Agenda item

(To receive a report from Nick Borrill, Chief Fire Officer, which highlights the key outcomes and findings from the Local Government Association and National Fire Chiefs Council Fire Peer Challenge which was undertaken by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue between 26 – 29 September 2017)

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Fire Officer, which highlighted the key outcomes and findings from the Local Government Association and National Fire Chiefs Council Fire Peer Challenge which was undertaken by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue between 26 and 29 September 2017.

At 10.07am, Councillor W J Aron joined the meeting.

Nick Borrill, Chief Fire Officer, introduced the report and gave a presentation which covered the following areas of the Peer Challenge:-

·       Structure;

·       Leadership & Capacity – Strengths and Considerations;

·       Risk, Prevention, Protection – Strengths and Considerations;

·       Preparedness & Response – Strengths and Considerations;

·       Health & Safety – Strengths and Considerations;

·       Learning & Development – Strengths and Considerations;

·       Sense Check on IRMP Changes; and

·       Questions.

At 10.24am, Councillor R Wootten joined the meeting.

It was explained that the Peer Challenge process was structured around seven Key Assessment Areas and six Strategic Leadership questions.  In addition to these areas, the Service also requested that the Peer team focus on the following:-

·       Sense check on Integrated Risk Management Planning (IRMP) changes;

·       Collaboration; and

·       Workforce Reform

The challenge consisted of a range of on-site activities including interviews, focus groups and fire station visits which complemented a review of supporting documentation provided to the Peer Team in advance of their visit.

Key findings of the Peer Challenge included:-

·       That there was both pride and a positive culture across LFR;

·       That IRMP changes had been well managed with good staff and partner engagement which ensured that LFR remained fit for purpose; and

·       That there was a clear commitment to blue light collaboration which was well resourced and governed.

A number of 'areas for consideration' had also been identified and these were currently under review with a view to developing an action plan to appropriately address these areas.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       A suggestion was made to actively promote retained firefighters to private companies in the food industry given the large number based in Lincolnshire.  This suggestion was welcomed and Members were encouraged to have discussions with relevant companies within their own communities to promote the benefits of having retained firefighters;

·       The report highlighted that some staff had been unclear about welfare arrangements and, despite viewing the welfare arrangements positively, some were unable to identify who they would call other than their direct line manager.  It was explained that four stations had been visited, two retained and two full-time, however it was recognised that this was an area for improvement.  A wellbeing strategy was in development which would assist staff with the process.  It was further explained that there was not a dedicated welfare officer and that this was appointed on a 'needs' basis from full-time staff;

·       Although the full action plan had not yet been finalised, the Committee was assured that all points raised within the report had been addressed within that document.  The intention was to bring the finalised action plan to the Committee for consideration in June 2018;

·       The report suggested that prevention was given a lesser priority than response and it was explained that the majority of staff were retained firefighters and the perception was that response was the main part of their role rather than prevention.  It was acknowledged, however, that some campaigns could be improved;

·       Despite the employment of Community Safety Advisors, access to a dedicated vehicle for this purpose was not available and, therefore, priority of vehicle use was for emergencies.  This may have given the impression that prevention was not afforded as much importance as response;

·       The Chairman noted that some firefighters had an orange stripe on their helmet and asked why this was the case.  It was explained that newly qualified firefighters had these strips to enable incident commanders to easily recognise the level of training and experience held by firefighters during an incident.  Although this had not been highlighted as a stigma, all firefighters would be reassured that this system was for their own health and safety during a shout;

·       Issues with payroll had not been completely resolved but it was recognised that there was a considerable amount of work ongoing with Serco and senior colleagues to address these issues; and

·       The Committee was advised that all Fire & Rescue Services were to be inspected and that the inspection of Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue was expected in the summer of 2018.

The Committee agreed that the work undertaken by Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue was both versatile and brilliant and a vital part of the community.

RESOLVED

          That the report and presentation be noted.