Verbal update from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.
Minutes:
Considered –
The verbal update report of the Chief Fire Officer regarding the implementation of the Risk and Resource Model for the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (NYFRS).
Further to a request for an update from the Panel, Jonathan Dyson highlighted the following:
· Significant progress has been made in relation to the specialist water rescue in Craven area;
· Progress is underway in relation to the emergency response principles. Following the development of data dashboards, the FRS is now able to understand where it is exceeding the ‘predominantly rural’ average time (10 minutes 28 secs). With benchmarking against other ‘predominantly rural’ areas as identified by the inspectorate, the FRS has built in greater context around factors such as geography. The FRS is also building in exceptions where it does sit above a national average to better understand how and why it is in that position.
· In relation to workstream on alternative duty systems (ADS), this has been paused due to national industrial action. Mr Dyson referred to the concerns raised nationally by fire services regarding the financial impact of pay rises agreed. The FRS would only be able to transition to an ADS where this is sustainable.
· The FRS will be communicating the new policy and procedure with the public in April regarding managing attendance for fire alarms.
· Mr Dyson highlighted that the FRS is in consultation with the trade unions regarding the York area changes.
· Data is being recorded in the background regarding responses times in Harrogate and Scarborough areas but Mr Dyson advised that the changes in York must be completed before changes can be fully implemented in Harrogate and Scarborough.
The Panel wished to note that a written update report would have been preferred due to the level of detail provided. Members asked whether further information could be given around the Huntington area changes. However, the Panel were advised that as discussions are ongoing with the trade unions, the industrial relations protocol dictates that these must remain closed discussions until consultations have completed and information then shared with the workforce.
Members were keen to seek reassurance form the Commissioner that she will be able to continue with her plans around prevention in view of the financial picture. Mr Dyson advised that he may not be able to invest in prevention as significantly as he had hoped but that this will not prevent him driving forward changes. The Panel requested a further report in due course on the progress of the prevention work and any financial implications. Members also stressed the importance of keeping staff informed about changes.
Members also highlighted the focus on people, equalities and cultural change, as identified both by the inspectorate and at the recent LGA Fire Conference. Mr Dyson advised that he is seeking a third-party review of the organisation, reviewing back over five years of disciplines and grievances and also referred to the launch of the FRS’s EDI strategy.
Concern was expressed by a Panel member that information regarding progression of the RRM in Huntington had to be withheld due to ongoing discussions with the trade unions. Clarification was provided regarding the industrial relations protocol in place and that the Panel has an exemption which can be applied to meetings. Further detail on the statutory basis will be provided.
Recommendations:-
That the Panel:
(a) Notes the report provided; and
(b) Recommends a further (written) report be brought to the Panel on progress of implementation of the Risk and Resource Model.