particularly given the twin-hatted role of Members (who are nominated from four different Authorities), there was a concern around the abolition of the National Code and consistency of approach. For the time being, in anticipation of any formal consultation, the report suggested that Members might wish to consider:

The future role of the Committee Views about a replacement of the national Code The role of the Local Government Ombudsman Criminal sanctions Developing internal procedures (complaints) Consistency in sub-region and nationally

An Independent Member queried the likely timescale for the proposed legislation.

The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that it was likely to come into force by the end of 2011. An Independent Member stated that the Committee had previously identified a number of governance issues to be considered and that the present proposals made it very frustrating for Independent Members, and also expressed the need for caution

24


with regard to matters being referred to the Local Government Ombudsman as that service would not normally consider a complaint before all local remedies had been fully explored. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration suggested that in terms of the third review Members should do whatever was right for the Fire Authority. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that one immediate issue for the Committee to take a view on was whether the Fire Authority should extend the period of office of the Chairperson (Mrs J Clarke) who would be retiring as an Independent Member of this Committee on 30 April 2011, or look to appoint a replacement. The Committee discussed a recommendation to the Authority (Mrs J Clarke taking no part in the discussion, other than indicating agreement with the recommendation).

Recommendation to the Fire Authority – That the Fire Authority at its meeting on 14 February 2011 be asked to approve the extension of Mrs Clarke’s period of office as an Independent Member of this Committee for a period of at least six months from the expiry of her current period of office on 30 April 2011. 3359 ATTENDANCE AND RIGHT TO SPEAK AT MEETINGS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally that the issue of who should have a right to speak at meetings had arisen and that it was right that this Committee should take a view on the matter. The Constitution provided that there was no right for anyone to speak unless they were a Member of that Committee and that it was left to the Chairperson to decide whether someone should be allowed to address the meeting. There was a little inconsistency at times as between the Fire Authority and its Committees and the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration suggested that if the Committee wished to promote public involvement perhaps Members should consider achieving consistency. An Independent Member referred to an email that had been sent to Members and suggested that leaving the right to speak to the discretion of a Chairperson could place a burden upon the Chairperson, and therefore it might be preferable to have clear guidelines as to when someone would be allowed to speak or not. An Elected Member suggested that it might assist transparency if individuals were required to put their views in writing and for the Committee to decide. An Independent member commented that there was nothing to stop individuals contacting their local Member of the Fire Authority as champions and asking that member to raise their views. Elected Members commented on the procedures in place at committee meetings in their home authority. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that this matter was something that should be considered as part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance. Recommendation to the Fire Authority – (a) That the Right to Speak at Meetings be referred to the full Fire Authority to consider, and

(b) that the Authority be informed that it is the view of the Governance and Standards Committee that that Committee should continue its practice of not inviting non members of the committee to speak and also that the Governance and Standards Committee is looking to increase engagement at meetings. 3360 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN MEETINGS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally that public involvement in meetings had already been covered in the discussion on the previous item (Minute 3359 above refers) and recommended that this matter should be factored in to the Third Review of Corporate Governance. An Independent Member referred to his experience in attending meetings of the Fire Authority as an observer and raised concerns regarding the acoustics in the Conference Room; suggested that it would help any members of the public observing meetings if Members could announce who they are when speaking, and queried whether the use of microphones might assist. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that it would be possible to give members of the public attending meetings a copy of the Members photographs as part of public papers and to consider the venue and acoustics for meetings

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but would caution Members about the cost of introducing microphone facilities in meeting rooms at the present time but reminded Members that the Conference Room was fitted with a hearing loop to assist those with impaired hearing. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reminded Members that the Second Review of Corporate Governance did consider the possible recording and live broadcasting of meetings and that this should be considered again as part of the Third Review.

Resolved – That the arrangements for public involvement in meetings be left as they are at present and that the Chairpersons should remind Officers and Members to speak up at meetings, until such time as the possibility of developing The Museum into a meeting room is looked at. 3361 GOVERNANCE ENHANCEMENT: AGREED ACTION PLAN 2010/11 – PROGRESS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3240, reminding Members that at the January 2010 meeting of the Committee, Members had received a report which set out the governance workstreams for 2010 approved by the Fire Authority. The workstreams primarily arose from the second review of corporate governance. The Committee had expressed some concern over the action plan and had asked to review the action plan further, with proposed timescales. A copy of the action plan was considered at the April, June and September meetings of the Committee. Appendix 1 to the report provided an update upon progress against the agreed Action Plan. Members were however asked to note the competing pressures and priorities which might impact upon achieving the proposed timescales. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration brought Members up to date with respect to the various workstreams included in the action plan.

At the June 2010 meeting of the Committee, Members had agreed that there would be merit in developing themes around its meetings and also the content of forthcoming Member Days. The Committee was asked to consider and discuss Theme 2 as set out below: Theme 1 Engaging and Communicating Ethical Governance (September) [Public – Members – Staff]

Theme 2 Learning Opportunities for Members (October)

Theme 3 Confidence in Governance (January)

Theme 4 Partnership Governance (April)

The report suggested that there might also be merit in considering further the interface with scrutiny and audit, depending upon the Third Review of Corporate Governance.

Resolved – (a) That the Committee notes the progress now reported on the governance enhancement action plan in the light of the competing pressures and priorities that exist at present;

(b) that workstream 24 (Monitoring of Fire Authority Decisions) be included as an item on the Agenda for the next meeting of this Committee, and

(c) that the format of future updates of the action plan be amended so that the final column is in italic font to assist Members to focus on the progress reported.

3362 MEMBER CHARTER PROGRESS - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally that there had been no progress regarding the development of a Member Charter. There had been some discussion in the region but the focus had been on other matters at the present time. It was not known whether the development of a Member Charter would continue and therefore the Fire Authority should focus on how the Authority supports its own Members.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

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3363 APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported that this Agenda item had been dealt with under Minute 3358 above.

Resolved - That the report be noted. 3364 MEMBER ATTENDANCE 2010/11 TO DATE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3243, setting out details of Member attendance at both formal meetings of the Authority and Member Days during 2010/11 for the period to 31 December 2010. The purpose of the report was to enable the Committee to monitor and review Member attendance at meetings of the Authority. The annual reports submitted to the April Authority meeting from each Committee, also set out Member (and officer) attendance. Details of individual Member/Independent Member attendance at formal meetings up to 31 December 2010 were set out in Appendix 1 to the report. As agreed at the meeting on 7 September 2010 the information had been extended to include other meetings attended by Members of the Authority so as to give the fullest indication of the range of duties undertaken by Members. Details of attendance at meetings as an observer and also attendance at Member Development Days in 2010/11 were set out in Appendix 2. The Authority had adopted a system of recording reasons given by Members for non-attendance at meetings and agreed that the system should be monitored by this Committee. A summary of the use of the system up to 31 December 2010 was set out in Appendix 3. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration suggested that the Committee might wish to consider the merits of continuing the system of recording Members’ reasons for non-attendance at meetings. As previously agreed by the Committee the information would be forwarded to the political group leaders at the Constituent Authorities after consideration by this Committee.

An Independent Member referred to Appendix 2 and commented on the low level of attendance of some Members at the Member Development Days. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration suggested that this was perhaps a matter for Group Secretaries to raise with individual members of their Group. Resolved – That the report be received. 3365 MEMBER ENGAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally, further to Minute 3245, that the way in which the Authority engages with stakeholders and the public regarding the governance of the Authority would be considered as part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance but suggested that it might be helpful to have a discussion with Members after the meeting of the Fire Authority on 24 January 2011 and would welcome feedback in terms of how Members felt they had engaged with communities during the Strategic Plan and Integrated Risk Management Plan process.

Resolved – That Members approve the broad approach that Member engagement will form part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance and that Members provide feedback to the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration on how they felt they had engaged with communities during the Strategic Plan and Integrated Risk Management Plan process. 3366 MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL/SUB-REGIONAL UPDATE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported orally, further to Minute 3246, that a meeting of officers in the region had been held on 10 February 2011 to try to formalise some dates for Member development events based around localism and safeguarding standards. The aim was to develop a pool of opportunities that Members from various authorities in the region might attend. It was hoped that a programme of events might be available next month. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that it would be helpful if Members would let him know if they had any special requirements in terms of their own development.

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Resolved – That it be noted that the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration will publish a list of training opportunities and that Members shall inform the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration of any individual training requirements within the next week.

3367 CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3248, with regard to Corporate Risk/Opportunity Management. A copy of Edition 6 of the Corporate Risk Register was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The Action Plans were not attached, but could be viewed on the Authority’s website. Members were asked to use the Corporate Risk Register as a tool to drive (in part) the agenda and discussions at the Fire Authority meetings. The Committee was asked to consider how risk management supported good governance. An Independent Member referred to Risk C021 on the Register and stated that he had attended the meeting of the Audit. Performance and Scrutiny Committee on 13 December 2010 as an observer and at that meeting Deloitte had reported that in one Community Protection Unit (CPU) a Risk Opportunity Action Plan had not been produced, suggested that the question that needed to be addressed was ‘Why had this happened’ and queried how that information related to the tracking on Risk C021 included in the report to this Committee. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that the Deloitte report arose from the audit of 2 CPUs and had subsequently been submitted to the Active Risk Team and that there was now a Risk Plan in place. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration advised that corporate risk C021 was focussed upon the management of operational risk information and not corporate risk management. He further explained the way internal audit undertook their audits and that they would undertake follow up audits of all reviews. The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive stated that the issue identified by Deloitte had occurred in only 1 of the 4 CPUs and assured Members that it would not happen again. Resolved – That the report be noted and that Members ensure that the Corporate Risk Register is used to support good governance development.

(Councillor Williams left the meeting at 12.12pm).

3368 GOVERNANCE ISSUES – An Independent Member referred to the Annual Audit letter which the Authority receives from the Audit Commission and queried what was meant by ‘significant’ when the District Auditor stated that with regard to the accounts of the Authority he had found no significant incidents. An Independent Member clarified the approach adopted by the District Auditor in reporting to the Authority. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration assured the Committee that Members received monthly management accounts which were traffic lighted to identify any significant variances and issues arising and any concerns would be raised through that process and not on the signing-off of the accounts at the time of the Annual Audit letter. An Independent Member reported following his attendance at the Policy and Executive Committee on 19 November 2010 and the Fire Authority on 14 December 2010 and was impressed that had any member of the public been present they would have evidenced no signs of Members showing any political allegiance during the debate but rather just good corporate governance.

3369 INDEPENDENT MEMBERS’ REGIONAL FORUM – There had been no meeting of the Forum since the last meeting of this Committee. The Chairperson queried whether the Forum might have lapsed. 3370 INSPECTION OF MEMBER REGISTERS – The Member Registers of Interests and Declarations of Gifts and Hospitality were made available for inspection by any Member of the Committee as part of their monitoring role.

3371 INSPECTION OF OFFICER REGISTERS – The Officer Registers of Interests and Declarations of Gifts and Hospitality were made available for inspection by any Member of the Committee as part of their monitoring role.

Meeting closed at 12.23 pm

Policy and Executive Committee 21 January 2011

Agenda Item No. 7(b)


POLICY AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

21 JANUARY 2011

PRESENT: Councillors Turner (Chairperson), Armitage, Bainbridge, Briggs, Mathieson, Neal, Skow and Williams.

Councillors Hudson, Jefferies, Jefferson and Swift attended the meeting as observers. Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer, Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection and Committee Manager were also present.

The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.00 a.m.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Petch (6.Other reason) and Williams (2.Work commitments).

3372 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – The following declarations were made:

Item

Member/Officer Interest

Members’ Allowances 2011/12 (Minute 3376 refers)

All Members present declared a personal interest but such an interest is not prejudicial as the consideration of allowances is a specific exemption under Section 10(2)(c)(iv) (The Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct Order 2007)

3373 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 November 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson. 3374 MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS TO 31 DECEMBER 2010 - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3304, containing the Authority’s Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators for the period ending 31 December 2010. The summary estimated outturn position from the Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators was as follows:

Revenue Budget - £1.037m underspend; Capital Programme - £3.477m total expenditure; Pensions Account - £5.829m deficit

A Member thanked the Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer for the presentation of the accounts. Resolved – That the Authority’s financial position for the period ending 31 December 2010 be approved. 3375 TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PRUDENTIAL INDICATORS, TREASURY MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT 2011/12 AND MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION (MRP) FOR 2011/12 - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer submitted a report setting out the Prudential Indicators for Treasury Management and Capital and the Treasury Management Policy Statement proposed for adoption for the financial year 2011/12. The Authority’s Constitution required that the Policy Statement was approved by the full Fire Authority and that responsibility could not be

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delegated. The strategy statement had been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the revised CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice. The report also outlined the recommended policy to be adopted in respect of creating the Minimum Revenue Position (MRP) for 2011/12, in line with the statutory requirements set out in The Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008.

Recommendation to the Fire Authority - That the following be approved:

(i) The approval of the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators, as set out in paragraphs 15 and 16 of the report.

(ii) The approval of the Treasury Management Policy Statement as per Appendix 1 of the report.

(iii) The approval of the use of the Investment Instruments shown at Appendix 2 of the report.

(iv) The approval of the list of organisations used for the on lending of surplus funds, shown at Appendix 3 of the report, up to the monetary limits stated.

(v) The use of Option 3(i) as a basis for calculating the Authority’s MRP for 2011/12.

3376 MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES 2011/12 - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration and Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report reminding Members that the Fire Authority on an annual basis reviewed the allowances paid to Members. The Authority had approved a scheme in October 2003 (Minute 987 refers) that allowances would be increased annually from 1 April in line with the local government officers’ pay award. It was also resolved that such an award would be backdated to 1 April and that a full review should be conducted after 4 years. A full review was last undertaken during 2006/7 and reported to the March 2007 meeting of the Fire Authority (Minute 1865 refers). The Regulations required that the Authority shall have regard to the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panels. The Authority on 11 February 2008 elected to freeze the basic and special responsibility allowances in respect to 2008/09. Similarly, on 16 February 2009 and 15 February 2010, the Authority elected to freeze the basic and special responsibility allowances in respect to 2009/10 and 2010/11. The allowances in respect to Travel and Subsistence were increased on an annual basis, being linked to the National Joint Council (NJC) award. Appendix 1 to the report set out the current Scheme of Member Allowances, as from 1 April 2010. The car allowances were increased in accordance with the NJC casual user rate with effect from 1 April 2010. Notification of the increase was received on 12 April 2010. Members were reminded that one of the discussions which took place subsequent to setting the 2008/09 Allowances, was in respect to the role of Chairs of Committees, under the Constitution and the new Committee structure. Under the new structure, a balanced Committee framework existed and a scheme of delegated authority had been created. That had significantly increased responsibility accordingly and the intention had been to move towards Chairs of Committees presenting minutes/meeting notes at meetings of the full Fire Authority. As such, Members decided that they might return to the issue of the remuneration of Chairs of Committees. The report indicated that the Secretary remained of the view that the current scheme of allowances was aligned to the previous governance structure. As such, the scheme was not aligned to responsibility under the new Constitution. Therefore, it was suggested that Members might wish to revisit the allowances, perhaps adjusting allowances accordingly if the overall budget for allowances was to remain fixed. Members were also reminded of the new additional roles for Members, for example representing the Authority at meetings of the Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Control Centre Company, and in respect to Member Champions. In 2009/10 the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration had submitted, as part of the report to the Authority, a broad comparison of allowances paid to Members of other Fire Authorities. Those comparisons provided an indication that the basic allowance and Vice Chairs’ allowance were greater than many, but

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the allowances for Chairs of Committees was low. However, it was difficult to draw comparisons, given different governance structures. One of the actions/workstreams arising from the second review of corporate governance was the need to give further consideration to the alignment of allowances to performance and attendance. Resolved – That the report be referred to the Authority on 14 February 2010. 3377 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY UPDATE – The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection submitted a report updating Members following the Deloitte Internal Audit and IDeA Peer Assessment during 2011. The report also included an update on the Ambassadors Programme which supported the Authority’s Single Equality Scheme and further developments regarding the Equality Act 2010.

Following the internal inspection by Deloitte in July 2010 of the Equality & Diversity Section, recommendations had been made which ‘required improvement’ in the following areas: training, communication, procurement, IT and monitoring. Those recommendations would be addressed over the agreed periods and implemented. The report stated that Members could be assured that each of the recommendations would be addressed, at the latest, by April 2011 with the exception of the IT recommendation which was ongoing. Deloitte would present their report in full to the Audit, performance and Scrutiny Committee on 1 February 2011.

In respect to Peer Assessment the report indicated that In September 2010 the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) had volunteered to be assessed at the “Achieving Level” using the Fire and Rescue Service Equality Framework. The Framework had been constructed around the five priority areas set out in the Fire and Rescue Service Equality and Diversity Strategy 2008-2018, as follows:

Leadership and promoting inclusion Accountability Effective service delivery and community engagement Employment and training Evaluation and sharing good practice.

The outcome of the Peer Challenge was that HFRS had been assessed at the ‘Developing’ level of the Fire and Rescue Equality Framework. The Peer Review Team was, however, particularly impressed with the progress that had been made over a short period of time and identified a number of strengths within the Service. However, on some initiatives the Team felt further progress and review was needed. Due to the significant pace at which Equality and Diversity was progressing within the organisation, the Team believed that the most appropriate way forward was:

(a) For the Peer Review Team to produce the report to identify a route map towards being successfully assessed at the ‘Achieving’ level.

(b) For HFRS to take ownership of and deliver against that route map.

(c) For the Peer Review Team to return within 2011 to undertake a targeted review of progress against the map and re-assess the Service appropriately.

The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community

Protection referred Members to recommendation (b) of the report which invited the Committee to note the content of the recommendation from the IDeA Peer Assessment and support the associated route plan to progress HFRS to the ‘Achieving’ Level” in 2011 and apologised for the omission of the full report of the Peer Assessment from the papers for this meeting. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection stated that that recommendation should be deferred until the next meeting of this Committee and that he would report in full to that meeting on the IDeA route plan.

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In October 2010 HFRS had launched its Ambassadors Programme. That initiative worked by bringing together “key influencers” from a number of diverse groups within the Humberside region. That group would allow the Service to interact with traditionally hard to reach groups; promote fire safety messages; widen its consultation base and promote appropriate employment opportunities. That initiative would also assist HFRS in meeting its public sector duties since the introduction of the Equality Act 2010. The Equality & Diversity Manager updated Members following the Equality Act 2010. The Equality and Human Rights Commission had published guidance that explained what public authorities in England and non-devolved bodies in Scotland and Wales had to do to comply with the public sector equality duty. The new duty included age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Public authorities are also expected to advance equality of opportunity as well as fostering good relations between different groups. A media release summarising the requirements for public bodies was attached at Appendix 1 to the report. A Member stated that the Committee should acknowledge how much progress on Equality and Diversity had been achieved by the Equality & Diversity Manager in such a short time.

Resolved - (a) That Members note the content of the Internal Audit Report from

Deloitte; (b) that the full IDeA Peer Assessment and associated route plan to

progress HFRS to the ‘Achieving’ Level” in 2011 be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee;

(c) that Members note the launch of the Ambassadors Programme, and (d) that Members note the content of the Equality Act 2010 update

3378 CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3309, presenting Edition 6 of the Corporate Risk Register (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) and the Summary Report (attached at Appendix 2) which set out changes from Edition 5. Edition 7 was due for approval by the Senior Management Team following the decisions of the Fire Authority on 24 January 2011 relating to the Strategic Plan and Integrated Risk Management Plan. The risk tracking showed that two risks/opportunities had increased in terms of standing (i.e. impact/likelihood) and four risks/opportunities had been removed and referred to Directorates to progress. The Corporate Risk Register was provided to enable Members to drive discussions and set the agenda of the Fire Authority and its Committees. Within the Agenda of this Committee there were specific reports in respect to a number of corporate risks. It was the intention of the Corporate Management Team that during each cycle of meetings, Members receive reports or updates on each Corporate Risk/Opportunity. The Action Plans associated with the register had been made available for inspection on the Authority’s website. Some Members stated that there appeared to be several items on the Agenda for this meeting that would be discussed by the full Fire Authority and expressed concern that Members seemed to be repeating the same business. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reminded Members that the conduct of business at meetings and the use of delegated powers by committees had previously been discussed on several occasions and explained that the role of the Policy and Executive Committee was to consider matters in advance of the full Fire Authority and perhaps take the opportunity to delve more deeply into a particular subject and either make a recommendation to the Authority or decide a matter in accordance with its delegated authority. The issue was due to be discussed again as part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance. A Member suggested that this was something

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that the Authority needed to look at fairly quickly after May 2011, to look at the Third Review of Corporate Governance and to obtain a consensus as to the way forward. Resolved – That the report be noted and that Members ensure that the Corporate Risk Register is used to drive the agenda and discussions at the Committee.

(Meeting closed at 10.37am)

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Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee 13 December 2010

Agenda Item No. 7(c)1 HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY

AUDIT, PERFORMANCE AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

13 DECEMBER 2010

PRESENT: Councillors Randall (Chairperson), Bonner, Ibson, Jefferies, Shaw and Wallace and Mrs Hardy (Independent Member). Councillor Briggs and Jefferson attended as observers. Mr D Hughes, Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee also attended as an observer. Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/Section151 Officer, Assistant Chief Officer/Director Operational Response & Community Protection, Assistant Chief Officer/Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training, Committee Manager, Ms J Rae (Audit Commission), Ms A Foster (Audit Commission) and Mr J Wells (Deloitte) were also present. The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Chapman (6.Other reason), Hudson (6.Other reason) and Swift (3.Constituent Authority commitments). (Prior to the meeting Members of the Committee met with the internal and external auditors) 3314 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – There were no declarations. 3315 MINUTES - Resolved – That the minutes of the Committee held on 21 September 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson. 3316 ANNUAL AUDIT LETTER 2009/10 – Ms Rae (Audit Commission) submitted the draft Annual Audit Letter containing an unqualified opinion on the Authority’s accounts for 2009/10. Ms Rae reminded Members that the Annual Governance Report presented at the meeting of the Committee on 21 September 2010 (Minute 3267 refers) had outlined all the matters arising from the audit and the Audit Letter raised no new matters. The letter would be submitted to the Fire Authority on 14 December 2010. The independent Member queried whether the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) would result in the accounts being presented in a different format. Ms Rae explained that the standards would require the use of different terminology and also different accounting requirements. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that the purpose of the new standards was to allow comparability between different bodies and would initially involve a lot of work in introducing the new standards. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer also reported that the Fire Authority at its meeting on 14 December 2010 would receive an Action Plan with regard to the introduction of the new standards and stated that a Code of Practice by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA) was awaited. The Chairperson stated that if Members felt that they required more information regarding the introduction of IFRS perhaps a presentation could be included in a future Member Day event. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer confirmed that a presentation would be arranged in Spring 2011. A Member welcomed the statements in paragraphs 6 and 12 of the letter. The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, thanked Ms Rae and her team for the work done on the audit. Resolved – That the Audit Letter be noted.

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INTERNAL AUDIT

3317 Progress Report – Deloitte submitted a report, further to Minute 3271, outlining the progress against the Internal Audit Plan 2010/11 and the key recommendations arising from that work that required management attention. Since the Committee meeting in September 2010 Deloitte had issued three final reports in respect to CPU Reviews; Regional Control Centres, and Customer Consultation and Engagement which were included on the Agenda for this meeting (Minutes 3318-3320 below refer). A draft report in respect of the Equality and Diversity review had also been issued which was awaiting a management response. A summary of progress against the 2010/11 plan was set out within Section 2 of the report. Resolved – That Members are assured by the progress made. 3318 Regional Control Centres (RCC) Audit – Deloitte submitted a report indicating that the overall objective of the internal audit was to assess the Service's system of controls in relation to ensuring that there were adequate plans in place in the event that the RCC project was not implemented in accordance with the anticipated timescales. This was particularly relevant given that RCCs were initially due to be operational in 2007. The summary assessment in terms of the adequacy and compliance of the system of internal controls under review was as follows:

Evaluation Testing Substantial Substantial

The internal audit had identified one important control recommendation in relation to Control Centre call audits which had not been performed since June 2010 following the implementation of the Vision Incident Management System used within the Local Control Centre. The report set out the key conclusions of the audit and also the agreed key management actions. The Assistant Chief Officer/Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated that call audits had been re-introduced. Resolved - That Members note the findings of the audit and are assured by the management action being taken. 3319 Customer Consultation Audit – Deloitte submitted a report indicating that the overall objective of the internal audit was to assess the Service's controls over customer consultation and engagement to ensure that a wide range of data and views were obtained and factored into the strategic plans of the Service. Deloitte had considered the application of the Service's Consultation Strategy in engaging with local communities, representative bodies and stakeholder groups. The summary assessment in terms of the adequacy and compliance of the system of internal controls under review was as follows:


The internal audit had identified one important control recommendation in relation to a number of key customer consultation processes which were unable to be observed at the time of the audit review as they were due to be implemented during Phases 2 and 3 of the Stakeholder Consultation Programme. The report set out the key conclusions of the audit and also the agreed key management actions. With regard to the control recommendation the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive informed Members that if the audit was to be done now the internal auditor would find the situation very different picture, with a lot of progress having been made. Resolved - That Members note the findings of the audit and are assured by the management action being taken. 3320 Divisional Site Reviews – Community Protection Units (CPUs) Audit – Deloitte submitted a report indicating that the overall objective of the audit was to assess whether the


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CPUs system of internal controls was conducive to ensuring that the Corporate Management Team was able to place reliance over arrangements in respect of strategic target setting and achievement; budgeting and financial monitoring; risk management, procurement and asset security. The summary assessment in terms of the adequacy and compliance of the system of internal controls under review was as follows:


The audit identified three important control recommendations in relation to the following issues:

• Monthly budget commentary and forecast projections showing the expected year-end position of CPU budgets were not submitted to the Finance section;

• Documented Risk Management Action Plans were not in place for two red risks on the North East Lincolnshire (NEL) CPU Risk Register; and

• The register of valuable assets at East Riding of Yorkshire (ERY) CPU did not include IT equipment and the format of the register was not consistent with good practice.

Further, two efficiency control recommendations had been raised in relation to the following issues:

• The independent review of the overtime schedule at ERY CPU, and

• employees' training records not being updated promptly following the completion of a training and development course.

The report set out the key conclusions of the audit and also the agreed key management actions. A Member referred to the efficiency control recommendations and queried what action was being taken. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that with regard to the overtime schedule the Action Plan set out in section 5 of the report indicated that an internal validation of the overtime process was to be undertaken. With regard to employees’ training records the Assistant Chief Officer/Director Operational Response & Community Protection stated that the Action Plan set out the action to be taken. A Member stated that it was important that records should be up to date and asked for an update report at the next meeting of this Committee. The independent Member sought clarification as the timescale for addressing the recommendations in the review findings and whether there were checks in place. Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that with respect to the first control recommendation the timescale was the end of November 2010 and that matter was now a standing item on the agenda at monthly CPU meetings. With regard to the remaining recommendations the Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer drew Members’ attention to the Action Plan at Section 4 of the report. A Member expressed concern at the second control recommendation in the report and suggested that perhaps that recommendation should be referred to the Active Risk Team (ART). The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that he understood that the two red risks referred to in that recommendation had since changed but that it was for the CPUs to review. The CPU Group Managers were aware of the recommendations. The Chairperson stated that as indicated earlier in the discussion on this item Members would receive assurance at the next meeting of this Committee that actions set out in the Action Plan had been put in place. Resolved – That Members note the findings of the audit and that an update report on the Action Plan be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee. 3321 CORPORATE PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENTS – The Assistant Chief Officer/ Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report providing an update


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on the work being undertaken by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association (CFOA) in developing a sector led approach to Service improvement; information regarding the development of national performance measures, and also the implications for the Authority of the Government announcement relating to the abolition of Local Area Agreements (LAAs). The Sector Led Improvement Framework, which was not a new performance measurement tool, rather a means of providing assistance and assurance to and for the sector, was still in final draft at present and was being further enhanced with national consultation around the development of key performance measures. Officers from this Authority had been engaged in that process at national level, and were in support of the recommended principles behind the measures set out in the report. Following on from the set of principles had been work around actual measures of performance in order that the Authority would be able to gauge its performance for the communities we serve, and also benchmark that performance against other FRS nationally, and therefore provide a valuable self assessment and improvement tool. The stated intention by CFOA was to create a small number of key measures which would be related to the fundamental “purpose” of fire, rescue and reducing community risk. It was hoped that those measures, if agreed, could be adopted by all Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) within the UK, and that further more detailed functional/activity based measures relating to prevention, protection, ‘our people’ and ‘our resources’ would be developed for optional adoption by each FRS. Officers had responded to a request from CFOA for comments on the seven core measures which were proposed. The measures, and the response submitted, were set out in the report. The views of Members were sought as to anything which should be taken forward by Officers in the ongoing consultation process around national performance measures. The report also reminded Members of the government announcement that Local Area Agreements (LAAs) had been abolished. The Humberside Fire and Rescue Service was a named partner on each of the four Local Area Agreements, which were due to be refreshed in April 2011. Liaison had taken place at CPU level with partners to establish whether the abolition would affect performance, or prioritisation of Service resources. The broad consensus was that in the short term the approach would be “business as usual”, but without the need to report to central government. Although the LAA related National Indicators do not exist, the priorities they represent were still very much the priorities for the Service’s communities. The report set out the intentions of the four constituent unitary authorities in moving forward. The report assured Members that although the Service was a key partner in terms of the LAAs those partnerships, projects or initiatives entered into had all been founded on the Authority’s Strategic Objectives. The most likely immediate impact would be that extra resources, which were often directed at meeting imminent stretch targets in order to try to achieve a financial performance premium, were not likely to be deployed given the fact that performance premiums would not now be paid. From a Service perspective, that was not creating any issues at this time within CPUs. A Member suggested that the with regard to the sector led improvement and performance measures the Committee should support the exclusion of suicides/murders from the statistics on Measure 2 as such statistics reflected badly on service performance although the incidents were beyond its control. Resolved - (a) That the Committee notes the report and takes assurance regarding the progress made, and (b) that the Committee endorse the comments submitted by Officers in response to the CFOA consultation regarding national performance measures, and specifically the exclusion of suicides/murders from the statistics on Measure 2. 3322 ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE GROUP – REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP – The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report, further to Minute 3272, reminding Members that at the September 2010 meeting of this Committee the Terms of Reference of the Organisational Performance Group (OPG) were approved, but


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that there was a recommendation that the level of Member attendance at the OPG be considered by the Authority. The report considered different options for Members attendance and recommended the option which Officers considered to be the most appropriate, that being option 3 in the paper which would see the function of the OPG being undertaken by the Strategic Management Team, without Member attendance. That would ensure that full scrutiny of the reports prepared by SMT is undertaken at this Committee. A Member reminded the Committee that when this issue was raised at the previous meeting the concern was that the attendance of the Chairperson at meetings of the OPG was not sufficient Member involvement, especially on occasions when the Chairperson was unable to attend; suggested that the Committee was not carrying out scrutiny but rather just performance review, and also questioned the relevance of meetings of this Committee given that matters were subsequently discussed again at meetings of the full Fire Authority. The Chairperson stated that if there was a role to develop scrutiny it should be around pre-discussion of matters before they go to the Policy and Executive Committee for decision; that she had previously had discussions regarding the timetable of committee meetings to facilitate that approach, and also that the role of a Member at meetings of the OPG was superfluous. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reminded Members that the Authority had said that there would be a third review of Corporate Governance next year which would include looking at the governance structure and suggested that the points raised should be left for consideration as part of that review. A Member supported the view that the OPG was an Officer role. Recommendation to the Fire Authority - That Members of this Committee recommend Option 3 to the Authority and that therefore there are no Members on OPG, but that the scrutiny of performance takes place at this Committee, and further that the function of OPG is now absorbed by the Strategic Management Team. 3323 SERVICE PERFORMANCE 2ND QUARTER PERIOD 2010 – The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report, further to Minute 3277, highlighting the Service’s performance for the period 1 April – 30 September 2010. Contained within the report were the Service’s own Performance Indicators (SPIs), which were underpinned by Local Performance Indicators (LPIs). The report detailed the Service Performance Indicators showing performance of actual against target as set out in the Table below; previous year performance against this year’s actual, and also included performance against intervention standards as detailed in section 2 of the report. Although the report was for a quarterly period only, the performance was encouraging regarding “other primary fires”, which were property fires not in dwellings, and also deliberate fires of all types. Whilst it was difficult to attribute that to specific prevention activity it did highlight the efforts being made in CPUs, particularly against a backdrop of recession during which increases in deliberate fires were normally expected.

Service Performance Indicator Actual Against Target SPI 1 – Primary Dwelling Fires 12% better than Target SPI 2 – Other Primary Fires 35% better than Target SPI 3 – Deliberate Primary Fires 49% better than Target SPI 4 – Deliberate Secondary Fires 27% better than Target SPI 5 – Fire Deaths from Dwelling Primary Fires 1 fatality against a Target of no more than 3 a year SPI 6 – Fire Deaths from Other Primary Fires 1 fatality against a Target of no more than 1 a year SPI 7 – Injuries from Dwelling Primary Fires 25 injuries against Target of no more than 37 SPI 8 – Injuries from Other Primary Fires 10 injuries against Target of no more than 13 SPI 16a - Standard of First Appliance in Attendance is met 7% better than Target SPI 16b - Standard of Second Appliance in Attendance is met 9% better than Target SPI 16c - Standard to High Societal Risk Area is met 10% worse than Target


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A Member referred to the response time failure report for an incident at Hull CPU set out in section 2 of the report and stated that Members were assured that the service had a robust mobilisation system and queried whether there were any reasons for the failure of the system in that instance. The Assistant Chief Officer/Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training undertook to obtain the information and report back to Members. A Member sought further explanation of the statistics in section of the report relating to Goole Fire Station. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operational Response & Community Protection explained that he would have anticipated a downward trend initially but that he would wish to see a full quarter’s figures before considering the need for any interventions. The Assistant Chief Officer/Assistant Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated that those figures would be reported to the next meeting of this Committee. A Member referred to the emergence of a campaign to keep Waltham Fire Station and asked whether there were any figures relating to response times in that area. The Chief Fire officer and Chief executive stated that the mobilisation system had changed to the new VISION system which prompts the mobilisation of the fastest responding vehicle to an incident; assured Members that there was nothing in the Integrated Risk Management Plan that would challenge any risk to Waltham Fire Station, and that the Service was simply responding to the needs of the community in providing a response as soon as possible. Resolved – (a) That the Committee notes the report’s detail and takes assurance from the Service’s proactive approach to performance management, and (b) that a report on the attendance of the second appliance from Goole Fire Station be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee. 3324 CIPFA BENCHMARKING – PERSONNEL/HUMAN RESOURCES – FOLLOW UP - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3278, providing a consolidated response to the questions raised at the previous meeting of the Committee concerning the CIPFA Benchmarking Report in respect to HR/Personnel. Members were asked to consider the response and note that a second benchmarking exercise would be undertaken in Spring 2011. The Chairperson drew Members’ attention to paragraph 3.7 of the report and asked that a report regarding sickness levels be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration confirmed that this would be undertaken. The Chairperson thanked the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration for his report. Resolved – That the report be noted. 3325 MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS TO 31 OCTOBER 2010 – The Director of Finance/ Section.151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3269, containing the Authority’s Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators for the period ending 31 October 2010. The summary estimated outturn position from the Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators was as follows:-

Revenue Budget - £966k underspend; Capital Programme - £4.288m total expenditure; Pensions Account - £5.809m deficit

A Member referred to paragraph 7(c) of the report regarding overspends on subsistence and photocopier usage. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer undertook to report back to Members with further information.

Resolved – (a) That Members confirm that they have received sufficient assurance on the Authority’s financial position for the period ending 31 October 2010, and

(b) that further information be submitted to the next meeting of this

Committee regarding the overspends on subsistence and photocopier usage.


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3326 TREASURY MANAGEMENT MID-YEAR UPDATE REPORT 2010/11 – The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report providing an update on the Authority’s treasury management activities for the first half of the financial year 2010/11 in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice 2009 on Treasury Management. The key areas covered were the Authority’s borrowing and investment activities within the period 1 April to 30 September 2010. Resolved – (a) That Members note and take assurance from the treasury management activities undertaken during the first half of 2010/11 and the Prudential Indicators as outlined in paragraphs 22 and 23 and detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, and

(b) that Prudential indicators continue to be monitored on a monthly basis and reported to Members as part of the monthly ‘Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators’ report. 3327 TENDERING – INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES – UPDATE - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer and Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3281, providing an update on progress with the current Internal Audit Tender process. The tender process had progressed to advert and an Evaluation Panel would be formed to consider responses in early 2011. Stage 4 would involve the Evaluation Panel meeting in mid-January 2011 to assess tenders. In line with the recommendation agreed by this Committee on 21 September 2010 nominations were required from the Group Secretaries for up to 3 Members to sit on the Panel (preferably from within the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee) and in addition to the Chairperson of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee).The other members of the Panel were: Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (or nominee); Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer; Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration Resolved - (a) That Members note the progress to date, and

(b) that Councillors Jefferies and Shaw together with a nomination by the Conservative Group Secretary be appointed sit on the Evaluation Panel (in addition to the Chair of the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee). 3328 CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3280, reminding Members that the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee played a key role in monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Corporate Risk Management framework, with an increased emphasis upon the integration of risk management and performance. Accompanying the report was a number of key risk management papers, as follows: Corporate Risk Register Edition 5 Summary Report Active Risk Team minutes of 6 September and 1 November 2010 The Action Plans, in support of Edition 5, were available on the Authority’s website. The Committee was asked to review progress accordingly and take assurance from the progress to date. Members were also asked to ensure that the Corporate Risk Register was used as a tool by the Authority to drive (in part) the agenda and focus of meetings. Members were asked to take a broad assurance from progress made under the ROM Action Plan 2010/11. In addition, further assurance could be taken from the role of the Active Risk Team and the reporting of ROM. Also the 2009 Internal Review of Corporate Governance, included risk management, which gave a substantial assurance. The Authority had also participated in the CIPFA benchmarking of risk management (submission made beginning of June 2010). The results of the benchmarking had been considered by the Active Risk Team and were


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reported separately to this Committee on 21 September 2010. The steps outlined in the report were designed to proactively embed ROM and achieve excellence in the use of ROM, thereby providing assurance accordingly. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reported that Edition 6 of the Corporate Risk Register would be considered by the Fire Authority at its meeting on 14 December 2010 and that the Corporate Management Team had met prior to this meeting and was in the process of considering Edition 7. It was suggested that the next Member Day would include a short session on Corporate Risk/Opportunity Management. A Member referred to the non-attendance of Members at meetings of the Active Risk Team and suggested that Group Secretaries should discuss with Members their commitment to ART meetings. Resolved – That the Committee confirms its satisfaction with progress to date and the effective use of the Corporate Risk Register by the Authority. Meeting closed at 11.38am.

Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee 1 February 2011

Agenda Item No. 7(c)2 HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY

AUDIT, PERFORMANCE AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

1 FEBRUARY 2011

PRESENT: Councillors Randall (Chairperson), Bonner, Chapman MBE, Hudson, Ibson and Jefferies and Mrs Hardy (Independent Member). Councillor Briggs attended as an observer. Mr D Hughes, Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee also attended as an observer. Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, performance & Training, Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration, Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer, Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection, Head of Human Resources, Occupational Health Manager, Committee Manager and Ms J Rae (Audit Commission) were also present. The meeting was held at the Humberside Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Kingston upon Hull. Meeting commenced at 10.30 a.m. Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Shaw (7.Absent from meeting, but no reason provided), Swift (3.Constituent Authority commitments) and Wallace (7.Absent from meeting, but no reason provided). (Prior to the meeting Members of the Committee met with the external auditors) 3384 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – There were no declarations. 3385 MINUTES - Resolved – That the minutes of the Committee held on 13 December 2010 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES, NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA

3386 CIPFA Benchmarking – Personnel/Human Resources – Follow Up – The Independent Member referred to Minute 3324 and queried when the further CIPFA benchmarking information would be submitted to this Committee. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration reminded Members that he had reported at the previous meeting that as soon as the second round of benchmarking exercise was completed that a report would be submitted to this Committee. Some benchmarking data was due from CIPFA and some would be undertaken in the spring. Ms Rae (Audit Commission) stated that as part of the audit work on Value for Money the Commission would be using profiles of costs compared to other authorities and that work might bring forward some information that would be useful to the Committee. Resolved – That an item be included on the Agenda for the next meeting of this Committee to update Members on the outcome of the latest CIPFA benchmarking exercise relating to Personnel/Human Resources. EXTERNAL AUDIT

3387 Audit Plan – Ms Rae (Audit Commission) submitted a report setting out the audit work that the District Auditor proposed to undertake for the audit of financial statements and the value for money conclusion 2010/11. The plan was based on the Commission’s risk-based approach to audit planning and reflected:

audit work specified by the Audit Commission for 2010/11; current national risks relevant to the Authority’s local circumstances; and

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the Authority’s local risks. The key stages in producing and auditing the financial statements were set out in Table 2 of the Audit Plan. The Audit Commission scale fee for a Fire Authority was £75,100. The audit team would discuss and agree reports with officers before issuing them to the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee and the Fire Authority in line with the following timetable:

Planned Output

Indicative Date

Annual governance report 30 September 2011 Auditor’s report giving an opinion on the financial statements 30 September 2011 Final accounts memorandum (if necessary) November 2011 Annual audit letter November 2011

Ms Rae drew attention to the one specific risk that had been identified in respect of the requirement for the Fire Authority to produce financial statements under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the first time for 2010/11 and reported that she had just received from the Authority a re-stated set of accounts for 2009/10 which would be used going forward. Ms Rae also drew attention to Appendix 5 to the report clarifying the International Standards on Auditing framework. The Chairperson, on behalf of Members thanked Ms Rae for her report. Resolved – That the Audit Plan be noted. 3388 Progress Report – Ms Rae (Audit Commission) submitted a report on progress in delivering the Audit Commission’s responsibilities as the Authority’s external auditors and also highlighting key emerging national issues and developments which might be of interest to Members. The Commission intended to follow up work undertaken by the Fire Authority to respond to the findings and recommendations in the Audit Commission's national report ‘Rising to the Challenge: Improving Fire Service Efficiency (2008)’, which would specifically look at how the organisation was prioritising its resources within tighter budgets, for example by achieving cost reductions and by improving efficiency and productivity. The next progress report would include more detailed information. A Member referred to the proposal by the Coalition Government to abolish the Audit Commission and queried when the Authority would be looking for another external auditor. Ms Rae stated that the timescale for the implementation of the proposal was not yet known and confirmed that the Commission would be auditing the Authority’s accounts for 2011/12 but that the situation was uncertain beyond then. Resolved – That the Committee notes the content of the report and takes assurance from the progress reported. INTERNAL AUDIT

3389 Progress Report – A report by Deloitte was submitted, further to Minute 3317, outlining the progress against the Internal Audit Plan 2010/11 and the key recommendations arising from that work that required management attention. No representative of Deloitte could be at the meeting. The report indicated that since the Committee meeting in December 2010 Deloitte had issued two final reports in respect to Key Financial Controls and IFRS Readiness and Equality and Diversity which were included on the Agenda for this meeting (Minutes 3390-3391 below refer). A summary of progress against the 2010/11 plan was set out within Section 2 of the report. Resolved – (a) That Members are assured by the progress made, and

(b) that Members record their disappointment at the lack of attendance of any representative from Deloitte to present their reports to this meeting.


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3390 Key Financial Controls and IFRS Readiness Audit – A report by Deloitte was submitted indicating that the overall objective of the internal audit was to assess compliance with financial regulations and procedures; whether appropriate and effective segregation of duties was effected; and information input to the accounting system was appropriately authorised and accurate. The review also considered the readiness of the Service for the application of IFRS Financial Reporting from 2010/11. The summary assessment in terms of the adequacy and compliance of the system of internal controls under review was as follows:


The internal audit had identified four important control recommendations in relation to the following issues:

• authorisation limits for the approval of non purchase order invoices had not been formally assigned. In a sample of ten non purchase order invoices, two had been approved outside the tolerance limits established within Aptos for the authorisation of purchase orders;

• authorisation limits for the approval of batch BACs and cheque payment runs had not been established;

• there was no periodic review of Aptos user access rights. From a sample of five employees that had left the Service, three still had an active user profile on the system; and

• formal monitoring of progress against the IFRS implementation plan was not currently performed. In addition, following issuance of revised application guidance notes the Service should revisit its draft accounting procedures and impact assessments.

In addition, two recommendations from the Payroll (06/09) and Purchase Ledger (07/09) reviews that had past their due date had not yet been implemented in full. Full details were included at Appendix 2 to the report. The report set out the key conclusions of the audit and also the agreed key management actions. A Member queried what action was being taken to address the four important control recommendations referred to in the report. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that the action plan contained in the report contained that information and also that much of the work was already in progress. The Independent Member referred to control recommendation 4.1 and queried whether any training was required to ensure that the issue did not arise again. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that it was not a training issue but that it was a matter of keeping the authorised persons list up to date and as indicated in the action plan a review was under way and his staff would try to keep on top of staff movements within the Authority to ensure that the list was updated. The Independent Member referred to the statement that formal monitoring of progress against the IFRS implementation plan was not currently performed and queried what action had been taken. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that he would challenge that opinion as in his view there had been a formal monitoring system in place as reports had been submitted to the Fire Authority in June and December 2010, and also he felt that in comparison to some other authorities he considered that this Authority had made more progress. Ms Rae, Audit Commission stated that in her talks with colleagues who audited other authorities the Fire Authority seemed well placed and that whilst the implementation of IFRS had been identified as a key risk in the Commission’s audit plan (Minute 3387 above refers) the Fire Authority was well on track to address the requirements of IFRS. Resolved - That Members note the findings of the audit and are assured by the management action being taken.


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3391 Equality and Diversity Audit – A report by Deloitte was submitted indicating that the overall objective of the internal audit was to assess the system of internal controls to ensure that the Service adhered to relevant legislation, including the Disability Discrimination Act, the Sexual Discrimination Act and the Race Relations Act, and demonstrated equality and diversity through its policies, culture and decision making. The summary assessment in terms of the adequacy and compliance of the system of internal controls reviewed was:


The internal audit had identified five important control recommendations in relation to the following issues:

• there was no specific communications plan related to equality and diversity. This could result in an inconsistent approach in disseminating relevant information to stakeholders by the Service;

• IT restrictions and lack of online material prevent both full time and Retained Duty System (RDS) fire-fighters from accessing online learning and development training sessions relating to equality and diversity;

• third party compliance with the Service's policy related to equality and diversity in procurement of goods, material or services was not monitored;

• legislation relating to equality and diversity was not consistently applied across all Service policies and strategy documents; and

• targets relating to increasing staff numbers from various diversity strands were not reviewed and trend analysis on equality and diversity related complaints was not performed.

One efficiency control recommendation had also been raised in relation to:

• Learning and development relating to equality and diversity was not linked to the Performance Development Review (PDR) process and key performance indicators (KPls) on the number of employees who had attended training and refresher courses were not reported to senior management.

The report set out the key conclusions of the audit and also the agreed key management actions. A Member referred to the control recommendation regarding the need to monitor third party compliance with the Service's policy relating to equality and diversity in procurement of goods, material or services and suggested that such compliance could be difficult to achieve. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection stated that the issue was being addressed by the Equality & Diversity Manager in consultation with the Procurement Officer. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that as part of the procurement process contractors would normally be asked to answer questions to show compliance with the Service’s policy. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection confirmed that processes had been put in place to look at compliance with the Equality & Diversity Policy when tenders were received. A Member referred to the control recommendation indicating that legislation relating to equality and diversity was not consistently applied across all Service policies and strategy documents and queried how this was being addressed. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection stated that the Equality & Diversity Manager was undertaking a fundamental review of all the Service’s policies and also that the concern raised by Deloitte that exit interviews were not picking up Equality & Diversity issues was being addressed. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection assured Members that the Equality & Diversity Manager would ensure that policies were Equality & Diversity compliant and also that any issues raised at exit interviews


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would be reported to the Senior Management Team to consider the need for any changes in policy going forward. The Independent Member stated that it was important that issues were addressed at exit interviews. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection acknowledged that view and stated that he would rather know of any issues whilst an individual was employed and that changes were being made to the staff appraisal process to assist the early identification of any issues. The Independent Member queried what the Authority’s approach was to anonymous complaints. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration confirmed that the Authority would deal with such complaints although the fact that they were anonymous could hinder any investigation of the complaint. The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection reminded Members that in each Community protection Unit there was a nominated individual who could be approached by an employee regarding any Equality & Diversity issues without pursuing a formal complaint. Resolved - That Members note the findings of the audit and are assured by the management action being taken. 3392 ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE GROUP – MINUTES – The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report on the role of the Organisational Performance Group (OPG) as part of the Authority’s assurance framework and a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the OPG held on 11 November 2010. The key actions from the meeting included the provision of more information to this Committee regarding the work of the Fire Deaths and Injury Review Panel for which there was a separate report on the Agenda for this meeting (Minute 3394 below refers), and the approval to continue work to refine Service Target setting for the 2011-14 period. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training also reported orally on the meeting of the OPG held on 17 January 2011 and the outcomes from that meeting.

A Member referred to item 34/10 of the OPG minutes held on 11 November 2010 relating to Level 4 Action Plans and Level 5 Improvement Plans and queried whether capacity to undertake the work was a concern. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training stated that capacity was an issue and that one of the objectives was for the Senior Management Team to take ownership of the overview of the whole action plan process so that it knew where to put resources in. Resolved – That the Committee note the progress of the Group to date.

3393 SERVICE PERFORMANCE 3RD QUARTER PERIOD 2010 – The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training submitted a report, further to Minute 3323, highlighting the Service’s performance for the period 1 April – 31 December 2010. Contained within the report were the Service’s own Performance Indicators (SPIs), which were underpinned by Local Performance Indicators (LPIs). The report detailed the Service Performance Indicators showing performance of actual against target as set out in the Table below; previous year performance against this year’s actual, and also included performance against intervention standards as detailed in section 2 of the report.

Service Performance Indicator Actual Against Target SPI 1 – Primary Dwelling Fires 9% better than Target SPI 2 – Other Primary Fires 39% better than Target SPI 3 – Deliberate Primary Fires 53% better than Target SPI 4 – Deliberate Secondary Fires 35% better than Target SPI 5 – Fire Deaths from Dwelling Primary Fires 6 fatalities against a Target of no more than 3 a year SPI 6 – Fire Deaths from Other Primary Fires 2 fatalities against a Target of no more than 1 a year SPI 7 – Injuries from Dwelling Primary Fires 48 injuries against Target of no more than 56 SPI 8 – Injuries from Other Primary Fires 14 injuries against Target of no more than 19 SPI 16a - Standard of First Appliance in Attendance is met 5% better than Target SPI 16b - Standard of Second Appliance in Attendance is met 10% better than Target SPI 16c - Standard to High Societal Risk Area is met 10% better than Target


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The performance was encouraging regarding “other primary fires”, which were property fires not in dwellings, and also deliberate fires of all types. Whilst it was difficult to attribute the performance to specific prevention activity it did highlight the efforts being made in Community Protection Units (CPUs), particularly against a backdrop of recession during which increases in deliberate fires were normally expected. There were details within the report of particular initiatives which were felt to have had the most impact, and those had been shared as best practice across all CPUs.

Resolved – That the Committee notes the report’s detail and takes assurance from the Service’s proactive approach to performance management. 3394 FIRE DEATHS AND INJURY REVIEW PANEL – The Assistant Chief Officer/Director of Operations Response & Community Protection submitted a report informing Members of the role of the Fire Death and Injury Review Panel (FDIP). The Panel was constituted last year to address an unexpected rise in the number of fire related deaths and injuries in residential dwellings. The Panel also served to provide improved governance arrangements and scrutiny of fire related deaths, serious injuries or near misses (FDIs) within the Fire Authority area. The Fire Authority was represented on the Panel by an Independent Member. The Organisational Performance Group (OPG) would monitor and review performance of the FDIP level 5 action plan within its terms of reference and report as necessary to this Committee. A copy of the current action plan was attached at Appendix A to the report. The minutes of meetings and the level 5 action plan were available on the Service portal. A detailed report of the past five years fire deaths would be presented to the Fire Authority in April 2011 as part of the annual performance review. The report included a table providing a summary overview of the past five years accidental fire deaths.

Resolved – That Members note the contents of the report and the FDIP action plan. 3395 TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PRUDENTIAL INDICTORS, TREASURY MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT 2011/12 AND MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION (MRP) FOR 2011/12 – The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report setting out the Prudential Indicators for Treasury Management and Capital and the Treasury Management Policy Statement proposed for adoption for the financial year 2011/12. The Authority’s Constitution required that the Policy Statement was approved by the full Fire Authority and that responsibility could not be delegated. The report also outlined the recommended policy to be adopted in respect of creating the Minimum Revenue Position (MRP) for 2011/12, in line with the statutory requirements set out in The Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008. The proposals in the report had been submitted to the Policy and Executive Committee held on 21 January 2011 and that Committee had recommended the proposals for approval by the Fire Authority (Minute 3375 refers). The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that normally that recommendation would have been submitted to the Fire Authority at its meeting to be held on 14 February 2011 but it was now likely that the report would be submitted to the Fire Authority towards the end of March 2011.

Resolved – That Members take assurance from the report and Appendices that the Authority has sound proposals in place for its Treasury Management arrangements in 2011/12.

(Councillor Ibson left the meeting at11.45am).

3396 MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS TO 31 DECEMBER 2010 – The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer submitted a report, further to Minute 3325, containing the Authority’s Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators for the period ending 31 December 2010. The summary estimated outturn position from the Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators was as follows:

Revenue Budget - £1.037m underspend; Capital Programme - £3.477m total expenditure;


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Pensions Account - £5.829m deficit A Member referred to the capital statement and queried why there was a variation of 12% in the cost of the scheme at Peaks Lane Fire Station, Grimsby. The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer stated that the increase was due to additional re-wiring work. Resolved – That Members confirm that they have received sufficient assurance on the Authority’s financial position for the period ending 31 December 2010. 3397 FOLLOW-UP REPORT FROM AUDIT, PERFORMANCE AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE 13 DECEMBER 2010 - The Director of Finance/Section 151 Officer submitted a report providing a response to Members’ questions raised at the previous meeting of the Committee on 13 December 2010 in relation to:

The CPU site reviews undertaken by Deloitte (Minute 3320 refers) – The report included at Appendix 1 a list of the audit findings accompanied by details of agreed management action and a progress update for each of those for Members’ consideration.

Two particular variances within the ‘Management Accounts and Prudential Indicators’ report considered at the December meeting of this Committee (Minute 3325 refers) – The report provided further information in respect to the variances.

Resolved - That Members note the progress update and additional information contained within the report. 3398 SICKNESS ABSENCE UPDATE - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted an interim report, further to Minute 3324, providing Members with an update upon the current sickness levels in the Service. The report set out sickness trends over a three year period. Whilst the report specifically covered the 2008/09 to 2009/10 period in full, the part-year information for 2010/11 suggested that the overall absence rate might not change significantly. Within that rate, the wholetime operational and Control groups appeared to be maintaining or improving sickness absence levels. Support staff absence remained a cause for concern although it should be noted that that was around the national average. The complete 2010/11 figures covering all staff groups would be reported in due course and further comparative information provided using available data from the Constituent Unitary Authorities and other fire and rescue services in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. The report also proposed a regular update to the Committee on Service sickness levels. Members were asked to note that the Service had taken (and would continue to take) a proactive approach to managing sickness levels. The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration stated that the Authority had undertaken a stress survey and that the results of that survey would be reported to this Committee. A Member stated that it would also be helpful for the report to include a breakdown of cases of muscular skeletal issues and stress. Resolved – (a) That Members take an assurance from the approach adopted to effectively manage and reduce workforce sickness levels;

(b) that the Committee receives a sickness absence update quarterly; (c) that a full report on sickness absence incorporating benchmarking

data and the outcomes of the stress survey (including a breakdown of cases of muscular skeletal issues and stress) be submitted to the next meeting of this Committee, and

(d) that Members record their thanks all employees for the commitment

staff throughout the service show. 3399 TENDERING – INTERNAL AUDIT SERVICES – UPDATE - The Director of Finance/ Section 151 Officer reported orally, further to Minute 3327, providing an update on progress


50

with the current Internal Audit Tender process. The Tender Evaluation Panel had met on 27 January 2011 to assess tenders received and had selected H W Controls to undertake the internal audit of fundamental systems for a period of three years and to undertake strategic reviews for a period of twelve months with a review at the end of the twelve month period. Resolved - That the report be noted. 3400 CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT - The Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted a report, further to Minute 3328, reminding Members that the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee played a key role in monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the Corporate Risk Management framework, with an increased emphasis upon the integration of risk management and performance. Accompanying the report was a number of key risk management papers, as follows: Corporate Risk Register Edition 6 Summary Report The Action Plans, in support of Edition 6, were available on the Authority’s website. The Committee was asked to review progress accordingly and take assurance from the progress to date. Members were also asked to ensure that the Corporate Risk Register was used as a tool by the Authority to drive (in part) the agenda and focus of meetings. Members were asked to take a broad assurance from progress made under the ROM Action Plan 2010/11. In addition, further assurance could be taken from the role of the Active Risk Team and the reporting of ROM. Also the 2009 Internal Review of Corporate Governance, included risk management, which gave a substantial assurance. The Authority had also participated in the CIPFA benchmarking of risk management (submission made beginning of June 2010). The results of the benchmarking had been considered by the Active Risk Team and were reported to this Committee on 21 September 2010. The steps outlined in the report were designed to proactively embed ROM and achieve excellence in the use of ROM, thereby providing assurance accordingly. Edition 7 of the Corporate Risk Register was under review by the Senior Management Team and would be reported to the next meeting of the Committee. A Member referred to Risk C003 relating to Business Continuity Planning and requested an update. The Deputy Chief Officer/Director of Policy, Performance & Training updated Members with regard to arrangements proposed to test the resilience of the Authority’s Business Continuity Planning arrangements during 2011. Resolved – That the Committee confirms its satisfaction with progress to date and the effective use of the Corporate Risk Register by the Authority. Meeting closed at 12.18pm.

Agenda Item No.

Humberside Fire Authority 14 February 2011

Report by the Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive

8

EXECUTIVE REPORT INTRODUCTION This executive report is aimed at updating members on a range of issues. It is felt

that with further explanation at the meeting, the issues covered in this report do not warrant a separate paper. Members are asked to note the content of this report.

REPORT DETAIL

1. Exercise ‘Watermark’ 7-11th March 2011

HFRS are playing a key role in the DEFRA sponsored national emergency flooding exercise in March 2011. The exercise will be one of the biggest to take place nationally and will test the country’s preparedness and response to severe wide area flooding. Exercise ‘Watermark’ will test individual organisation and multi-agency plans using scenarios based on severe weather conditions including flooding from the sea, rivers, surface water and reservoirs. Humber LRF partner organisations will have an active involvement during various stages of the exercise including core elements of the national exercise connected with tidal inundation impacts. Part of the Humber LRF arrangements will include a ‘Live-Play exercise designed to test flood rescue capabilities and multi-agency interoperability using a number of realistic scenarios. HFRS have agreed to lead on this element of ‘Watermark’ and are at an advanced stage of planning with other participant organisations i.e. Humberside Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service, MoD Search & Rescue (Leconfield), West Yorkshire Fire Service and St Johns Ambulance Service. The exercise will take place at Ashbyville Ponds, Scunthorpe on Sunday 27 February 2011 and is expected to attract significant public and media interest. The event provides a rare opportunity for responder organisations not only to test individual and collective flood rescue capabilities but also to show case the significant improvements & investments made in this area since the floods of summer 2007.

2. Policy, Performance & Training – Research & Policy Section: Bulk Firefighting

Foam Strategy

HFRS have recently reviewed its bulk foam requirements, the criteria for mobilising and means of transportation of bulk foam to incidents. Bulk Foam will now be transported by demountable Pods transported by Prime Movers provided through the New Dimensions National Resilience Project. The Service now have two dedicated bulk foam carrying pods and one combination pod which will carry both foam making equipment and bulk foam.

51

The Service bulk foam strategy strongly influenced the development of a regionally agreed response Memorandum of Understanding, which commits the four regional FRS to provide mutual aid for the provision of bulk foam. The regional MOU was signed on 18/1/11. The regional MOU outlines clear response parameters linked to potential incident size and bulk foam requirements, the levels of response are: • Level 1: A local FRS response, these incidents would not require bulk foam, but

would require a minimum 20 minute foam attack (100 litres) and be dealt with by the initial pre-determined attendance for the incident.

• Level 2: A local FRS response. These incidents would be dealt with by the

resources solely deployed by the affected FRS. • Level 3: A pre-determined regional FRS response. This would be considered as

the Region’s optimum response scenario of responding to a road/rail tank up to 100 cubic metres capacity and would require the application of up to 30,000 litres of foam for a minimum period of one hour.

• Level 4: A wider mutual aid response. This incident type would be of the scale

that would require greater than 30,000 litres of foam for a prolonged foam attack and would require the resources of broader mutual aid schemes comprising regional FRS, other FRS, foam suppliers and local business (e.g. COMAH premises).

The regional bulk foam capability will be sufficient to provide a pre-determined response to a Level 3 incident. This capability requires a regional bulk foam stock of a minimum of 30,000litres. In addition to providing a clear emergency response strategy, the MOU has enabled all four FRS to rationalise current bulk foam stocks, with each FRS committing to maintain 8,000l litres of bulk foam, thus providing improved efficiency. Previously HFRS maintained 30,000l of foam.

3. MIRG Prior to April 2005, Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) responded to incidents ‘at sea’ on an ad hoc basis which was reliant on training received by personnel and the response of individual FRS Principal Officers. Historically HFRS had always trained and responded to such incidents. The ‘Sea of Change’ project had identified the need for a bespoke maritime response to incidents at sea, which resulted in the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) being formed in 2005. This Group is funded by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and consists of 15 strategically placed FRS teams around the British Isles, to respond to incidents at sea involving Fire, Hazardous Materials and Industrial Rescue. Humberside FRS is a member of this cadre, with 50 trained personnel.

However, as with all public sector bodies, the MCA has been tasked with reviewing their expenditure. At an extra ordinary meeting of the MIRG steering group on 18 November 2010, the indications were that the following recommendations would be made:

The MCA would continue with the present MCA/CFOA partnership for the provision of a MIRG capability to assist with incidents involving fire only. That a MIRG capability to chemical hazards and industrial accidents would not be a requirement.

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Further that the MIRG provision should be cost effective whilst ensuring sufficient MIRG Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) resilience to provide timely support and assistance to responding teams should the situation demand.

A need for a realignment of the size of the MIRG was identified based on the risk assessment and the frequency of incidents that might require a MIRG response. A reduction of around 50% was proposed but engagement with the FRS is required to ensure such a change is compliant with a safe scheme of work. This would realise a saving of approximately 30%. If this concept was applied literally it would provide for seven individual FRS MIRG Teams incorporating 375 personnel whilst realising approximately £178K savings.

To this end the Fire Liaison Manager was tasked with providing a briefing paper detailing the potential future MIRG strategy and areas for development. The meeting also considered the requirement to provide a Ministerial Submission generated through the MCA to articulate the business case for the future MIRG. A degree of urgency was associated with both the communication above and the Ministerial Submission, not least cognisant of the need to provide for future FRS planning associated with any future revised MIRG. These actions have not yet been completed and therefore a meeting on 10 January was convened as a matter of urgency. At this meeting, Humberside FRS understand that FRS representatives were advised that contrary to the commitments made at the meeting on 18 November, the MCA may not be in a position to commit to any funding for the provision of the MIRG. The MCA Director of Maritime Services was asked to provide a formal communication articulating the MCA’s position. The requirement for the MCA to provide a Ministerial Submission articulating the Review recommendations, considerations within a briefing paper and the risks associated with the withdrawal of funding/MIRG was also reiterated.

It was agreed that the former would be completed, and the latter available in draft form by 21 January, when a further update shall be forthcoming. Humberside MIRG will continue to be funded until April 2011 and resilience research is currently being undertaken to ensure the provision of the Authorities statutory fire fighting duties, including the duty to fight fires in the estuary. However it should be stressed that if MCA funding is withdrawn there will be a significant impact on Humberside FRS in term of our ability to respond to fires at sea outside of our statutory boundaries, and even within our statutory boundaries there will be additional costs which may arise in terms of training and equipment. A further update will be provided to Members, with options where appropriate, when more detail is known.

4. Equality and Diversity Members have recently been made aware at the last Policy and Executive

Committee meeting of developments in the Equalities arena. These included progress toward addressing ‘areas for improvement’ from our internal audit from Deloittes and the action plan to address the ‘route map’ recently delivered from our Local Government Improvement and Development (LGID) assessment which will seek to have HFRS at the ‘Achieving’ level of the National Equalities Framework this year.

5. CPU Management Re-alignment Pilot Members were made aware of the pilot being run in CPUs to trial revised

management structures, consequently, this released resources to conduct our IRMP preparation work. This pilot will end in April 2011 and evaluation of its success is taking place at the moment. Proposals for future structural arrangements at CPU level will be reported to a future Authority meeting.

53

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6. Strategic Plan 2011-14

In line with the objectives of the draft Strategic Plan research has commenced into the specific ‘de-invest’ projects, in particular, for non-operational service delivery provision. Consultation is taking place with CPU managers to review our technical and community safety service provision. Members can be reassured that our statutory obligations in these areas will not be compromised and any proposals for new staffing models will be the subject of a future Fire Authority paper.

The terms of the wider support services provision; the intent to take a ‘systems thinking approach’ remains. The input to ACO Sanders and AM Jackson from Vanguard at the Hull University Business School concludes on 14 February (today) and next steps will include small scale trials to test the value of systems thinking in HFRS and familiarise staff with systems thinking methods.

7. Fire Death & Injury Review Panel (FDIP)

The Fire Death and Injury review Panel (FDIP) continues to meet regularly to review the Services response to fire related fatalities, injuries and ‘near misses’. Members should note the significant momentum now being achieved by the panel in the crucial area of data sharing between ourselves and the wider ‘care agency’ community in identifying where and how the most vulnerable in our communities live. It is hoped this has a lasting positive effect after a poor twelve months for the Service in this regard.

8. Long Service Good Conduct Evening

On February 25th we once again acknowledge achievement of all our staff in reaching twenty years’ service. Twenty-one of our employees have confirmed their attendance, and as always, the award will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire – Susan Cunliffe-Lister. The Chair, the Vice Chair and a Labour Group representative have been invited to attend.

F Duffield

Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive

Officer Contact: Frank Duffield 01482 567417 Chief Fire Officer & Chief Executive Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull FD/EML 04/02/11

Agenda Item No.


Report by the Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

9

FINANCIAL OUTLOOK 2012/13 ONWARDS SUMMARY 1. This report highlights the Authority’s financial position over the medium-term and also

recommends that the 2011/12 to 2014/15 Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) report and the Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators report for 2011/12 be considered by the Fire Authority on 25 March 2011 after the Special Fire Authority has taken place on 4 March 2011.

RECOMMENDATIONS 2. (a) That Members acknowledge the need to reduce the Authority’s revenue

expenditure over the medium-term; (b) That Members receive an updated MTFP for 2011/12 to 2014/15 and the

Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators report for 2011/12 to a Fire Authority meeting on 25 March 2011.

2012/13 ONWARDS 3. The next item on this agenda will recommend for approval a budget and precept for

2011/12. The Authority’s financial position for 2011/12 is sound and indeed the proposed budget includes a contribution to overall reserves of circa £866k.

4. As has been reported to Members throughout the last 18 months, the period of

2012/13 to 2014/15 is likely to be much more of a challenge from a financial perspective.

5. Reports specifically to the Fire Authorities of 28 September 2010, 14 December 2010

and 17 January 2011 have consistently set out deficits in the years 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15.

6. Work to update the Authority’s financial plans has now been completed and the

current position is as follows:-

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

£1.2m deficit £3.5m deficit £5.6m deficit

7. The revised position now includes recent information received on the number of

Band D’s for council tax purposes and also all of the savings currently identified from non-operational areas of £780k in total.

8. In a similar manner to that previously outlined, this will require reductions in recurring

revenue expenditure as follows:-

£1.2m during 2011/12 before 2012/13; a further £2.3m during 2012/13 before 2013/14; and an additional £2.1m during 2013/14 before 2014/15.

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9. This is therefore a total recurring reduction in revenue expenditure of £5.6m before 2014/15 (i.e. before 31/3/14). This is based on current assumptions and indications for funding in the medium-term set out by Government.

10. This remains the financial backdrop for the Authority and early decisions to improve

efficiency will enable a managed reduction in expenditure. 11. The deferral of decisions in relation to the 2011-14 Strategic Plan (SP) and

Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) to a meeting of the Fire Authority on 4 March 2011 means that the Authority’s MTFP and Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators report should now be considered in late March to allow for the accommodation of decisions from the 4 March 2011 Special Fire Authority meeting.

12. The sign-off of the Authority’s Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators report

for 2011/12 must be undertaken by the full Fire Authority. The Authority’s Constitution and the 2009 CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management dictate that the sign-off is a full Fire Authority decision. For this reason the Policy and Executive Committee programmed for 25 March 2011 will become a Special Fire Authority.

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY 13. The Authority’s Medium-Term Financial Plan and Strategic Plan/IRMP for 2011-14

will dovetail throughout the current period through to conclusion in March 2011.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS 14. The Authority must act early to reduce expenditure to ensure that it can continue to

deliver services effectively and balance its budget in the medium-term. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

15. Statutorily the Authority must set a balanced budget. Part of this process also

requires the S.151 Officer to comment on the ‘robustness of the estimates’, ‘the adequacy of reserves’ and the in-year ‘budget monitoring arrangements’. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS

16. No direct issues arising.

CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

17. Setting a sustainable and prudent budget for the Authority is fundamental in

mitigating a number of key risks in the Corporate Risk Register.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 18. No direct issues arising.

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING

19. Staff have already been made aware of the pay freeze announced on 22 June by the

Government and the likelihood of a severe public expenditure squeeze from the present time to at least 2014/15. DETAILS OF CONSULTATION

20. A wide ranging consultation on the Strategic Plan/IRMP 2011-14 concluded on

31 December 2010. The details formed part of the Authority’s paper for 24 January 2011 and will again for the 4 March 2011 meeting of the Fire Authority.

56

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 21. 22 June 2010 – Budget 2010 HM Treasury 28 September 2010 – FA report ‘Financial Outlook for Humberside Fire Authority

2011/12 Onwards’ Local Government Finance Settlement 2011-12 on 13 December 2010

14 December 2010 – FA report ‘Revenue Budget and Local Government Finance Settlement for 2011/12 Onwards’

17 January 2011 – FA report ‘Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2011/12 to 2014/15’

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 22. (a) That Members acknowledge the need to reduce the Authority’s revenue

expenditure over the medium-term; (b) That Members receive an updated MTFP for 2011/12 to 2014/15 and the

Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators report for 2011/12 to a Fire Authority meeting on 25 March 2011.

K WILSON

Officer Contact: Kevin Wilson 01482 567183 Director of Finance/S.151 Officer Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull KW/SJ 3 February 2011

57

Agenda Item No.


Report by the Director of Finance/ S.151 Officer

10

REVENUE BUDGET, CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND PRECEPT FOR 2011/12

SUMMARY 1. This report contains the Authority’s Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and

Precept for 2011/12 for approval. 2. The report has been prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003 to

allow the Authority to approve:

The financial spending plans that are necessary to support the Authority’s activities [Section 25(1)(a)];

Maintenance of adequate reserves and provisions [Section 25(1)(b)];

The level of the precept for 2011/12 [Section 83].

RECOMMENDATIONS 3. That Members approve the precept for 2011/12 set out in Appendix 4 and the

Appendices 1, 2 and 3 accordingly. BUDGET PROCESS TO DATE 4. At a national level the change of Government in May 2010 has created a series of

significant events which have impacted on the Authority’s financial position for the medium term. Most prominently:

The Emergency Budget announced by the Government on 22 June 2010; The Comprehensive Spending Review announced by the Government on

20 October 2010;

The Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement announced by the Government on 13 December 2010.

5. Each of these events has shaped the Authority’s financial plans, with the culmination

being the announcement on 13 December 2010 of a circa 6% cash reduction in Government Formula Grant to Humberside Fire Authority over the two year period 2011/12 and 2012/13. This position was largely confirmed in the Final Settlement announced on 31 January 2011.

6. Members have been informed of developments through reports from the Director of

Finance/S.151 Officer to Fire Authority meetings since the autumn of 2009. Most recently reports have been received by Members at the 14 December 2010 Fire Authority (MTFP and Local Government Finance Settlement) and 17 January 2011 Fire Authority (MTFP and action required to balance the budget over 2011/12 to 2014/15).

59

REVENUE BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2011/12 7. The Authority’s Revenue Budget and Capital Programme for 2011/12 are included in

Appendices 1 and 2 respectively. 8. The impact of the following has been incorporated into the Revenue Budget for

2011/12:-

General inflation; Revenue effects of the Capital Programme;

Updating in line with the latest forecasts and assumptions.

9. The main proposals contained within the Capital Programme were approved by the

full Fire Authority at their meeting on 14 December 2010. 10. The final Local Government Finance Settlement announced on 31 January 2011 also

gave notice of a general capital grant to Fire Authorities for 2011/12. Humberside Fire Authority’s share of the £70m allocated to FRSs in England is £1.339m.

11. This amount has been added to the Authority’s Capital Programme for 2011/12.

Given the very late notification of this funding, it is proposed that options for its use be brought back to Members during the course of the 2011/12 financial year.

RESERVES 12. The Fire Authority’s estimated position on reserves over the years 2010/11 and

2011/12 is shown in Appendix 3. 13. Appendix 3 shows a sound position on reserves through to the end of the 2011/12

financial year. PRECEPT 14. The Comprehensive Spending Review announcement in October 2010 signalled the

Government’s intention to implement a voluntary Council Tax freeze for at least the 2011/12 financial year.

15. The offer from Government is a grant equal to a 2.5% increase in the precept, if the

2011/12 precept is held at the level of 2010/11. This means a grant equal to £562k for Humberside Fire Authority paid in each of the years of the CSR period that commences with 2011/12.

16. There are limited options on a precept increase for 2011/12 and therefore the

recommendation is that the Authority accepts this offer. The details for the 2011/12 precept are set out in Appendix 4.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2003 17. Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003 specifically requires the ‘Chief Finance

Officer’ (which for Humberside Fire Authority is the S.151 Officer) to report on the robustness of the estimates, the adequacy of reserves and the budget monitoring arrangements in place when determining a budget requirement and precept for a given financial year.

18. Robustness of estimates:- the S.151 Officer confirms that the budget estimates have

been compiled on a robust and prudent basis.

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19. Adequacy of reserves:- the S.151 Officer confirms that the current reserves held by the Authority are adequate. This position is kept under continuous review and any material changes will be reported to Members.

20. Budget monitoring arrangements:- the S.151 Officer confirms that the Authority has

timely and robust budget monitoring arrangements. The proposal is to again issue monthly management accounts and Prudential Indicators to all Members and SMT within 10 working days of the previous month end. This will commence for the period ending 31 May in the financial year.

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY

21. The 4 March 2011 Special Fire Authority will consider the Authority’s 2011-14

Strategic Plan and Integrated Risk Management Plan. The longer-term Medium-Term Financial Plan will then be considered by the Fire Authority on 25 March after decisions from the 4 March meeting have been incorporated as necessary.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS

22. The Authority must statutorily set a balanced budget and council tax for the

forthcoming financial year.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 23. No direct issues arising but the Authority must notify its intention with regard to the

precept increase before the end of February each year. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS 24. No direct issues arising.

CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS 25. Setting a sustainable and prudent budget for the Fire Authority is fundamental in

mitigating a number of key risks contained within the Corporate Risk Register.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 26. No direct issues arising.

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 27. No direct issues arising.

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION 28. The Budget has been developed with the full involvement of SMT, Policy and

Executive Committee, Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee and the full Fire Authority.

29. The statutory consultation with the Business Rate Payers of Humberside

(represented by the Chamber of Commerce) has taken place. The Authority’s budget reports were circulated and comments invited. No comments were received.

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS

30. June 2010, September 2010, December 2010 and January 2011 budget reports.

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62

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 31. That Members approve the precept for 2011/12 set out in Appendix 4 and the

Appendices 1, 2 and 3 accordingly.

K WILSON

Officer Contact: Kevin Wilson 01482 567183 Director of Finance/S.151 Officer Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull KW/SJ 3 February 2011

63

Appendix 1 HUMBERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY REVENUE ESTIMATES 2011/12 ESTIMATE SUMMARY

2011/12 BUDGET £

Community Fire Safety 5,628,036

Fire Fighting & Rescue Operations 42,893,758

Fire Service Emergency Planning -

Management & Support Services -

Corporate & Democratic Core

Democratic Representation & Management 180,408

Corporate Management 104,254

Non Distributable Income

Council Tax Freeze Grant (561,428)

Net Cost of Service 48,245,028

Interest Payable and Similar Charges 1,216,221

Less - Interest Receivable (50,000)

Net Operating Expenditure 49,411,249

Amounts included in the Income & Expenditure

Account but required by statute to be excluded

when determining the Movement on the General

Fund Balance for the year :

Depreciation and Impairment of Fixed Assets (3,333,931)

Amounts not included in the Income & Expenditure

Account but required by statute to be included

when determining the Movement on the General

Fund Balance for the year :

Minimum Revenue Provision 1,546,450

Transfers to or from Fund Balances that are required

to be taken into account when determining the

Movement on the General Fund Balance

Contribution to/(from) Earmarked Reserves (100,000)

Contribution to/(from) General Reserve 866,186

Budget Requirement 48,389,954 Financed by : Formula Grant 25,625,639 Collection Fund Surplus 307,213 Precept 22,457,102

48,389,954

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COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY

2011/12 BUDGET £ EXPENDITURE Employees Wholetime 1,999,762 Retained 75,000 Non-uniformed 1,848,345 Indirect Employees 9,500 Premises Repairs & Maintenance 550

Transport

Direct Transport Costs 2,750

Contract Hire & Operating Leases 4,600

Supplies & Services

Equipment, Furniture & Materials 284,182

Catering 1,200

Printing, Stationery & General Office Expenses 366

Communications & Computing 3,700

Expenses 5,100

Grants & Subscriptions 1,690

Miscellaneous 9,650

Support Services

Management & Support Services 1,426,457

Capital Charges 16,411

Total Expenditure 5,689,263

INCOME

Other Grants & Contributions (2,750)

Customer & Client Receipts

Fees & Charges (58,477)

Total Income (61,227)

Net Expenditure 5,628,036

65

FIRE FIGHTING & RESCUE OPERATIONS 2011/12 BUDGET £ EXPENDITURE Employees Wholetime 23,388,700 Retained 3,299,144 Control 1,335,715 Non-uniformed 121,688 Indirect Employees 10,000 Premises

Repairs & Maintenance 340,522 Energy Costs 340,253 Rent, Rates & Water 481,635 Transport

Car Allowances & Public Transport 19,195 Supplies & Services

Equipment, Furniture & Materials 626,927 Catering 1,400 Clothing, Uniforms & Laundry 2,305 Printing, Stationery & General Office Expenses 200 Services 143,025 Communications 313,500 Expenses 12,000 Grant & Subscriptions 500 Miscellaneous 1,000

Support Services

Management & Support Services 10,237,357

Capital Charges 2,424,980 Total Expenditure 43,100,046

INCOME

Government Grants (20,000)

Other Grants & Contributions (56,732)



Rents (99,555)

Total Income (206,288) Net Expenditure 42,893,758 FIRE SERVICE EMERGENCY PLANNING EXPENDITURE Employees

Indirect Employees - Supplies & Services

Equipment, Furniture & Materials - - INCOME Government Grants - Net Expenditure -

66

MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES

2011/12 BUDGET £

EXPENDITURE

Employees

Wholetime 1,976,763

Non-uniformed 4,346,471

Other Pension Costs 563,477

Indirect Employees inc. Training 573,395

Employee Related Insurances 178,429

Premises

Repairs & Maintenance 181,285

Energy 82,352

Rent, Rates & Water 272,275

Other Premises Costs 95,659

Premises Insurance 83,435

Transport

Direct Transport Costs 844,262

Contract Hire & Operating Leases 17,000

Car Allowances & Public Transport 90,800

Transport Insurance 149,314

Supplies & Services

Equipment, Furniture & Materials 153,325

Catering 65,817

Clothing, Uniforms & Laundry 301,029

Printing, Stationery & General Office Expenses 67,610

Services 59,649

Communications & Computing 446,035

Expenses 60,248


Miscellaneous 44,482

Support Services

Support Services 92,950

Capital Charges 892,540

Contingency 100,000


MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES (continued) 2011/12 BUDGET £ INCOME


Sales (41,437)


Rents (100) Administration & Management recharge

Administration & Management Recharge (11,717,741)

Total Income (11,761,197)

Net Expenditure -

67

CORPORATE & DEMOCRATIC CORE

2011/12 BUDGET £

DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION & MANAGEMENT

EXPENDITURE

Transport

Public Transport 2,249

Car Allowances 2,140

Supplies & Services

Members Allowances 127,156

Travel & Subsistence 8,274


Departmental Administration

Departmental Administration 23,789

Total Expenditure 180,408

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

EXPENDITURE

Supplies & Services

Audit Fees 69,116

Support Services

Support Services 5,000

Departmental Administration

Departmental Administration 30,138

Total Expenditure 104,254

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FIREFIGHTERS PENSIONS ACCOUNT

2011/12 BUDGET £

EXPENDITURE

Employees

Pensions 11,162,157

Commutations 2,576,787

Transfer Values Out to Other Pension Schemes 100,000


INCOME

Other Grants & Contributions

Pension Contributions (6,677,114)

Transfer Values in From Other Pension Schemes (100,000)

Contribution from CLG - Top Up Grant (7,061,830)

Total Income (13,838,944)

Net Expenditure -

Appendix 2 CAPITAL PROGRAMME

Proposed

Budget

2011/12

£

Buildings

Sundry Buildings 130,000

Minor Works 218,000

Dignity at Work 152,000

Improvements to Health & Fitness 30,000

Workshops Relocation 100,000

DCLG Capital Grant - Estates Refurbishment - Unallocated 1,339,841

1,969,841

Information Technology

Core Programme 392,000

Vehicles

Appliances

Heavy Vehicles 935,800

Other Vehicles

Light Vehicles 210,500

1,146,300

Equipment

Appliances 184,000

Communications & Engagement 15,000

Replacement Breathing Apparatus 300,000

499,000

4,007,141

Overall Financing

Loan - Supported Capital Expenditure 997,000

Loan - Other borrowing/credit arrangements 1,670,300

Capital Grant 1,339,841

4,007,141

69

Appendix 3 REVENUE RESERVES PROJECTED BALANCES 2010-2012 As at During 2010/11 As at During 2011/12 As at

1 April Transfers 31

March Transfers 31

March 2010 In Out 2011 In Out 2012 £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's £000's General Reserve 5,442 1,927 (3,070) 4,299 866 - 5,165 Earmarked Reserves Insurance Reserve 400 - - 400 - - 400 Control Reserve 300 - - 300 - - 300 Property Maintenance Reserve 500 - - 500 - - 500

Personal Protective Equipment Reserve 750 - (750) - - - -

Water Rescue Equipment Reserve 200 - (100) 100 - (100) - RDS Equal Pay Case Reserve - 350 (350) - - - - FRSS Costs Reserve - 120 (120) - - - - Peaks Lane Refurbishment Reserve - 100 (100) - - - - Change Management Reserve - 2,500 - 2,500 - - 2,500 Total Useable Revenue Reserves 7,592 4,997 (4,490) 8,099 866 (100) 8,865

71

Appendix 4 Calculation of Precept

2010/11 2011/12

£ £ 50,525,440 Net Revenue Budget 47,623,768 43,021 Less : Contribution to/(from) General Reserve 866,186 (850,000) Contribution to/(from) Earmarked Reserves (100,000) 49,718,461 Net Budget Requirement 48,389,954 Less : Exchequer Assistance (27,174,322) Formula Grant (25,625,639) (256,954) Less : net collection fund surplus (307,213) 22,287,185 Amount to be raised from Tax 22,457,102 286026.50 Divided by Tax Base 288207.16 £77.92 Band D Council Tax £77.92 1.64% Precept Increase over Previous Year 0.00% Breakdown Over All Tax Bands 2011/12 Increase over - 2010/11 Tax Band 2011/12 Year Month £p £p 51.95 A 51.95 - - 60.60 B 60.60 - - 69.26 C 69.26 - - 77.92 D 77.92 - - 95.24 E 95.24 - - 112.55 F 112.55 - - 129.87 G 129.87 - - 155.84 H 155.84 - - Precept per Authority 2010/11 2011/12 Collection Total £ £ Fund £ Balances £ 9,209,583 East Riding of Yorkshire 9,245,618 109,000 9,354,618 5,421,985 Kingston upon Hull 5,481,127 71,506 5,552,633 3,695,902 North East Lincolnshire 3,710,394 53,543 3,763,937 3,959,715 North Lincolnshire 4,019,963 73,164 4,093,127 22,287,185 22,457,102 307,213 22,764,315

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Agenda Item No.


Report by the Secretary and Director of Corporate

Administration and the Director of Finance/S.151 Officer

11

MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES 2011/12

SUMMARY 1. The Fire Authority on an annual basis considers and approves a scheme of the

allowances paid to Members. The Policy and Executive Committee met on the 21 January 2011 to consider a scheme of Members’ Allowances and make any recommendations to the full Fire Authority. No recommendations were made by the Committee. The approval of the scheme is a matter for the full Authority.

2. Members are asked to note that they will wish to declare a personal interest in this

report, but such an interest is not prejudicial as the consideration of allowances is a specific exemption under Section 10(2)(c)(iv) (The Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct Order 2007).

RECOMMENDATIONS

3. The Authority is asked to consider and approve a scheme of Members’ Allowances in

respect to 2011/12. SCHEME OF ALLOWANCES

4. The Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 made

provision for Combined Fire Authorities to establish Member Allowances Schemes from May 2003. Humberside Fire Authority approved a scheme in October 2003 (minutes 987 refers) that allowances would be increased annually from 1 April in line with the local government officers’ pay award. It was also resolved that such an award would be backdated to the 1 April and that a full review should be conducted after 4 years.

5. A full review was last undertaken during 2006/7 and reported to the March 2007

meeting of the Fire Authority (minute 1865 refers). The Regulations require that the Authority shall have regard to the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panels.

CURRENT ALLOWANCES 2010/11 6. The Fire Authority on 11 February 2008 elected to freeze the basic and special

responsibility allowances in respect to 2008/09. Similarly, on 16 February 2009 and 15 February 2010, the Authority elected to freeze the basic and special responsibility allowances in respect to 2009/10 and 2010/11. The allowances in respect to Travel and Subsistence are increased on an annual basis, being linked to the NJC award.

7. Appendix 1 sets out the current Scheme of Member Allowances, as from 1 April

2010. The Allowances are published online and are part of the Constitution. Note the car allowances were increased in accordance with the NJC casual user rate with effect from 1 April 2010. Notification of the increase was received on 12 April 2010.

75

76

ALLOWANCES 2011/12 8. Some Members may recall that one of the discussions which took place subsequent

to setting the 2008/09 Allowances, was in respect to the role of Chairs of Committees, under the Constitution and the new Committee structure. Under the new structure, a balanced Committee framework exists and a scheme of delegated authority has been created. This has significantly increased responsibility accordingly and the intention has been to move towards Chairs of Committees presenting minutes/meeting notes at meetings of the full Fire Authority. As such, Members decided that they might return to the issue of the remuneration of Chairs of Committees. The Secretary remains of the view that the current scheme of Member allowances is aligned to the previous governance structure. Therefore, Members may wish to revisit the allowances, perhaps adjusting allowances accordingly if the overall budget for allowances is to remain fixed.

9. Members should also be aware that there are additional roles for Members, for

example representing the Authority at meetings of the Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Control Centre Company, and in respect to Member Champions.

10. In 2009/10 the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration submitted, as part of

the report to the Authority, a broad comparison of allowances paid to Members of other Fire Authorities. Those comparisons provided an indication that the basic allowance and Vice Chairs’ allowance were greater than many, but the allowances for Chairs of Committees is low. However, it is difficult to draw comparisons, given different governance structures.

11. Members will recall that one of the actions/workstreams arising from the second

review of corporate governance is the need to give further consideration to the alignment of allowances to performance and attendance. Given likely debate around the structure of the Fire Authority as part of the Third Review of Corporate Governance, it is suggested that the issues of future allowances is captured during that review.

PUBLICATION 12. Under the Regulations, on 1 April (or as soon as practicable thereafter) the

allowances paid to Members for 2010/11 will be published. In addition, the new Scheme (2011/12) will be published.


13. No direct implications. FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS

14. The Scheme of Members’ Allowances has been budgeted for in 2011/12.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

15. None arising directly, other than highlighted above. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS/HR IMPLICATIONS

16. No direct actions required.

CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS 17. None arising directly. The report is however intended to bring greater awareness

and transparency as part of the enhancement of our governance arrangements. The

77

review of corporate governance is included within the current Corporate Risk Register. HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS

18. None arising. COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 19. The 2011/12 scheme must be published by Public Notice. The actual allowances

paid during 2010/11 will also be published. DETAILS OF CONSULTATION 20. None. BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 21. None.

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED

22. The Authority is asked to consider and approve a scheme of Members’ Allowances in

respect to 2011/12.

R GRAHAM K WILSON

Officer Contact: Robin Graham 01482 567443

Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

Kevin Wilson 01482 567183 Director of Finance/S.151 Officer

Background Papers: Nil Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull RG/SJ 3 February 2011

79

Appendix 1 PART 6

MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES SCHEME

The Local Authorities (Members’ Allowances) (England) Regulations 2003 made provision for Combined Fire Authorities to establish Member Allowances Schemes from May 2003. The HFA approved a scheme in October 2003 that allowances would be increased annually from 1 April in line with the local government officers’ pay award. It was also resolved that a full review should be conducted after 4 years.

A review was undertaken during 2006/7 and reported to the March 2007 meeting of the HFA. The Regulations require that the HFA shall have regard to the recommendation of the Independent Remuneration Panels.

The HFA at its meeting on 15 February 2010 approved the following Members’ Allowances from 1 April 2010:

£ 1. Basic Allowance (per annum) All Members 4,457

2. Special Responsibility Allowances: a. The Chair of the Authority 11,137 b. The Vice Chair of the Authority 8,356

c. The Chairs of Committees 561

3. Co-optees Allowance (per annum) 548

4. Childcare & Dependant Carer Allowances (per hour) a. Childcare 5.80 b. Dependant 10.40

5. Travel Allowances a. Car Allowances – In accordance with the National Joint Council

for Local Government Services casual user rate: Up to 999cc 0.469* Over 999cc 0.522* (up to first 8,500 miles per annum, thereafter £0.144*) b. Bicycle (per mile) 0.05 c. Public Transport Actual Cost

6. Subsistence Allowances Actual cost not exceeding

a. Breakfast – more than 4 hours before 11.00am 6.46 b. Lunch – more than 4 hours including 12noon to 2.00pm 8.92 c. Tea – more than 4 hours including 3.00pm to 6.00pm 3.50 d. Dinner – more than 4 hours ending after 7.00pm 11.03 e. Overnight (covering 24 hours) London # 136.40 Outside London 120.42 f. Out of Pocket Expenses (per night) 4.92

(# Includes Local Government Association and Annual Fire Conferences overnight attendances outside London.)

Note: * Increased from 1 April 2010

Agenda Item No.


Report by the Director of Finance/S151 Officer

12

FEES AND CHARGES 2011/12

SUMMARY

1. In accordance with the Fire Services Acts, Fire Authorities have the discretion to charge for special services performed (where there is no immediate threat of fire) and for services relating to training, fire safety and administration. The total income for the Fire Authority generated through these sources was circa £109k in 2009/10.

RECOMMENDATIONS

2. That the revised charges shown in the Appendices A and B be approved with effect

from 1 April 2011.

SPECIAL SERVICES AND OTHER CHARGES 3. The revised charges proposed at Appendix A reflect the following:-

Staff related costs – charges are normally uplifted in line with the firefighters’ pay award. Given that the firefighters’ pay award for 2010 was 0%, it is proposed that the charge is not changed;

Non staff related costs – uplifted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

(currently 3.73%) 4. Further cost recovery arrangements may occur during 2011/12 where charges raised

reflect the latest NJC firefighter and local government pay rates plus the relevant employer on-costs and any other related costs incurred e.g. provision of professional services for Control of Major Hazards (COMAH). For 2011/12 these charges will not be increased.

PENSION SHARING ON DIVORCE

5. Fire Service Circular 17/2001 advised Fire Authorities on the charges they may levy

when dealing with cases of pension sharing involving serving members of the Firefighters Pension Scheme or pensioners. The charges for 2011/12 will not be increased as the local government pay award for 2010 was 0%. These charges are shown at Appendix B.


6. No direct issues arising.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCE/VALUE FOR MONEY/ IMPLICATIONS 7. The annual inflationary uplift of fees and charges ensures that the Fire Authority

continues to recover reasonable costs for chargeable services.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 8. The Authority has discretion to charge for certain services.

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EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS/HR IMPLICATIONS

9. No direct issues arising from this report.


10. No direct issues arising but the inflationary uplift of fees and charges is good practice.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS

11. No direct issues arising

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 12. No direct issues arising.

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION 13. No direct issues arising.

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 14. 2010/11 NJC Firefighter and Local Government pay rates.

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED

15. That the revised charges shown in the Appendices A and B be approved with effect from 1 April 2011.

K WILSON

Officer Contact: Kevin Wilson, 01482 567183 Director of Finance/S151 Officer

Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull KW/KB/SJ 28 January 2011

APPENDIX A

SPECIAL SERVICES REVISED CHARGES FROM 1 APRIL 2011

Current Revised Charge Charge £ £ OPERATIONAL 1. Personnel – charge per hour

Total personnel hours to be rounded up to the next hour 34.50 34.50 2. Vehicles

Number of hours for each vehicle to be rounded up to the next hour a. Pumping appliance 108.00 112.00 b. Aerials 227.50 230.00 c. Light portable pumps 35.50 37.00 Aquator, ejector, deep lifts 20.50 21.50 d. Vehicles (all classes) – training or 41.00 42.50 carrying 3. Equipment

Charge per day/part day (collection and return by hirer) a. Hose (per length) 12.50 13.00 b. Branch and nozzle 10.50 11.00 c. Salvage sheet 12.50 13.00 d. Lighting unit/generator 33.50 34.50 4. Testing/repairing equipment

a. Hose testing – per length 22.50 23.50 b. Hose repairs – per patch 12.50 13.00 c. Tying-in couplings – per pair 31.50 32.50 d. Recharge cylinders 22.50 23.50 5. Training – charge per hour

a. On-site 78.00 78.00 b. Off-site 82.00 82.00

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APPENDIX A (cont’d)

Current Revised Charge Charge £ £ NON-OPERATIONAL 6. Administrative

a. Copies of extracts of fire reports 44.50 46.00 b. Interviews with officers (per officer 106.50 106.50 per occasion) c. Photographs per Compact Disc Hard Copy 11.00 11.50 7. Maintenance of Fire Equipment

a. Fixed charge 11.30 11.80 b. Per item inspected 2.80 2.90 c. Hourly rate 26.50 26.50 d. Minimum charge 13.90 14.50

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APPENDIX B

CHARGES IN 2011/12 FOR INFORMATION

RE : DIVORCE CASE ENQUIRIES AND SETTLEMENTS

CURRENT SCHEME MEMBERS (Including Deferred Pensioners)

Current Revised Charge Charge Type of Information/Service requested £ £ One cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) in any 12 month period (provided to scheme member) Nil Nil Further CETV in any 12 month period 186.00 186.00 (charge is recoverable from scheme member) Pension Estimate/Projection Other information 93.00 93.00 (i.e. form E, letter from Solicitor or request from scheme member on behalf of Solicitor or Court) EARMARKING ORDER One off initial cost for setting up 65.50 65.50 (payable by - as decided by the Court Order, the payment should be enclosed when copy order sent to Finance Section) Payment of one off Lump Sum under the earmarking order - 65.50 65.50 over and above the set up costs. (payable by the scheme member, the payment should be enclosed when the copy order sent to Finance Section Periodic payments - over and above the set up cost 65.50 65.50

(payable by the scheme member as an annual deduction

taken from their pension in April each year) PENSION SHARING ORDER One off set up/administrative charge 927.50 927.50 (payable by - as decided by the Court Order or if not specified, by the Ex-Spouse of the scheme member, payment should be enclosed when copy Court Order sent to Finance Section)

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Agenda Item No.


Report by the Director of Operations Response & Community Protection

13

COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACTIVITIES:

OPERATIONS RESPONSE (INCIDENTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST)

SUMMARY 1. This report outlines details of incidents of special interest for the period September to

December. The performance of the Directorate in respect of incident statistics has been reported to the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee in line with the decision to report appropriately to the different committees of the Authority. Community Safety activity will be reported to the full authority, from time to time, on a ‘by exception’ basis.

RECOMMENDATION S 2. That Members note the contents of this report as a regular update of Incidents of

Special Interest. REPORT DETAIL 3. Response

3.1 Performance for the Directorate was reported to Audit, Performance and Scrutiny on 1 February 2011.

3.2 Incidents of Special Interest are included as Appendix 1 to this paper.

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY 4. The activities outlined above all contribute to the delivery of the strategic plan. FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS 5. None at this time. All activities are met within agreed budgets. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 6. None arising from this report EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS 7. None arising from this report CORPORATE RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS 8. All managed within the Risk and Opportunity Management process. HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 9. None.

87

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 10. None at this time. DETAILS OF CONSULTATION 11. For HFA information and discussion only BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 12. Appendices attached to this report: Appendix 1 – Incidents of Special Interest RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 13. That Members note the contents of this report as a regular update of Incidents of

Special Interest. .

D SANDERS Officer Contact: Dene Sanders 01482 567416 Director of Operations Response and Community Protection Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull HU4 7BB DS/KLF 3 February 2011

88

Appendix 1 INCIDENT: Special Service Rescue: Dock Basin, St Peter Street, Hull

One adult male aged 30

DATE AND TIME: 1455 hours 24 October 2010

INITIAL FIRE APPLIANCE ATTENDANCE: 4 Pumping appliances Rescue Support Unit

ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: None

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: N/A

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 5,4,5,4,2 and 3FDS = 23

NUMBER OF BREATHING APPARATUS SETS USED: None

TIME INCIDENT UNDER CONTROL: 1525 hours 24 October 2010

TIME OF RETURN OF LAST APPLIANCE: 1643 hours 24 October 2010

SMOKE ALARM: N/A

SUMMARY: The Fire Service were called to a male who had fallen into the mud in the Dock Basin. One mud pathway was secured to the steps leading to the dock and the other was dragged 10 metres to where the man was by two firemen in full water rescue body suits with personal flotation devices. The walkway was then dragged back to the fixed walkway and the man was escorted onto the steps and to the dockside. The casualty who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol was given a precautionary check on the scene by paramedics, but refused hospital treatment. There have been a number of similar incidents due to a public pathway without a barrier alongside the river. There is also accommodation which houses people with alcohol and drug dependency problems in close proximity.

89

INCIDENT: Large Fire: San Pietro, 11 High Street East, Scunthorpe.

Restaurant

DATE AND TIME: 1553 hours 23 November 2010

INITIAL FIRE APPLIANCE ATTENDANCE: 2 Pumping appliances

ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: 2 Pumping appliances Aerial Ladder Platform

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: 2 Hose Reel Jets 1 Main Jet

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 5,4,2,4,3 and 2FDS = 20

NUMBER OF BREATHING APPARATUS SETS USED: 4

TIME INCIDENT UNDER CONTROL: 1755 hours 23 November 2010

TIME OF RETURN OF LAST APPLIANCE: 1936 hours 23 November 2010

SMOKE ALARM: Fitted, operated and raised alarm

SUMMARY: Upon arrival the Officer in Charge found a severe fire in the kitchen area and smoke issuing from the roof. The Officer in Charge assessed the situation and due to the possibility of rapid fire spread into other areas of the building further appliances were requested. BA wearing teams entered the building to extinguish the fire and prevent spread. A high pressure hose reel was used externally to extinguish the fire in the roof area. The fire started in a utility/storage area which suffered severe fire damage. The fire was prevented from spreading to the rest of the kitchen and restaurant which suffered smoke and water damage only. The cause of the fire was recorded as accidental with the likely cause being a defect in a freezer or tumble dryer.

90

INCIDENT: Large Fire: Wendel, 10 Green Lane, Mill Lane, Skipsea.

Bungalow



ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: 3 Pumping appliances

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: 3 Hose Reel Jets 1 Main Jet

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 5, 6, 5, 5, 6 and 2 FDS = 27




SMOKE ALARM: Fitted and operated

SUMMARY: Before arrival the Officer in Charge could see a well developed fire and further appliances were requested. Upon arrival a bungalow completely engulfed in flames was discovered. The fire, which was being spread by strong winds, was initially tackled by two hose reel jets as due to heavy snow the fire hydrant could not initially be located. Persons were then reported as possibly being still inside the property, however as two BA wearers were preparing to enter, the occupants were discovered outside the property. Once the hydrant was found a main jet and high pressure hose reel jets were used to prevent further fire spread and extinguish the fire. The bungalow suffered 100% fire damage. The fire spread to two adjacent bungalows, one which suffered 80% fire damage and the other 25% smoke damage. Three casualties were given precautionary check ups on the scene by paramedics. The cause of the fire was accidental with the likely cause being an electrical fault in the distribution consumer unit.

91

INCIDENT: Fire Fatality: 9 Edward Street, Pocklington

End Terrace House One adult female aged 47

DATE AND TIME: 2131 hours 27 December 2010

INITIAL FIRE APPLIANCE ATTENDANCE: 2 Pumping Appliances

ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: N/A

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: 2 Hose Reel

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 6,5 and 1 FDS = 12


TIME INCIDENT UNDER CONTROL: 2257 hours 27 December 2010

TIME OF RETURN OF LAST APPLIANCE: 0242 hours 28 December 2010

SMOKE ALARM: Fitted but did not operate due to no battery present.

SUMMARY: Two appliances were mobilised to reports of smoke issuing from the house. Upon arrival the Officer in Charge was informed by a neighbour that there maybe persons inside the smoke logged property. Four BA wearers immediately entered the premises with a hose reel but unfortunately found the occupant fatally injured in the living room. The fire was extinguished using high pressure hose reels. The fire damage was limited to the settee and the surrounding area and the remainder of the living room was severely smoke damaged. As the living room doors were closed, this prevented spread and there was minimal smoke damage to the rest of the house. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed by the Coroner. The cause of the fire was recorded as accidental, caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials.

92

INCIDENT: Special Service Rescue: Alexandra Dock, Corporation Bridge,

Grimsby One adult male aged 30



ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: 1 Pumping appliance Equipment Support Unit

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: N/A

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 5,4,5,4,6,6 and 3FDS=33

NUMBER OF BREATHING APPARATUS SETS USED: N/A



SMOKE ALARM: N/A

SUMMARY: The Service was called to reports of a person in water. Upon arrival four personnel were immediately deployed into the water to search for the casualty who was believed to have dropped below the surface. The incident was split into two sectors with an inflatable hose deployed down stream across the dock and a watch further down stream maintained, should the casualty be swept along. A search was carried out covering 200m, assisted by both RNLI and docks personnel and for the majority of the incident four personnel were deployed in a rescue sled and inflatable boat. Close liaison took place between the Police Maritime Response Unit and HFRS in preparation for deployment. The search continued whilst awaiting the arrival of the Police diving team who unfortunately located a body at 0700 hrs.

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94

INCIDENT: Large Fire: The Old South Yorkshire Inn, Trentside, Keadby.

Public House



ADDITIONAL APPLIANCE MOBILISED: 2 Pumping appliances 1 Aerial Ladder Platform 1 Hydraulic Platform

METHOD OF EXTINCTION: 3 Main Jets 3 Hose Reel Jets

NUMBER OF PERSONNEL ATTENDING: 5,4,6,1,5 and 1FDS=22




SMOKE ALARM:

Fitted, operated and raised alarm

SUMMARY: Upon arrival the first floor accommodation area was heavily involved in fire. The Officer in Charge immediately requested further appliances. Initial fire fighting was carried out internally until the fire broke through the roof . The crews were then withdrawn and the fire was tackled externally utilising ladders and jets placed through gaps in the roof tiles. The ALP was also used to provide water onto the roof. The public bar area suffered minor water damage and a first floor bedroom, bathroom and roofing suffered fire damage. A Pumping appliance returned the following day to damp down smouldering roof timbers. Evacuations from the property took place before arrival and one casualty was given first aid at the scene. Initial indications are that the fire was started deliberately.

Agenda Item No.


Report by the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

14

YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE CONTROL CENTRE COMPANY

SUMMARY 1. Following the report to the Authority on 17 January 2011 in respect to the future of

the FiReControl project, the Yorkshire and Humberside Fire and Rescue Control Centre Company met on 20 January to consider winding up the company.

2. Members will recall from 2008 that significant work was undertaken to develop and

agree a shareholders agreement in order to protect the interests of Humberside in respect to the Company. Consequently, a number of key decisions require unanimous agreement, including a decision to voluntarily wind up the Company.

3. The Company, having met, is now seeking approval from all four regional Fire and

Rescue Services to formally wind up the Company (Appendix 1). RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Members are recommended to: (a) Consider this report;

(b) Resolve to agree to the winding up of the company on a voluntary solvent basis;

(c) Communicate this resolution back to the company.

BACKGROUND

5. Members will be aware that on 20 December 2010 the Fire Minister announced that

the FiReControl project would be closed down and that the implications for the company were that effectively it removed the very reason for the company’s existence and therefore required the company to consider ‘dissolution’.

6. At an urgent Board of Directors meeting called on 20 January 2011 the Board dealt

with the close down issues and their report is attached (Appendix 2). However, as the closure of the company is a ‘reserved matter’ under the Members Agreement entered into by the four regional FRAs and therefore ultimately a decision for the four FRAs in the region to take, the Board’s request for the company to close down and conclusion of its affairs is submitted to this Authority meeting for resolution.

7. The explanation of the matters to be dealt with are within the Board’s report attached

and need not be repeated here. However, the draft minutes showing the company resolutions are attached (Appendix 3) indicating the requirement now placed upon the Authority in its role as shareholder member under Board meeting Resolution 9.3.3 (see minutes).

8. As was anticipated, because the company was not trading nor had it taken on the

Lease of the RCC building, nor was it in debt, the Board has recommended to the FRAs that the company be wound up on a voluntary solvent basis and request that the FRA Members resolve to assent to this and confirm that in writing to the Company Secretary.

1

2

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY 9. Not directly relevant.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS

10. There are no direct financial implications arising.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 11. As reported.

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS 12. None arising.


13. None arising directly. Members have received a separate report in respect to the

future of Control at its meeting on 17 January 2011. A consultation period is underway and the implications arising will be considered and reported to Members.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 14. None arising.

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING

15. Provided Members agree the recommendations then the Company will be notified.

All staff have been kept informed throughout the project, particularly arising from the announcement in December 2010.

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION

16. Directors of YHFRCC.

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 17. None. RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 18. Members are recommended to: (a) Consider this report;

(b) Resolve to agree to the winding up of the company on a voluntary solvent basis;

(c) Communicate this resolution back to the company.

R GRAHAM Officer Contact: Robin Graham 01482 567443 Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull

RG/SJ 9 February 2011

Appendix 1

Yorkshire & Humberside

FiReControlOur ref: DC/F/038/006

Your ref: n/k

Date: 4 February 2011

This matter is being dealt with by: David Cutting DDL: 077349 72485 E: [email protected]

Robin Grah

Robin Graham / Michael Barnes / John Aston Y&H Regional Fire Authorities

By Email & Post

Dear Colleagues

RE: Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Fire & Rescue Control Centre Voluntary wind up – Reserved Matter – Members Agreement At the Board of Director’s meeting on 20th January the Board resolved to seek voluntary winding up of the YHRCC ltd. I have as company secretary been requested to approach the Members to put this to their FRAs at the next convenient meeting. You will be aware that winding up the company is a reserved matter under the Members Agreement and therefore requires the consent of the FRAs. I have circulated the draft minutes of the 9th Board of Directors meeting for your noting and have also circulated a copy of the SYFRA report by email for your assistance. I look forward to hearing from you once your Authority has resolved accordingly. Kind Regards

David Cutting Solicitor & Company Secretary

3

Appendix 2

REPORT TO: Y&H FIRE AND RESCUE CONTROL CENTRE LTD

DATE OF BOARD MEETING: 20 JANUARY 2011

REPORTING OFFICER: COMPANY SECRETARY

SUBJECT: TERMINATION OF THE FIRECONTROL PROJECT

AND COMPANY CONSIDERATIONS

1 INTRODUCTION & ISSUES

1.1 On 20 December 2010 the Fire Minister announced to Parliament that, following extensive discussion, Cassidian, the main FiReControl contractor, and the Department for Communities and Local Government had jointly decided that the requirements of the project could not be delivered to an acceptable timeframe. The contract would therefore be terminated with immediate effect and the FiReControl project closed down.

1.2 The implications for the company are that effectively it removes the very reason for the company’s existence and therefore requires the company to consider ‘dissolution’. This gives rise essentially to three areas of consideration as follows.

1.3

1.4

1.5

Firstly, the ministerial statement triggers the requirement to consider termination of the Regional Control Centre Director’s (“RCCDs”) employment. At its’ Board meeting on 5th February 2010 the company agreed to enter into a ‘termination agreement’ with the RCCD which would take effect “in the event that the Fire Control Project is terminated or the YHFRCC ceases to form part of the Fire Control Project”. This report will deal with the implications and effect of that agreement below.

Secondly, there are company legal considerations which need to be dealt with should the company be voluntarily ‘struck off’ the company register and dissolved. The company is not in debt and hence not subject to being put into administration and ‘wound down’ either by court order or application by an administrator following a creditor’s request due to potential or actual insolvency. Dissolution or ‘voluntary striking off’ is a voluntary action. This and the surrounding options are dealt with below.

Thirdly, consideration must be given to financial, accounting and audit issues relating to closure of the company.

5

6

2 REGIONAL CONTROL CENTRE DIRECTOR TERMINATION

2.1 In order to ensure that company complies with its’ obligations under the Termination Agreement, advice was sought by the company secretary from Ward Hadaway solicitors the company’s employment lawyers.

2.2 The advice given was that the termination agreement payment, paid out of CLG funding to the company, is in full and final settlement of all payments and notice save for any accrued but unpaid salary, accrued but untaken holiday; or outstanding expense claims. The Termination payment includes all notice payment and covers the full redundancy entitlement of the RCCD and will be accompanied by a Compromise Agreement with reference concluding all employment elements.

2.3 There is no meaningful or gainful employment for the RCCD at the Regional Control Centre and by the date of this Board meeting all RCC closure tasks will have been completed and accordingly the termination can take immediate effect upon the resolution of the Board. Any outstanding actions otherwise having fallen to the RCCD to discharge can be delegated to the company Secretary and company Financial Officer.

3 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1

3.2

As mentioned above, the company is not in danger of insolvent trading as it has no debts and its’ reserves cover all its’ closing liabilities. In that case there is no need to seek voluntary administration or for a creditor to seek to have the company put into administration. More importantly, the Directors are not in danger of unlawfully condoning trading whilst insolvent, which would be a criminal offence.

In order to close down the company the company Secretary must submit the appropriate form to companies house stating that the company has not:

traded or otherwise carried on business; changed its name; disposed for value of property or rights that, immediately before

ceasing to be in business or trade, it held for disposal or gain in the normal course of that business or trade; or

engaged in any other activity except one necessary or expedient for making a striking-off application, settling the company’s affairs or meeting a statutory requirement. A company can, however, apply if it has settled trading or business debts in the previous three month

3.3 Alternatively the company could become a ‘dormant’ company. This would involve cessation of trade and annual submission of abbreviated accounts to Companies House and a director’s accounts report to Shareholder Members. The cost of this has been estimated by the company’s accountants as being around £150 per annum.

3.4 Under the Members Agreement and the ‘Reserved Matters’ the winding up of the company is something requiring the written consent of the FRA Members. Accordingly what the Board needs to resolve is that they recommend to the FRAs that the company be wound up on a voluntary solvent basis and request that the FRA Members resolve to assent to this and confirm that in writing.

7

3.5

If the Board is minded to recommend that the FRAs resolve that the company be wound up on a voluntary solvent basis then in view of the CLG consultation on the cessation of the FireControl project it would be prudent to extend the three months required under the process outlined in 3.2 above to six months – ending in July 2011. This would allow not only for all the companies house legal requirements to be comfortably met but also for any implications of the consultation to be fully reported to the Board at its final meeting. There is no known disadvantage or obstacle to doing this.

4 FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

Financial Resources

The table attached as Appendix 1 provides a summary of the estimated assets and liabilities of the company at the present time. The table shows total assets in the form of access to government grant of £707,788 for the current financial year and estimated liabilities of £544,500 leaving a balance of grant of £163,200. The company is therefore not in a position of trading whilst insolvent.

The estimated liabilities include the cost of severance for the RCCD along with the payment of notice for the secondees to the company. We have provisionally notified the WYPF that the company will cease trading and will confirm following the resolution of the board of directors when it will cease to be a ‘resolution body’ admitted into the Local Government Pension Scheme. I have asked the fund to calculate any residual liability which may be outstanding as a result of the deferred pension and we will set aside grant to meet this liability.

The government have indicated that they will expect any balance of grant to be repaid.

Bank Account

The Board approved the appointment of the Cooperative Bank as the company’s bankers. This bank account has never been activated with all transactions being managed through the accounts of West Yorkshire F.R.A. The bank have been informed that the accounts will not now be activated and therefore no further action will be required.

VAT

All VAT liabilities of the company have been dealt with through West Yorkshire FRA. Provision has been included in the forecast of any future VAT Liability.

Income Tax and Corporation Tax

All income tax liabilities of the employees of the company have been deducted at source and paid to the inland revenue by West Yorkshire FRA.

In terms of corporation tax the company had no liability in its first 12months trading and will incur no liability in this financial year.

8

4.5 Auditors

The company appointed Brown Butler Chartered Accountants of Leeds as its Auditors. The Company Finance Officer has discussed the proposed method of closedown with the Auditors who recommended ‘voluntary strike off’ as the most appropriate and cost effective way to close the company. The Auditors will prepare the final statement of accounts at the end of the financial year and provision for the cost of this is included within the estimated liabilities of the company.

5 RECOMMENDATION

5.1

To recommend the following resolution be approved that:

5.1.1 The RCCD’s employment be terminated immediately and that the company Secretary and company Finance Officer be authorised to conclude the arrangements.

5.1.2. That the company Secretary and company Finance Officer be jointly delegated the RCCD’s delegated authority regarding company affairs.

5.1.3. The company be wound up and that the company Secretary write to Member FRAs requesting their written consent to close the company on a voluntary solvent basis in accordance with the Members Agreement.

5.1.3. The company apply to be voluntarily struck off after 6 months of non-trading and that the company Secretary and company Finance Officer put in hand all necessary documentation and report to a final Board of Directors meeting.

5.1.4 That the Board note the financial position regarding close down of accounts.

6 ACTION REQUIRED

To consider the recommendations in 5.1

David Cutting Company Secretary

Geoff Maren Company Finance Officer

9

(Rpt 1 Appendix 1)

Yorkshire and Humber Regional Control Centre

Summary of assets and liabilities

FL 1000

LACC

Grant b/fwd -

£253,777.36

Income received -

£432,184.84

Grant due January -£21,826.00

Total income -

£707,788.20

Expenditure to date £261,813.00

Commitments :

December £50,500.00

January £206,200.00

February £15,900.00

March £10,200.00

Total expenditure and commitments £544,613.00

Balance of available funding -

£163,175.20

11

Appendix 3

Yorkshire & Humberside Fire and Rescue Control Centre Limited

DRAFT MINUTE

9th Board Meeting held on 20th January 2011 at 10:00 in the Meeting Room, Yorkshire

& Humberside FiRe Control, 4 Redhall Crescent, Paragon Business Village, Wakefield,

WF1 2UF

No. Item Comments /Actions

Start – 10.08 am

9.1 i) Notices & Announcements

The company Finance Officer circulated a briefing note regarding the CLG consultation

issued on 14th January 2011 to appraise the Board regarding any impact on the business

before it today. The Board were informed that the consultation document put the

responsibility to consult on FRAs and not on the LACC and therefore there was nothing

within the consultation requiring the LACC to continue.

ii) Declarations of Interest (standing item of each Director

as FRA Elected Member). David Cutting

(DC)

iii) Minutes & Actions

(BoD No 8) The minutes were noted, approved and signed off by the

Chairman.

9.2 Apologies / Alternates DC

Apologies were received from Colin Ross and Paul Lakin and no substitutes

had been notified.

9.3 Report 1 – Termination of the FireControl Project DC / Geoff Maren

and Company Considerations

The company secretary referred firstly to the RCCD Termination and then the company

close down process required by law. Questions were raised regarding logistics and the

required company winding up process was explained to the Board. It was agreed that final

Board meeting would be convened nearer July. The company Finance Officer informed the

Board that the company’s Auditors have stated in writing that the company will not be at risk

of trading insolvently and outlined the close down finance position demonstrating a clearly

solvent position.

12

Resolved:

9.3.1 The RCCD’s employment be terminated immediately and that the company Secretary and company Finance Officer be authorised to conclude the arrangements.

9.3.2. That the company Secretary and company Finance Officer be jointly delegated the RCCD’s delegated authority regarding company affairs.

9.3.3. The company be wound up and that the company Secretary write to Member FRAs requesting their written consent to close the company on a voluntary solvent basis in accordance with the Members Agreement.

9.3.4. The company apply to be voluntarily struck off after 6 months of non-trading and that the company Secretary and company Finance Officer put in hand all necessary documentation and report to a final Board of Directors meeting.

9.3.5. That the Board note the financial position regarding close down of accounts.

9.4 AOB – next Board meeting (June / July 2011) DC / GM

i) Suggested to add the next Board meeting to next regional Chairs and Chief’s meeting in

July? It should be possible to hold the next meeting after the local elections & FRA

appointments (May & June).

ii) The CLG grant money is held at WYFRA as s.32 grant money and it is believed that there

is no (legal) provision to claw it back.

iii) Some of the grant money is set aside for any future pensions liabilities, however, what

other uses it may be applied for is not known at this stage.

CLOSE 10.29 am – The Board addressed RCCD after the Board meeting and the Board’s gratitude was expressed.

Attendees – Directors / Elected Member Representatives: Philip Booth, Andrea McKenna, David Ridgway, Bryan Smith, Brian Jeffries, Peter Turner, Ken King, John Fort, Jim Andrews, Company Secretary, Company Finance Officer

Observers – CFO Simon Pilling, Michael Barnes, Peter Hudson, AM Neil Hessell, CFO Nigel Hutchinson, DCFO Chris Anderson, CFO Frank Duffield.

David Cutting, Company Secretary, January 2010

Signed ...................................................................................................... Chairman

Agenda Item No.


Report by the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration

15

ABOLITION OF STANDARDS, RELATED ISSUES AND THIRD REVIEW OF

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE SUMMARY 1. Members received a report at the Authority meeting on 14 December 2010, in

respect to the Localism Bill and the abolition of the Standards regime. At the time of writing that report the anticipated Bill had not been published. The Bill published on 13 December 2010 reflects the announcement made by CLG in early December 2010. Subsequently, the Governance and Standards Committee met on 18 January 2011 and received an update from the Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration.

2. One of the issues flowing from the CLG announcement and the Bill is that the

Authority was about to commence the process of recruiting an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards with the retirement of the Chair of that Committee at the end of April 2011. The issue was highlighted in the report to the Authority in December and further discussed at the Governance and Standards Committee in January. This report provides an update to Members with a revised recommendation.

3. In addition, the report highlights some general discussions, particularly at the

Governance and Standards Committee and the need to capture issues for a third review of corporate governance (as previously reported).

RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Members are asked to:

(a) Consider this report; (b) Approve an extension to the current term of office of Mrs J Clarke for a period

of at least six months, to be reviewed further at the June meeting of the Authority;

(c) Agree that the Third Review of Corporate Governance takes place during

Autumn 2011. ABOLITION OF STANDARDS

5. Members received a report at its December meeting concerning the abolition of the

Standards regime, confirmed by CLG in early December 2010, with proposed transitional arrangements outlined.

6. The Localism Bill published on 13 December 2010, amongst other things, sets out

the abolition of the current Standards regime. The need for Members to continue to disclose and register interests will remain, but there will no longer be a national Code of Conduct or a Standards regime in support. As such, Authorities will on the face of it be given discretion as to whether to have a Code of Conduct and consequently any arrangements to investigate any relevant complaints. As such, Standards type Committees may continue, but with more limited roles (and certainly no statutory

95

role). The interface with the Local Government Ombudsman Service will need to be clarified. Failure to disclose Member interests is intended to become a criminal offence.

7. For the time being, Members are asked to note the Localism Bill. The views of the

Monitoring Officer are highlighted in the draft minutes of the Governance and Standards Committee.

8. There are two clearly linked issues arising from the Bill. Firstly, on the need for the

Third Review of Corporate Governance to capture the Standards structure going forward. Secondly, rather than proceeding with an appointment of an Independent Member of the Governance and Standards Committee at this time (as previously approved), it would be preferable to wait until the Bill is progressed in tandem with the review of corporate governance. To that end, the Governance and Standards Committee has proposed that the complement of 4 Independent Members of that Committee is maintained for the time being, with the current term of office of Mrs. Clarke being extended in these exceptional circumstances for at least 6 months, with a further review at the June meeting of the Authority.

THIRD REVIEW OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

9. The focus and timing of the Third Review of Corporate Governance has been the subject of previous discussion at the Authority and more recently at the Governance and Standards Committee on 18 January 2011. Members will note from the draft minutes of that meeting, the Committee have suggested that the Authority agree to the timing of that review. With a new Authority to be nominated in May 2011, it would seem that the third review should take place during September and October 2011, which would give sufficient time for any substantial changes to be made in the Constitution, structure or otherwise in readiness for 2012. Depending upon the degree of changes in the membership of the Authority, it may be possible to commence the review in June/July 2011.

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY 10. The refreshed Strategic Plan 2008-11 approved by the Fire Authority includes

corporate governance as a key enabler.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS 11. None arising directly.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 12. None arising directly.

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS 13. None arising.


14. None arising directly from this report.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 15. None arising directly. COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 16. Dependent upon the review process to be adopted.

96

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION

17. None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS

18. None.

RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 19. Members are asked to:

(a) Consider this report; (b) Approve an extension to the current term of office of Mrs J Clarke for a period

of at least six months, to be reviewed further at the June meeting of the Authority;

(c) Agree that the Third Review of Corporate Governance takes place during

Autumn 2011.

R GRAHAM Officer Contact: Robin Graham 01482 567443 Secretary/Director of Corporate Administration Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull RG/SJ 4 February 2011

97

Agenda Item No.

Humberside Fire Authority

14 February 2011

Report by the Secretary and Director of Corporate Administration

16

CORPORATE RISK/OPPORTUNITY MANAGEMENT

SUMMARY 1. Members will find attached at Appendix 1, Edition 6 of the Corporate Risk Register. 2. Members will see attached at Appendix 2 a summary report to assist Members

identify the most significant changes in the Corporate Risk Register with the adoption of Edition 6. The Action Plans, in support of Edition 5, can be found at www.humbersidefire.gov.uk under Fire Authority documents and then clicking on ‘Corporate Risk Management’. Members will be able to click between the Action Plan and the Corporate Risk Register. Should Members wish to receive hard copies of some or all of the Plans, then this can be easily arranged.

3. Members are asked to review the Corporate Risk Register and to provide an

assurance that Members consider that the Register properly reflects the key issues facing the Authority. In addition, through the Committee structure (particularly the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee), Members should be satisfied that the Action Plans are effective and appropriate steps are being taken to further embed and resource corporate risk management.

4. Members are also asked to use the Corporate Risk Register as a tool to drive (in

part) the agenda and discussions at the Fire Authority meetings.

RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Members are asked to consider the Corporate Risk Register and provide an

assurance as to progress in the effective use of risk management. UPDATE 6. The Corporate Risk Register is received and considered at each meeting of the three

Committees of the Fire Authority (Policy and Executive, Audit, Performance and Scrutiny, and Governance and Standards).

7. The Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee has a particular role to play in

reviewing the effectiveness of risk management. The Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee receive all the Directorate Risk Registers, together with the minutes from the ART (the Active Risk Team). There are three Member Champions in respect to risk management (Councillors Fudge, Jefferies and Swinburn).

8. Members are asked to take a broad assurance from progress made under the ROM

Action Plan 2010/11 considered by the Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee. In addition, further assurance can be taken from the role of the Active Risk Team and the reporting of ROM.

9. Members can take assurance from the 2009 Internal Review of Corporate

Governance, which includes risk management, which gave a substantial assurance.

99

http://www.humbersidefire.gov.uk/

100

STRATEGIC PLAN COMPATIBILITY 10. Proposal 16 of the Strategic Plan (further embedding corporate risk management)

was approved by the Fire Authority on 11 April 2008.

FINANCIAL/RESOURCES/VALUE FOR MONEY IMPLICATIONS 11. None arising directly.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

12. None arising directly. The processes underpinning corporate risk management

provide a more robust means to identify and manage legal and regulatory risks. EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT/HR IMPLICATIONS

13. None arising directly.


14. This report supports the embedding of ROM as part of the 2010/11 Action Plan.

HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS

15. None arising directly.

COMMUNICATION ACTIONS ARISING 16. Sharepoint (the HFRS intranet) contains a specific section housing corporate risk

management. All the Risk Registers are available for all staff to view, including the Corporate Risk Register. DETAILS OF CONSULTATION

17. None.

BACKGROUND PAPERS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS 18. Previous reports to Audit, Performance and Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Risk/

Opportunity Management) respectively. RECOMMENDATIONS RESTATED 19. Members are asked to consider the Corporate Risk Register and provide an

assurance as to progress in the effective use of risk management.

R GRAHAM

Officer Contact: Robin Graham 01482 567443 Secretary and Director of Corporate Administration Humberside Fire & Rescue Service Summergroves Way Kingston upon Hull RG/SJ 3 February 2011

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lan/

IRM

P 2

010-

14 c

ausi

ng in

crea

sed

risk

and

wor

kloa

d.

N

o st

rate

gic

over

view

of

rela

tions

hip

or in

ter

depe

nden

cies

of S

trat

egic

P

roje

cts.

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

01

00

Qu

art

erl

y R

evi

ew

Risk

Act

ion

Pla

n

103


CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

010/

11

E

DIT

ION

NO

. 6/

SM

T 2

9 N

OV

EM

BE

R 2

010.

N

EX

T F

OR

MA

L R

EV

IEW

FE

BR

UA

RY

201

1

PA

RT

1

R

isk

Rat

ing


R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

Risk Owner

Like

ly o

utco

mes

–

cons

eque

nces

Like

lihoo

d

Impa

ct

Ris

k T

rack

ing

Ris

k A

ctio

n P

lan

(Man

agem

ent

and

miti

gatio

n)


5 8

C

lick

fo

r R

isk

His

tory

B

4 C

021

Ser

vice

arr

ange

men

ts fo

r th

e m

anag

emen

t of o

pera

tiona

l ris

k in

form

atio

n ar

e cu

rren

tly n

ot

suffi

cien

tly jo

ined

up,

em

bedd

ed o

r de

velo

ped

in li

ne

with

nat

iona

l gui

danc

e

RH

F

ail t

o pr

ovid

e ac

cura

te,

rele

vant

& ti

mel

y ris

k in

form

atio

n.

F

ailu

re to

effe

ctiv

ely

com

mun

icat

e cr

itica

l ris

k in

form

atio

n in

tern

ally

Ris

k to

fir

efig

hter

/com

mun

ity

safe

ty

Im

pact

on

Ope

ratio

nal

perf

orm

ance

.

HS

E c

halle

nge

R

isk

of C

orpo

rate

M

ansl

augh

ter

Impa

ct o

n S

ervi

ce

repu

tatio

n

0102030405060708090100

Qu

arte

rly

Rev

iew

Risk

C

lick

for

Act

ion

Pla

n

104



CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

010/

11

E

DIT

ION

NO

. 6/

SM

T 2

9 N

OV

EM

BE

R 2

010.

N

EX

T F

OR

MA

L R

EV

IEW

FE

BR

UA

RY

201

1

PA

RT

1

R

isk

Rat

ing


R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

Risk Owner

Like

ly o

utco

mes

–

cons

eque

nces

Like

lihoo

d

Impa

ct

Ris

k T

rack

ing

Ris

k A

ctio

n P

lan

(Man

agem

ent

and

miti

gatio

n)


3 8

C

lick

for

Ris

k H

isto

ry

B

5 C

019

To

mee

t the

cha

lleng

e of

pr

ovid

ing

an e

ffect

ive

Ser

vice

w

ide

IT fu

nctio

n, w

hich

als

o m

eets

the

reco

mm

enda

tions

in

resp

ect t

o IT

sec

urity

.

KW

A

chie

ve D

irect

orat

e P

lan

obje

ctiv

es

M

eet a

gree

d IT

PIs

Aud

it re

com

men

datio

ns

met

IT s

trat

egy

deliv

ered

Aw

aren

ess

and

unde

rsta

ndin

g of

IT s

ervi

ce

incr

ease

d

IT r

esou

rces

dep

loye

d ag

ains

t agr

eed

IT p

riorit

ies

C

ompl

y w

ith N

atio

nal a

nd

Reg

iona

l arr

ange

men

ts fo

r P

rote

ctiv

e S

ecur

ity

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

01

00

Qu

art

erl

y R

evi

ew

Risk

C

lick

for

Act

ion

Pla

n

3

7

Clic

k fo

r

Ris

k H

isto

ry

B

6 C

018

Ens

ure

equa

lity

and

dive

rsity

is

embe

dded

acr

oss

the

orga

nisa

tion.

Dem

onst

ratin

g po

sitiv

e be

havi

ours

and

at

titud

es.

Bui

ldin

g on

the

Cor

e V

alue

s of

the

serv

ice.

DS

Red

ucin

g bu

llyin

g an

d ha

rass

men

t

Bet

ter

prot

ect t

he s

ervi

ce

agai

nst l

egal

cha

lleng

e

Cor

e V

alue

s em

bedd

ed

with

in th

e or

gani

satio

n

Ann

ual r

evie

w o

f pay

and

be

nefit

s to

ens

ure

equa

lity

for

all e

mpl

oyee

s

All

empl

oyee

s ha

ve

incr

ease

d sk

ills

and

conf

i- de

nce

to d

eal e

ffect

ivel

y w

ith d

iver

sity

issu

es.

01020

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100 Q

ua

rte

rly

Re

vie

w

C

lick

fo

r A

ctio

n P

lan

105





CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

2

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EM

OV

ED

FR

OM

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

RE

GIS

TE

R

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

easo

n w

hy r

emov

ed

Loca

l Gov

ernm

ent F

inan

ce S

ettle

men

t (C

SR

07)

is s

igni

fican

tly b

elow

that

pla

nned

fo

r.

Kev

in

Wil

son

T

he C

SR

po

sitio

n fo

r 20

07 is

now

kno

wn.

The

bud

get f

or 2

008/

9 ha

s be

en a

ppro

ved

and

Pre

cept

set

by

the

Fire

Aut

horit

y.

Pro

pose

d ch

ange

s to

em

erge

ncy

cove

r an

d th

e di

spos

ition

of

reso

urce

s (a

s in

form

ed b

y F

SE

C r

isk

mod

ellin

g) p

rovi

de

the

oppo

rtun

ity fo

r a

mo

re e

ffect

ive

and

effic

ient

ser

vice

to o

ur c

omm

uniti

es.

CF

O

Du

ffie

ld

The

HF

A a

t its

mee

ting

on 2

5 Ju

ly 2

008

dete

rmin

ed th

e re

sour

ce d

ispo

sitio

n pr

opos

als.

106

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

2

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EM

OV

ED

FR

OM

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

RE

GIS

TE

R

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

easo

n w

hy r

emov

ed

The

res

olut

ions

of t

he H

FA

on

11 A

pril

and

25 J

uly

2008

req

uire

man

agem

ent,

co-

ordi

natio

n an

d im

plem

ent

atio

n

AC

O

Han

nig

an

The

res

olut

ion

has

been

impl

emen

ted

in r

espe

ct to

Sle

dmer

e. T

he r

esol

utio

ns in

re

spec

t to

Goo

le h

ave

prog

ress

ed c

onsi

dera

bly

and

bein

g de

alt

with

at

Dire

ctor

ate

leve

l.

To

incr

ease

our

sta

ndin

g an

d re

puta

tion

as

an e

ffect

ive

and

exce

llent

FR

A in

the

regi

on,

sub

regi

on a

nd n

atio

nally

and

m

axim

ise

bene

fits

acco

rdin

gly.

CF

O D

uff

ield

A

new

ris

k ha

s be

en e

stab

lishe

d (r

ated

red

– n

umbe

r 1)

, whi

ch s

ubsu

mes

muc

h of

this

ris

k/op

port

unity

.

107

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

2

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EM

OV

ED

FR

OM

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

RE

GIS

TE

R

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

easo

n w

hy r

emov

ed

The

Aud

it C

omm

issi

on D

irect

ion

of T

rave

l A

sses

smen

t 200

8 pr

esen

ts a

cha

lleng

e to

C

MT

and

the

Fire

Aut

horit

y to

cla

rify

corp

orat

e pr

iorit

ies,

alig

n re

sour

ces

acco

rdin

gly

and

dem

onst

rate

cle

arer

ou

tcom

es to

our

com

mu

nitie

s. T

he A

udit

Ass

essm

ent r

egim

e fo

r 20

09 c

ompr

isin

g D

irect

ion

of T

rave

l, U

oR,

Ope

ratio

nal

Ass

essm

ent a

nd C

AA

will

be

mor

e ch

alle

ngin

g to

the

Aut

horit

y, e

spec

ially

if it

is

to im

prov

e at

a fa

ster

rat

e an

d be

re

gard

ed a

s an

ove

rall

good

Fire

Aut

horit

y.

In a

dditi

on, t

he A

udit

Com

mis

sion

‘Ris

ing

to th

e C

halle

nge’

add

s fu

rthe

r to

this

ch

alle

nge

for

HF

RS

.

Ch

ief

Fir

e O

ffic

er/

Ch

ief

Exe

cuti

ve

Thi

s ris

k re

mai

ns, b

ut is

now

ref

lect

ed in

2 n

ew ‘R

ed’ r

isks

, i.e

. the

ris

k ha

s be

en

sepa

rate

d in

to t

wo

area

s of

foc

us.

The

impl

emen

tatio

n of

the

CP

U

real

ignm

ent p

roje

ct p

rovi

des

an

oppo

rtun

ity to

max

imis

e ef

ficie

ncy,

ef

fect

iven

ess

and

deliv

er fi

t for

pur

pose

st

ruct

ures

AC

O

Han

nig

an

The

con

sequ

ence

s of

this

opp

ortu

nity

hav

e be

en r

ealis

ed a

t Cor

pora

te le

vel,

furt

her

enha

ncem

ent

will

tak

e pl

ace

at D

irect

orat

e le

vel.

108

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

2

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EM

OV

ED

FR

OM

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

RE

GIS

TE

R

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

easo

n w

hy r

emov

ed

The

Aut

horit

y’s

Bus

ines

s C

ontin

uity

ar

rang

emen

ts a

re n

ot s

uffic

ient

ly t

este

d to

gi

ve c

onfid

ence

reg

ardi

ng th

eir

robu

stne

ss.

DC

O K

hu

ri

Thi

s ris

k ha

s be

en a

mal

gam

ated

with

a n

ew R

isk

C00

3 co

ncer

ning

bus

ines

s co

ntin

uity

on

6 J

uly

2009

.

Fai

lure

to im

prov

e pe

rfor

man

ce a

t an

acce

ptab

le r

ate.

C

hie

f F

ire

Off

icer

/Ch

ief

Exe

cuti

ve

The

ris

k em

erge

d fr

om th

e 20

07/0

8 D

irect

ion

of T

rave

l Aud

it. T

he A

udit

Com

mis

sion

O

rgan

isat

iona

l Ass

essm

ent 2

009

is m

ore

posi

tive

in r

espe

ct to

per

form

ance

. T

he

chal

leng

e ah

ead

2011

-14

form

s pa

rt o

f a n

ew c

orpo

rate

ris

k/op

port

unity

.

Fai

lure

to a

ddre

ss a

lack

of c

larit

y in

co

rpor

ate

prio

ritie

s.

Ch

ief

Fir

e O

ffic

er/C

hie

f E

xecu

tive

The

Str

ateg

ic P

lan

2008

-11

has

been

hea

vily

rev

ised

and

app

rove

d in

Jun

e 20

09.

The

Aud

it C

omm

issi

on A

sses

smen

t ref

ers

to c

lear

er p

riorit

ies

acco

rdin

gly.

The

ran

ge a

nd n

umbe

r of

act

ive

maj

or

wor

k st

ream

s an

d pr

ojec

ts p

lace

an

exce

ssiv

e de

man

d on

cur

rent

or

gani

satio

nal c

apac

ity.

Ch

ief

Fir

e O

ffic

er/C

hie

f E

xecu

tive

Thi

s ris

k is

now

con

solid

ated

into

a n

ew r

isk/

oppo

rtun

ity a

nd p

roje

ct m

anag

emen

t and

al

so t

he n

ew S

trat

egic

Pla

n 20

11-1

4. I

n ad

ditio

n th

e fu

ndam

enta

l rev

iew

of

supp

ort

serv

ices

is p

art

of t

he m

itiga

tion

actio

n.

109

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

2

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EM

OV

ED

FR

OM

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

RE

GIS

TE

R

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

easo

n w

hy r

emov

ed

The

Fun

dam

enta

l Rev

iew

of S

uppo

rt

Ser

vice

s pr

ovid

es a

n op

port

unity

to e

nsur

e th

at f

it fo

r pu

rpos

e su

ppor

t st

ruct

ures

are

in

plac

e du

ring

2009

/10.

(C

006)

Ch

ief

Fir

e O

ffic

er/C

hie

f E

xecu

tive

The

Fun

dam

enta

l Rev

iew

of S

uppo

rt S

ervi

ces

as a

ppro

ved

by th

e A

utho

rity

in

Dec

embe

r 2

009

has

now

bee

n im

plem

ente

d.

The

futu

re d

eliv

ery

of s

uppo

rt s

ervi

ces

is r

efle

cted

in n

ew R

isk/

Opp

ortu

nity

ref

eren

ce C

022.

The

em

ergi

ng S

trat

egic

Pla

n fo

r 20

11/1

4 in

clud

es c

olla

bora

tion/

shar

ed s

ervi

ces

rese

arch

whi

ch p

rese

nts

oppo

rtun

ities

and

ris

ks in

pro

vidi

ng s

uppo

rt s

ervi

ces

in te

rms

of e

ffici

ency

, eco

nom

y a

nd e

ffect

iven

ess.

(C

022)

Ch

ief

Fir

e O

ffic

er/C

hie

f E

xecu

tive

Thi

s ris

k is

par

t of R

isk

C01

7, a

nd a

s th

e m

anag

emen

t and

miti

gatio

n of

C01

7 ha

s de

velo

ped

the

actio

ns r

equi

red

to d

eal w

ith th

e op

port

unity

for

colla

bora

tion

and

shar

ed s

ervi

ces

are

capt

ured

with

in th

e ac

tion

plan

for

C01

7. T

he fa

ct th

at

colla

bora

tion

and

shar

ed s

ervi

ces

now

feat

ure

with

in th

e dr

aft S

trat

egic

Pla

n is

as

a re

sult

of th

is o

ppor

tuni

ty b

eing

iden

tifie

d an

d fu

rthe

r w

ork

is n

ow e

mbe

dded

with

in

Ris

k C

017

(The

dev

elop

men

t of a

new

Str

ateg

ic P

lan

and

IRM

P 2

011-

14).

110

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

Fai

lure

to e

ngag

e in

a ti

mel

y an

d ef

ficie

nt

man

ner

with

con

stitu

ent l

ocal

aut

horit

ies

& k

ey

part

ner

agen

cies

AC

O

Han

nig

an

Com

mun

ity P

rote

ctio

n R

efer

red

to D

irect

or o

f Com

mun

ity P

rote

ctio

n -

13th F

eb

2008

Ris

k cr

itica

l, op

erat

iona

l pol

icie

s &

pro

cedu

res

are

not r

obus

tly e

mbe

dded

and

test

ed.

AC

O

Han

nig

an

Com

mun

ity P

rote

ctio

n

The

Ope

ratio

nal s

elf a

sses

smen

t whi

ch h

as in

clud

ed p

eer

chal

leng

e ha

s co

nclu

ded

posi

tivel

y. T

he n

eed

to

cont

inua

lly e

mbe

d an

d te

st th

e re

leva

nt p

olic

ies

and

proc

edur

es s

houl

d be

man

aged

at a

ll D

irect

orat

e le

vels

, pa

rtic

ular

ly C

omm

unity

Pro

tect

ion.

111

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

The

Aut

horit

y’s

reve

nue

and

capi

tal p

lann

ing

proc

esse

s ar

e no

t sub

ject

to r

obus

t for

war

d pl

anni

ng, e

valu

atio

n an

d

chal

leng

e.

Kev

in W

ilso

n

Fin

ance

T

he p

roce

sses

are

fully

alig

ned.

Evi

denc

ed th

roug

h au

dit

and

owne

d by

Dire

ctor

ates

.

Ens

ure

that

org

anis

atio

nal c

ore

valu

es in

re

spec

t of e

qual

ity a

nd d

iver

sity

pol

icie

s an

d pr

inci

ples

are

em

bedd

ed in

the

Ser

vice

and

are

co

nsis

tent

ly d

emon

stra

ted,

mea

sure

d an

d ad

dres

sed

thro

ugh

the

attit

udes

and

be

havi

ours

of a

ll em

ploy

ees

AC

O S

and

ers

Per

sona

l and

Org

anis

atio

nal

Dev

elop

me

nt

A n

ew r

isk

has

been

form

ulat

ed a

roun

d eq

ualit

y w

ithin

the

Cor

pora

te R

isk

Reg

iste

r.

112

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

The

nee

d to

effe

ctiv

ely

revi

ew, a

ppra

ise

and

co-o

rdin

ate

a nu

mbe

r of

crit

ical

rel

ated

pr

ojec

ts, i

nclu

ding

Clo

ugh

Roa

d, B

roug

h, H

ull

City

Cen

tre

pres

ence

and

an

appr

aisa

l of t

he

curr

ent w

orks

hops

Kev

in W

ilso

n

Fin

ance

T

he n

eed

to c

o-or

dina

te p

roje

cts

is c

onta

ined

in a

new

br

oade

r co

rpor

ate

role

. T

he E

stat

es p

roje

ct fa

lls u

nder

the

Dire

ctor

to p

rogr

ess.

A P

erfo

rman

ce M

anag

emen

t cul

ture

is n

ot

cons

iste

ntly

and

str

ongl

y em

bedd

ed in

all

orga

nisa

tion

and

man

agem

ent t

iers

. (C

O12

)

DC

O K

hu

ri

Pol

icy

and

Per

form

ance

P

erfo

rman

ce m

anag

emen

t is

embe

dded

into

day

-to-

day

proc

esse

s, a

lthou

gh th

is w

ill c

ontin

ue to

be

revi

ewed

by

Pol

icy

and

Per

form

ance

.

113

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

The

rev

iew

of C

orpo

rate

Gov

erna

nce

arra

ngem

ents

pro

vide

an

oppo

rtun

ity to

en

hanc

e th

e A

utho

rity’

s pe

rfor

man

ce, d

ecis

ion

mak

ing

capa

city

, eng

agem

ent a

nd

com

mun

icat

ions

in p

aral

lel w

ith a

str

ong

ethi

cal

fram

ewor

k.

(CO

15)

Ro

bin

Gra

ham

C

orpo

rate

Adm

inis

trat

ion

A s

econ

d re

view

of C

orpo

rate

Gov

erna

nce

has

take

n pl

ace

and

the

Inte

rnal

Aud

it of

Cor

pora

te G

over

nanc

e pr

ovid

ed a

ssur

ance

as

to a

rran

gem

ents

in p

lace

.

The

Aut

horit

y’s

Cor

pora

te R

isk

Man

agem

ent

proc

esse

s ar

e no

t con

sist

ently

and

rob

ustly

em

bedd

ed in

all

orga

nisa

tion

and

man

agem

ent

tiers

. (C

O13

)

Ro

bin

Gra

ham

C

orpo

rate

Adm

inis

trat

ion

The

Inte

rnal

Aud

it of

Cor

pora

te G

over

nanc

e pr

ovid

es

assu

ranc

e as

to th

e ef

fect

iven

ess

of R

OM

. C

orpo

rate

A

dmin

istr

atio

n w

ill c

ontin

ue to

rev

iew

taki

ng in

to a

ccou

nt

resu

lts o

f CIP

FA

ben

chm

arki

ng o

f RO

M in

201

0/11

.

114

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

FiR

eCon

trol

and

Fire

link

Pro

ject

Tra

nsiti

on a

nd

Gov

erna

nce

activ

ities

gen

erat

e po

tent

ial

finan

cial

, ser

vice

del

iver

y an

d go

vern

ance

ris

ks

to th

e F

ire A

utho

rity.

(C

011)

DC

O

Han

nig

an

Pol

icy,

Per

form

ance

and

Tra

inin

g

The

tran

sitio

n pr

ogra

mm

e is

man

aged

und

er th

e D

irect

orat

e. S

houl

d th

ere

be a

ny q

uest

ion

conc

erni

ng th

e fu

ture

of t

he R

CC

or

furt

her

sign

ifica

nt d

elay

s, th

en

elev

atio

n to

the

Cor

pora

te R

isk

Reg

iste

r to

be

cons

ider

ed.

Fai

lure

to r

ecog

nise

and

com

ply

with

and

/or

prop

erly

man

age

the

Aut

horit

y’s

lega

l and

re

gula

tory

res

pons

ibili

ties.

(C

014)

Ro

bin

Gra

ham

C

orpo

rate

Adm

inis

trat

ion

The

miti

gatio

n of

the

risk

rest

s at

Dire

ctor

ate

leve

l, al

thou

gh a

lso

shar

ed w

ith th

e C

MT

and

par

ticul

arly

the

S.1

51 O

ffice

r. A

s co

rpor

ate

risk

man

agem

ent h

as

mat

ured

ther

e is

less

nee

d fo

r a

‘cat

ch a

ll’ r

isk.

115

CO

RP

OR

AT

E R

ISK

AN

D O

PP

OR

TU

NIT

Y R

EG

IST

ER

: 2

009/

10

PA

RT

3

RIS

KS

/OP

PO

RT

UN

ITIE

S R

EF

ER

RE

D T

O D

IRE

CT

OR

AT

ES

FO

R A

CT

ION

R

isk

or O

ppor

tuni

ty

Des

crip

tion

R

isk

Ow

ner

R

espo

nsib

le D

irect

orat

e

R

easo

ns fo

r re

ferr

ing

to D

irect

orat

e

The

ser

vice

Cor

pora

te C

omm

unic

atio

ns c

ultu

re

is n

ot s

uffic

ient

ly e

mbe

dded

at a

ll or

gani

satio

n le

vels

and

fails

to s

uppo

rt h

oriz

onta

l and

ve

rtic

al c

omm

unic

atio

n ch

anne

ls.

(C00

9)

Ro

bin

Gra

ham

C

orpo

rate

Adm

inis

trat

ion

Sig

nific

ant p

rogr

ess

has

been

mad

e up

on d

evel

opin

g an

d em

bedd

ing

corp

orat

e co

mm

unic

atio

ns.

The

goi

ng in

to v

olun

tary

adm

inis

trat

ion

by

TV

AC

and

the

cont

inue

d fa

ilure

of t

he

TV

AC

/Ass

etC

o C

AR

P to

be

on th

e ru

n is

ca

usin

g a

lack

of c

onfid

ence

in th

e C

AR

P.

(C00

7)

Kev

in W

ilso

n

F

inan

ce

The

CA

RP

has

now

gon

e on

the

run.

An

audi

t has

bee

n un

dert

aken

and

fully

rep

orte

d to

Mem

bers

thro

ugh

Aud

it,

Per

form

ance

and

Scr

utin

y C

omm

ittee

. T

he r

isk

has

now

be

en m

itiga

ted.

116

S

UM

MA

RY

RE

PO

RT

ED

ITIO

N 6

:

SIG

NIF

ICA

NT

CH

AN

GE

S T

O C

OR

PO

RA

TE

RIS

K R

EG

IST

ER

R

isk

Ref

eren

ce a

nd

Des

crip

tor

R

isk

Tra

ckin

g

S

um

mar

y

1.

C02

2 T

he e

mer

ging

Str

ateg

ic P

lan

for

2011

/14

incl

udes

col

labo

ratio

n/sh

ared

ser

vice

s re

sear

ch w

hich

pre

sent

s op

port

uniti

es a

nd

risks

in p

rovi

ding

sup

port

ser

vice

s in

term

s of

effi

cien

cy, e

cono

my

and

effe

ctiv

enes

s.

T

his

risk/

oppo

rtun

ity h

as b

een

rem

oved

from

the

Cor

pora

te R

isk

Reg

iste

r. R

isk

C02

2 ar

ose

prim

arily

from

the

RIE

P fu

nded

re

view

of r

egi

onal

col

labo

ratio

n ar

ound

cer

tain

are

as o

f sup

port

se

rvic

es, i

nclu

ding

tech

nica

l ser

vice

s, IT

and

pro

cure

men

t. T

hat

revi

ew is

alm

ost c

ompl

ete,

but

the

wor

kstr

eam

whi

ch c

ompr

ises

su

ppor

t ser

vice

s is

par

t of t

he d

raft

Str

ateg

ic P

lan

2011

-14.

As

such

, ris

k C

022

form

s pa

rt o

f C01

7.

117

jsmith

Typewritten Text

jsmith

Typewritten Text

Appendix 2

humberside fire authority · the proposal was not seconded. ... fire station along with 3...

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