Stephen Mold (PFCC)
Paul Bullen
Paul Fell
Louise Sheridan
Darren Dovey (CFO)
Shaun Hallam
Rob Porter
– The minutes from the previous meeting were approved.
– Relevant updates on any outstanding actions were provided and the Action Log updated.
– There was a discussion about the first round of HMICFRS inspections.
ACTION SM to debate this at the first PFCC meeting to be held on 14 March 2019 to look at ways to collectively engage with FBU and
National Fire Chiefs Council.
ACTION – DD to visit Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service who received a grading of Outstanding in the first tranche of HMICFRS inspections
– SH provided an overview of the plan which each fire and rescue service is required to produce.
– The plan outlines all foreseeable fire and rescue related risks and how the service will allocate resources across prevention, protection to mitigate identified risks.
– SH advised that the number of fires attended were significantly
reducing but there has been an increase in co-responding. The number of fatalities across the county is low but volatile and unpredictable
SM provided reassurance that the HMICFRS comment on the drop in
the number of home fire safety checks has been addressed and is now increasing.
– There was a discussion about having a combined data strategy with an opportunity to connect to neighbourhood alert.
– There was a discussion about a combined fire & police strategy for
Prevention based on vulnerability versus volume: (Vulnerable – the
elderly who are more likely to die in a fire versus Volume – middle age males more likely to be in a fire but more likely to survive). If this is alcohol/drugs/smoking related is there some work that could be
done jointly.
– SH advised that the Safe & Well pilot ends in March
– There was a discussion about developing a joint education
programme between fire & police that could be delivered in schools.
ACTION- SH to cost a revised Safe & Well programme which would include additional activities to address vulnerability and volume
issues including burglary and the use of alcohol/drugs.
ACTION SM to ask if DD can be invited to join the Health & Wellbeing Board
– SH provided an explanation on the modelling locations of fire stations
which included demand analysis. 14 key areas account for 90% of
demand. Outlying rural stations make up the rest (8 stations)
SM was reassured that SH demonstrated a good evidence base to create the IRMP.
ACTION – Update IRMP with photos using new fire kit. Deborah Denton organising
– Following an initial discussion at January accountability board
meeting RP provided an update on Fire establishment all of which
was costed and included in the MTP.
– RP was able to provide assurance to the Commissioner that any changes that have a budgetary impact will come to the OPFCC for approval. This Any major changes will be supported by a business case.
– There was a discussion on how large businesses could be encouraged to train their staff to become retained firefighters. Howdens for example are keen to do this.
– It was acknowledge that larger employers tend to be located in towns
and industrial parks which does not help the shortage of retained
officers with availability in villages during the day.
– There was a discussion about the Tri-Service Safety Officer (TSSO).
The role has been piloted in Devon and Cornwall and has attracted
national interest due to its innovative and collaborative approach.
Predominately a PCSO with a higher level of first aid training so can
do emergency response. Also trained as an RDS firefighter. Paid for by all services but employed by Chief Constable and tasked by neighbourhood team sergeant.
ACTION PF to review sponsored PCSO scheme to see if it could
incorporate a retained fire fighter element.
– RP confirmed there are 8 vacant posts for Fire staff. But recruitment
is now underway.
– Whole-time numbers have reduced from 279 to 242 but retained
numbers have not changed. 254 full time equivalents is the costed
establishment number, however actual numbers depend on station
requirements and patterns of cover provided.
ACTION – RP to create a narrative around the minimum level of cover required. It was agreed that just saying 254 full time equivalent is an over simplication as much will depend on the patterns of cover. The number of hours needed would be a better measure.
It was agreed that the option to pay higher retainer rates during the day may help recruitment. The Grey book only sets minimum rates.
– There was a discussion about the estates strategy SM confirmed he
is keen to start making decisions over direction of travel before end
of Feb.
Meeting closed at 1:45pm