Key Fire and Rescue Decisions

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner is not required by legislation to take decisions in any specified way or to any timescale. Decisions may be taken at any time provided they follow the published policy of the Commissioner and that decisions of significant public interest are published (as required by Statutory Instrument 2011/3050 The Elected Local Policing Bodies Specified Information Order 2011).

Decisions will be taken:

  • Using quality information
  • In a transparent manner
  • To manage risk
  • To achieve value for money

Decision Making Policy

  • NCFRA Corporate Governance Framework
  • Joint Code of Corporate Governance (includes Decision Making Framework)
  • Scrutiny of Decisions

NRFS Decision Record 1 - NRFS Staff Indemnity

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Agree to enter an indemnity agreement with Northamptonshire County Council (or their successors) to ensure that any liabilities related to staff from before the date of transfer of the Fire and Rescue Service to the PFCC are indemnified by the County Council to ensure that, in effect, liabilities remain with the County Council.

NFRS Decision Record 1- NFRS Staff Indemnity


NFRS Decision Record 2 - NFRS Statutory Officers

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Appoint a Head of Paid Service, a Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) and Monitoring Officer for the Fire and Rescue Authority.

NFRS Decision Record 2 – NFRS Statutory Officers


NFRS Decision Record 3 - NCFRA Banking

Decision taken: 

To ratify the decision previously taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner in October 2018, in respect of Banking Arrangements for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Authority be undertaken by Natwest Bank.

NFRS Decision Record 3 – NCFRA Banking


NRFS Decision Record 4 - NCFRA External Audit

Decision taken:

From 2018/19, PSAA is responsible for appointing an auditor to principal local government bodies that have chosen to opt into its national auditor appointment arrangements. Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority (NCFRA) has opted into these arrangements.

EY LLP have been appointed to audit the accounts of NCFRA for five years, for the audits of the accounts from 2018/19 to 2022/23. This appointment is made under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Local Audit (Appointing Person) Regulations 2015, and was approved by the PSAA Board at its meeting on 19 December 2018.

NRFS Decision Record 4 – NCFRA External Audit


NRFS Decision Record 5 - Corporate Governance Framework

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Authorise the Corporate Governance Framework with effect from 1/1/19 for the Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority.

NRFS Decision Record 5 – Corporate Governance Framework


NRFS Decision Record 6 - Staff Indemnity

Decision taken

 The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Agree to enter an indemnity agreement with Northamptonshire County Council (or their successors) to ensure that any liabilities related to staff from before the date of transfer of the Fire and Rescue Service to the PFCC are indemnified by the County Council to ensure that, in effect, liabilities remain with the County Council.

NRFS Decision Record 6 – Staff Indemnity


NRFS Decision Record 7- Fire and Rescue Authority Precept

Decision taken

Following consideration of the budget and precept at the Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February 2019, the PFCC took the decision to issue the first precept for Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority (NCFRA) as follows:

The full report is available to review on the Police, Fire and Crime Panel and Commissioner’s website.

NRFS Decision Record 7- Fire and Rescue Authority Precept


NRFS Decision Record 8 - Financial Strategies for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

Decision taken

Following consideration of the budget and precept at the Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February 2019, the PFCC has reviewed the following strategies for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service:

  • Reserves Strategy 2019/20
  • Capital Strategy 2019/20
  • Treasury Management Strategy 2019/20

These strategies are available on the Police, Fire and Crime Panel and Commissioner’s website:

NRFS Decision Record 8 – Financial Strategies for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service


NRFS Decision Record 9 - NFRS Hearing Defenders

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has agreed a three year contract with Advanced Communications Solutions for the the provision of medical grade non-allergenic rubber individually moulded hearing defenders for operational staff. As part of the contract, the provider will be required to attend a contract review meeting every six months and make NFRS aware of any issues with the programme or with meeting the replacement programme. They will also be required to keep NFRS informed about any new developments or innovations and new technology.

Additional contract extensions (of a further one twelve month period) will be activated based upon contractor performance and agreement with the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner.

NRFS Decision Record 9 – NFRS Hearing Defenders


NRFS Decision Record 10 - OSB timber boards

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has agreed a three year contract with Jewson’s based in Wellingborough to provide Full OSB timber boards, 2440 x 1220 x 18mm OSB 3 Conditioned FSC®  certified and Half OSB timber boards, 2440 x 550 x 18mm OSB 2 Half Boards FSC® certified to Chelveston Training & Development centre on an ongoing basis.

NRFS Decision Record 10 – OSB timber boards


NRFS Decision Record 11- NFRS Firewalls Licensing (Users & Physical)

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to  renew the Sophos UTM Firewall ‘Endpoint Protection Advanced’ & ‘Endpoint eXploit Prevention’ for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue for 3yrs.  The cost of providing Firewalls Licensing (Users & Physical) is £47,405.47.

NRFS Decision Record 11- NFRS Firewalls Licensing (Users & Physical)


NRFS Decision Record 12- NFRS provision of prepared scrap vehicles for RTC training

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to  agree a Three-year contract for the provision of prepared scrap vehicles for Road Traffic Collision (RTC) training. The availability of prepared RTC scrap cars for training of firefighters is a requirement for the acquisition and maintenance of competence of staff responding to RTC incidents. Failure to facilitate adequate training would be in breach of FRS Act and H&S legislation.

NRFS Decision Record 12- NFRS provision of prepared scrap vehicles for RTC training


NRFS Decision Record 13- NFRS Drager Breathing Apparatus

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to ratify the contract for the total care agreement for training & Operational purposes (2 separate contracts) that are the maintenance contracts to the Drager Breathing Apparatus utilised by NFRS.

Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service has an existing 10 year contract for Breathing Apparatus with Drager. The contract term is 1/4/2013 – 31/3/2023. It is now in its 6th year and was subject to the transfer scheme. The total value of the main contract is £340,620 (£34,062 pa). The Breathing Apparatus is used operationally and by training services. There are therefore 2 contracts to maintain and service the Breathing Apparatus in these 2 areas. The contracts are renewed each year. As the equipment is from Drager only this supplier can service the equipment.

NRFS Decision Record 13- NFRS Drager Breathing Apparatus


NRFS Decision Record 14- Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO) revalidation

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to agree a Single Tender Authorisation to award to the provision of Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO) revalidation to Plas Menai at a cost of £34,200 based on candidate numbers. SFRBO revalidation must be undertaken every year and providers must be Rescue 3 uk approved.

NRFS Decision Record 14- Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO) revalidation


NRFS Decision Record 15- NFRS Fire Governance Transition Costs

Decision taken

In April 2018, the PFCC ring fenced the initial sum of £250K to meet the requirements and processes required to ensure effective Fire Governance transition.

Following the transfer of Fire Governance, transition costs have now been finalised at £376,840 and have been met from the PFCC Initiatives Reserve.

Recognising that the longer term benefits of the transfer of Fire Governance will be available to both NCFRA and Northamptonshire Police, within the 2019/20 Budget and Precepts, the PFCC determined that the transition costs will be shared equally between NCFRA and Northamptonshire Police.

The NCFRA contribution will be made to the PFCC Initiatives Reserve in two payments of £62,807 in 2019/20 and 2020/21 and one payment of £62,806 in 2021/22.

NRFS Decision Record 15- NFRS Fire Governance Transition Costs


NFRS Decision Record 16 - NCFRADR Opening Balance Sheet

Decision taken

Following transfer of Fire Governance to the PFCC on the 1 January 2019, the PFCC agreed the Opening Balance Sheet with NCC. The following points are highlighted:

At the time of agreement, the S106 arrangements had not been finalised. These would be concluded after the balance sheet date.

The PFCC has determined that no interest will be payable on the balance due to NCFRA from NCC.

NFRS Decision Record 16 – NCFRADR Opening Balance Sheet


NFRS Decision Record 17 - Spitfire Technology

Decision taken

To establish the network links for the move from BT to Spitfire as the main supplier for NFRS and ensure contracts are all tied up in the same financial period.

Spitfire will supply the MLPS network backbone for the fire service, which will connect all sites back to MLC and Fire Control and this network will be the primary mobilising bearer to all stations and allows connections to core business functions for users. The inter-site link between MLC and Daventry is a core, critical link that provides the backup route between data centres and also provides resilience within the network infrastructure for mobilising and data. The inter-site link between Fire Control at Daventry and Warwickshire’s Fire Control in Leamington Spa is the main critical link between the Vision 4 mobilising system, that the Service shares that resides in Leamington Spa. This allows us to act as each other’s secondary Control, with the ability to mobilise on one and others behalf. This link also carries the DS3000 (ICCS) that both brigades share, this handles all of the 999 and admin calls as well as our connection to our SANH radio system.

NFRS Decision Record 17 – Spitfire Technology


NFRS Decision Record 18 - Integrated Risk Mangement Plan

Decision taken 

To adopt the Integrated Risk Management Plan 2019-2022 which is part of our statutory duty and outlines all foreseeable risks within Northamptonshire and how we will use our resources to mitigate this risk.

NFRS Decision Record 18 – Integrated Risk Mangement Plan


NFRS Decision Record 19 - Provision of Fuel cards

Decision taken 

To agree the Tender Award Report for the agree a contract for the Provision of Fuel cards with Allstar Business Solutions Limited a Period of 3 years from 10th

May 2019 to 22nd March 2022 for a total cost of £75,000. This contract will contain extension options of a further 2 years (+1+1) which potentially would make the final contract end date 22nd March 2024.

NFRS Decision Record 19 – Provision of Fuel cards


NFRS Decision Record 20- Supply of Timber

Decision taken 

To sign a contract with Grafton Merchanting to the value of £65,820.00 for the supply of Timber to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. This contract is for one year with 2 optional 12 month extensions.

NFRS Decision Record 20- Supply of Timber


NFRS Decision Record 21- Supply of Pallets

Decision taken 

To sign a contract with Junction 4 Pallets to the value of £42,480.00 for the supply of Timber to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service. This contract is for one year with 2 optional 12 month extensions.

NFRS Decision Record 21- Supply of Pallets


NFRS Decision Record 22- Condition Surveys

Decision taken 

To undertake condition surveys at 28 Fire and Rescue sites throughout the county based on RICS guidelines, to determine whether or not buildings meet a basic required standard. The cost of these surveys is £67,000.

NFRS Decision Record 22- Condition Surveys


NFRS Decision Record 23- Purchase of Leased Vehicles

Decision taken 

To agree purchase the current leased vehicles for an estimated £83,000 at the end of their contract term and extend their useful life and enable consideration of where these could be used to replace white fleet vehicles due for replacement. Whilst there will be additional maintenance costs per annum, these will be absorbed within existing workshop costs where possible, with only additional costs for parts which will be met from within existing budget provision.

NFRS Decision Record 23- Purchase of Leased Vehicles


NFRS Decision Record 24 - LGSS

Decision taken 

To agree the agreement with ‘LGSS’ to provide back office services to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to help support the smooth transfer of the services from Northamptonshire County Council to NPFCC in accordance with the Statutory Instrument and Transfer Schemes.

NFRS Decision Record 24 – LGSS


NFRS Decision Record 25 - Cobra Frame

Decision taken 

To agree to the purchase of a mobile Cobra unit at a cost £39,087 plus maintenance costs of £4,500 over 3 years for one service per year. The cost of this unit can be made by drawing from credits NRFS have built up with Cold Cut System.  This unit will provide additional resilience and provide opportunities to utilise the unit for commercial purposes.

NFRS Decision Record 25 – Cobra Frame

 


NFRS Decision Record 26 - Provision of EMPLU services

Decision taken 

To amend the Section 22 Agreement that underpins the East Midlands Police Legal Unit (EMPLU) to enable EMPLU to provide Legal Services to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire acting as the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Authority at a cost of £20,000 per annum. This arrangement will provide Northamptonshire Fire and Service with legal services and will be reviewed annually and the Head of EMPLU will provide quarterly updates to PFCC on the work undertaken.

NFRS Decision Record 26 – Provision of EMPLU services


NFRS Decision Record 27 - Incident Command Training Courses

Decision taken 

To agree to fund all the costs for Incident Command Training Courses to ensure there is sufficient resiliency within the Officer Command requirements so that NFRS remains fully compliant. The overall spend for Incident Command Courses over the next three years will £126,784.

NFRS Decision Record 27 – Incident Command Training Courses


NFRS Decision Record 28 - Training Manikin Replacement Program

Decision taken 

To fund a full training manikin replacement program due to the poor state of repair to existing training manikins on stations, and within the training department. Each WDS VCS and RDS station will receive 1 x 50kg Adult, 1 x 10kg Toddler. A 75kg will be used for Safe working@ height, and a further 2 x 50 kg with fire overalls will be supplied to the training department.  A Total of 49 manikins required and upon delivery they will be asset managed to each station.

NFRS Decision Record 28 – Training Manikin Replacement Program


NFRS Decision Record 29 - Supply of Liquid Fuels

Decision taken 

To agree a contract with WFL (UK) Ltd t/a Hall Fuels for the supply of liquid fuels to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service from 1st October 2019 to 31st March 2022 for the total contract value of up to £699,700.

NFRS Decision Record 29 – Supply of Liquid Fuel


NFRS Decision Record 30- Basic Skills Training for Fire Fighters

Decision taken 

To agree approx. £170k spend (£200k allocated in budget) to provide Basic Skills Training for 20 new recruit Fire Fighters. NFRA require the training programme to follow the initial Apprenticeship programme to build their understanding of delivery in this area and EMSCU will undertake the most appropriate route to ensure both elements are covered (ie actual training, and the ability to understand apprenticeship training)

NFRS Decision Record 30 – Basic Skills Training


NFRS Decision Record 31 - Provision of Swift Water Flood Rescue Boat Operater Courses

Decision taken 

Agree a three year contract for the provision of swift water flood rescue boat operator courses and related services which will be delivered by the Sport Wales

National Outdoor Centre, Plas Menai. The cost of the contract is £68,775.

NFRS Decision Record 31- Provision of Swift Water Flood Rescue Boat Operater Courses


NFRS Decision Record 32- NCFRA Special Services 2019-20

Decision taken

The PFCC approved the Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority (NCFRA) Special Services Rates for 2019-20. The full rates are held on Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service website.

NFRS Decision Record 32- NCFRA Special Services19-20


NFRS Decision Record 33- Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2019

Decision taken

To support the sponsorship of the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2019 from the following organisations:

  • Silverstone Circuit
  • Truck East
  • PGI Products

NFRS Decision Record 33- Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2019


NRFS Decision Record 34 - Purchase of Type B Appliances

Decision taken

To agree the Statement of Requirement from the Fire and Rescue Service who want to purchase 4 Type B Appliances to replace existing older vehicles. The approximate cost is £1.4m (£350k per appliance).

NFRS DR34 Purchase of Type B Appliances

 


NRFS Decision Record 35 - Overage Agreement

Decision taken

 The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Enter in to an Overage Agreement for the properties that transferred to the PFCC as a result of the fire and rescue governance transfer from Northamptonshire County Council on 1st January 2019.

NFRS Decision Record 35 – Overage Agreement


NRFS Decision Record 36 - Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Authority Efficiency Plan for 2019/20

Decision taken

To approve the Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Authority Efficiency Plan for 2019/20

NFRS Decision Record 36 – Efficiency Plan 2019-20

Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Authority Efficiency Plan for 2019/20


NRFS Decision Record 37 - Fire and Rescue Strategy for Fleet

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the Fire and Rescue Strategy for Fleet

NFRS Decision Record 37 – Fire and Rescue Strategy for Fleet

Fleet Strategy 2019-2030


NFRS Decision Record 38 - Fire & Rescue IT Strategy

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the Fire and Rescue Strategy for ICT

NFRS Decision Record 38 – Fire and Rescue ICT Strategy

ICT Strategy 2019-2024


NRFS Decision Record 39 - Fire & Rescue Equipment Strategy

Decision taken

 The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the Fire and Rescue Strategy for Equipment

NFRS Decision Record 39 – Fire and Rescue Equipment Strategy

Equipment Strategy 2019-2030

 


NRFS Decision Record 40- Fire & Rescue IT Infrastructure

Decision taken

 The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Award the contract for the supply of Cyber Essentials, Microsoft Exchange and MECM to be provided by Specialist Computer Centres PLC (SCC) for the period of contract 23rd September 2020 to 31st March 2021 for the total contract value of up to £127,872.10. This work will help to ensure the security of NFRS’s IT infrastructure, ensure better collaboration and communication and improve patching and upgrades.

NFRS Decision Record 40- Fire and Rescue IT infrastructure

 


NRFS Decision Record 41- BType Pumping Appliances

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Purchase 4 BType pumping appliances within phase 1 of their replacement program and then another 4 in the following financial year. These vehicles are to replace end of life appliances as part of the Service’s 15 year lifing strategy. The service currently operates 32 front line appliances, which includes 4 reserve

vehicles. The contract had been agrees with Emergency One Ltd for a values of up to £2,768,421.

NFRS Decision Record 41 – BType pumping appliances


NRFS Decision Record 42- Joint Garage

Decision taken

 The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Purchase a Joint Garage for Police and Fire at a total capital cost of £7.4m including fit out costs.

NFRS Decision Record 42 – Joint Garage


NRFS Decision Record 43- Collaboration Agreement

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Agree and sign the Northamptonshire Police & Fire Collaboration Arrangements which is a requirement under the Home Office Financial Management Code of Practice for Police Forces and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners with governance responsibility for Fire and Rescue Services.

The Policing and Crime Act 2017 places a duty on emergency services to collaborate and allows policing bodies to take on the responsibility for the governance of fire and rescue authorities. Pursuant to the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire (Fire and Rescue Authority) Order 2018 (2018/1072) the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire became the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire with responsibility both for policing and for fire and rescue services in Northamptonshire acting, as appropriate, as the Policing Body for Northamptonshire as well as the Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority.

The Commissioner and the Chief Constable consider that it would be advantageous for the police and fire services in Northamptonshire to work closely together. The parties therefore wish to enter into an emergency services collaboration agreement pursuant to section one of the Policing and Crime Act 2017 in the interests of the efficiency and effectiveness of the police and fire services in Northamptonshire.

NFRS Decision Record 43 – Collaboration Agreement


NRFS Decision Record 44- Extension of LGSS Services

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Extend the period in which the services being delivered by LGSS to support the work of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service by LGSS until the 31st March 2021. The excludes Health, Safety (include Budget approval) & Wellbeing Human Resources Workforce, Policy and Projects which will end on the 31st of December 2020.

NFRS Decision Record 44 – Extension of LGSS Services


NRFS Decision Record 45- Joint Fire and Police Vehicle Workshops

Decision taken 

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Purchase the premises based at Baron Avenue, Earls Barton to be refurbished as joint Fire and Police vehicle workshops for the sum of £3.3M (plus VAT). A deposit of 10% will be paid on exchange and the full balance upon completion following the post judicial review period.

NFRS Decision Record 45 – Joint Fire and Police vehicle workshops

 


NFRS Decision Record 46 - Fire Budget and Precept 2021 and 2122

Decision taken

Following consideration of the budget and precept at the Police, Fire and Crime Panels in February 2020 and 2021; the report of the Police Fire and Crime Panels and the response of the PFCC; he took the decision to issue the following precepts for Fire:

 

The full reports are available to review on the Police, Fire and Crime Panel and Commissioner’s websites.

 

NFRS Decision Record 46 – Fire Budget and Precept 2021 and 2122


NFRS Decision Record 47 - NFRS Insurance Variation

Decision taken

The PFCC has agreed a contract variation as the increase of contract value for the final year of NFRS insurance is above 5% at just over a 10% increase and will see the premium move from £287,320.99 in 2019, £284,915.40 in 2020, to £314,671.34.

In addition, the original contract was let by LGSS through the brokers Gallagher. They utilized a framework that had 11 lots. 1-10 being separate lots that could be allocated for 3 years. Lot 11 was a

combined lot and if used could only run for one year (and excluded Lot 2 – Terrorism). Gallaghers/LGSS used Lot 11 but put the contract in place for 3 years. So this decision will to approve/ratify Yrs 2 & 3 of the contract as the framework did not allow for a 3 yr contract on lot 11.

NFRS Decision Record 47 – NFRS Insurance Variation


NFRS Decision Record 48 - NFRS Pension Administration

Decision taken

The PFCC has agreed the approval for the award of the contract for Firefighter Pension Administration for NFRS to West Yorkshire Pension Fund for the contract period 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2026 at a total contract value of £97,850 (excluding VAT).  The tender also allowed for a further 3x 12month extensions. If all 3 options to extend are taken, there will be an additional cost of £15,570 per annum.

1.3 It is recommended that this contract be awarded on a 5 year + 1year + 1year + 1year basis at a total cost of £144,560 (excluding VAT).

NFRS Decision Record 48 – NFRS Pension Administration


NFRS Decision Record 49 - Units 1-5 Baron Avenue

Decision taken

The PFCC has agreed the purchase of Units 1-5 Baron Avenue Earls Barton Northamptonshire NN6 0JE. The contract is on standard commercial terms which have been adapted to meet the specific circumstances of the purchase relating to the granted planning permission. The contract has a completion date of 22nd February 2021, but provides that in the event of a judicial review (JR) being

brought in respect of the planning permission, the purchase completion will be delayed until JR has been determined.

NFRS Decision Record 49 – Units 1-5 Baron Avenue

 


NFRS Decision Record 50- Type B Contract Variation

Decision taken

The PFCC has agreed the to vary the B Type contract to include additional items following further discussions with Emergency One (UK) Ltd that have highlighted additional requirements for the B Types. This variation now includes everything that will be required for the Type B’s and there will be no further need anticipated.

NFRS Decision Record 50 – Type B Contract Variation


NFRS Decision Record 51- Belinda Ferrison House

Decision taken

The PFCC has agreed the final arrangements between NCC and the Commissioner as Fire Authority in reference to Belinda Ferrison House at The Mounts Fire Station, Northampton. This agreement relates to the agreement as part of the transfer from NCC to his office. The freehold was transferred and the agreed lease refers to the final arrangements and agreement in relation to the flat at Belinda Ferrison House.

NFRS Decision Record – 51 Belinda Ferrison House


NFRS Decision Record 52- Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Decision taken

Award of Occupational Health and Wellbeing contracts to cover the service’s Assistance Programme, Fitness Testing Programme and Sport Therapy & Rehabilitation Service. The total for all three contracts is £147,738.03 for four years. The contracts will be delivered by:

  • Occupational Health & Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme – The MCL Group
  • Occupational Health & Wellbeing Sport Therapy & Rehabilitation Services – Tier 1 Training and Rehab Systems Ltd
  • Occupational Health & Wellbeing Fitness Testing Programme – Tier 1 Training and Rehabilitation Systems Ltd

NFRS Decision Record 52 Occupational Health and Wellbeing


NFRS Decision Record 53- Basic Occupational Health services

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to award the contract for the supply of Basic Occupational Health services to be provided by BHSF Occupational Health Limited for the period of 3 years, from 18th May 2021 to 17th May 2024. The initial contract value be £247,897.81 with an option to extend for 1 x 12 month giving a total contract value of £335,537.21.

NFRS Decision Record 53 Basic Occupational Health services


NFRS Decision Record 54- Mobile Device Terminals

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to award the contract Mobile Device Terminals for Fire Appliances to Airbus Defence and Space Limited for period of three years. The value of the contract over the three years is £100,970.

NFRS Decision Record 54 Mobile Device Terminals


NFRS Decision Record 55- Aerial Appliances

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to approve the award of a contract to Emergency One (UK) Limited for  the supply of Aerial Appliances to be provided by Emergency One (UK) Limited for  the period of up to 24 months from 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2023, for a total contract value of up to £767,005 excluding VAT.

NFRS Decision Record 55 Aerial Appliances


NFRS Decision Record 56 - PPE Contract variation

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to agree to the variation to the PPE contract currently held with Bristol Uniforms for the inclusion of a rescue jacket per fire fighter. The annual cost is projected to be £42,558.48, however this will be subject to annual CPI and an annual headcount of firefighters. Over the remaining 6 years of contract the value to be added is £261,000 (+ CPI annual increase).

NFRS Decision Record 56 PPE Contract variation


NFRS Decision Record 57 - Aerial Turntable Ladder Appliance Contract

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to confirm the order with Emergency One (UK) Limited for the Aerial Turntable Ladder Appliance. This decision follows the drafting of the contract, which was sent to the supplier for review, who notified the OPFCC there had been a price increase of £1,500 for the Chassis.

NFRS Decision Record 57 Aerial Turntable Ladder Appliance Contract


NFRS Decision Record 58 - Smoke Alarms

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to agree the budget of £25k for three years, plus one for the purchase of smoke alarms. This procurement supports the delivery of Home Fire Safety Visits to meet statutory obligation to promote fire safety.  Installing smoke detectors and ancillary products for those unable to help themselves and who are vulnerable to fire risk also enables Prevention staff and Community Risk groups personnel to reduce risk in the community in line with the Integrated Risk Management Plan. This is part of the ongoing Prevention strategy, rather than new work.

NFRS Decision Record 58 Smoke Alarms


NFRS Decision Record 59 Digital Radios

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to approve the awarding of a contract to CDW Ltd for the supply of digital radios for the total contract value of £126,746.04.  The solution shall be supplied by Motorola and comes with a Motorola Mototrbo 5yr Enhanced Warranty. Fire and Rescue services across the UK are upgrading to new digital technology to improve communications on the incident ground. Digital radios will provide NFRS with an enhanced communication capability able to link with neighbouring

services allowing the successful sharing of information. Due to the non-compatibility with other FRS’s and current radios at end of life with no support for parts this replacement programme is critical. The service have trialled a number of radios and the Motorola radios were deemed to be the most suitable and appropriate to meet the needs of the service.

NFRS Decision Record 59 Digital Radios


NFRS Decision Record 60 Joint IT Team

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to approve the business case to establish a joint Digital structure which is sufficiently resourced to provide a fit for purpose IT support service as well as a Digital Implementation team to deliver technical projects and technical workstreams of large change programmes. The new team will be a professional digital team, following industry standard ways of working, and delivering benefits from technology and a digitally enabled workforce to Northamptonshire’s Police and Fire services. It also proposes that the implementation of the structure processes and tooling, along with the technology to share systems, are run as a separate programme of work, and therefore requests additional one-off funding to do this. The total cost of the recommended option is £5,318,285.

NFRS Decision Record 60 Joint IT Team


NFRS Decision Record 61 B type appliances variation

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to approve a variation to CN2512 B type appliances which covers the second stage build of the B type appliances. This build was covered in the original contractual agreement financial sign off and as part of the variation submitted in February. This variation captures the revised pricing (taking into account CPI) and the project plan for the second stage builds. The increased price for the second 4 appliances of £1,364,572 is within the amount approved (by finance and the Commissioner in February of £1,385,971.

NFRS Decision Record 61 B type appliances variation


NFRS Decision Record 62 NFRS Youth Engagement Officer

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to approve the provision of funding to cover the costs of            under NCFRS Fire Staff terms and conditions for a 3-year term. Their role is to develop, coordinate and deliver core youth engagement activity on behalf of NFRS which help to deliver elements of the OPFCC Fire and Rescue Plan.

NFRS Decision Record 62 NFRS Youth Engagement Officer


NFRS Decision Record Number: 63 Compressor Replacement

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision recommend the approval for the award of contract for Compressor Replacement to be provided by Bauer Kompressoren UK Ltd for the period of the contract 23 July 2021 to 22nd July 2024 for the total contract value of £133,525.23 – a saving of £16,474.77 against budget allocated.

NFRS Decision Record 63 Compressor Replacement


NFRS Decision Record Number: 64 NFRS Cleaning Contract

Decision taken

The current cleaning contract for NFRS ends 31/8/2021 with no extensions. It was anticipated that NFRS would undertake a joint procurement with Northamptonshire Police but due to Covid-19 restrictions site visits and full procurement has not been possible. The PFCC has taken the decision recommend the extension of the current cleaning contract NFRS have with have a contract with Solo Service Group who clean across their 22 sites for twelve months to enable a joint procurement next year. The cost of the contract will be £106 903.62.

NFRS Decision Record 64 NFRS Cleaning Contract


NFRS Decision Record Number: 65 NFRS Pay Awards

Decision taken

The PFCC has taken the decision to implement the NJC settlement of 1.5% for Firefighters as set out in the NJC Circular NJC/4/21. In addition to this, the PFCC has also agreed in principle to implement the 1.5% NJC proposed settlement for Brigade Managers subject to confirmation and NJC circulars being issued, approve the use of the PFCC contingency in 2021/22 to meet the majority of the costs and ratify the decision made in April 2021 to not award a pay increase for Fire Staff for 2021 in line with the Government directions as part of the 2021/22 budget.

NFRS Decision Record 65 NFRS Pay Awards


NFRS Decision Record Number: 66 Liquid Fuels Contract

Decision taken

Agree the Statement of Requirement for a liquid fuels contract for Northamptonshire Fire and
Rescue value for 2 years valued at £380K. Northamptonshire Police are currently signed up to
a Crown Commercial Services (CCS) National Fuels Framework Agreement RM3801. This is
due to expire on March 31st 2022. CCS are conducting a bulk competition to replace the
existing call – off contract in January 2022 in order to have a new call-off contract in place by
April 1st 2022 under a new framework agreement.

NFRS Decision Record 66 Liquid Fuels Contract


NFRS Decision Record Number: 67 Asbestos Removal

Decision taken

To put a call off contract in place with Ensafe up to a max spend of £100,000 to cover all
aspects of work for asbestos removal across the whole NFRS estate. Estates will still complete
a SOR for each individual activity to be approved for that work stream. Ensafe Consultancy
will provide advice to what works needs doing and how, tender the work to approved
asbestos removal orgs (demonstrating best value), and ensure the work when completed is
legally compliant.

NFRS Decision Record 67 Asbestos Removal


NFRS Decision Record 68 Insurance cover

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:
Approve the Insurance cover for 2022 & 2023 for a total value of £731,442 over 2 years. This includes Material Damage, Business Interruption, Specified All Risks, Employer’s Liability, Public/Products Liability, Officials Indemnity, Professional Indemnity, Crime Insurance, Airside, Personal Accident/Business Travel Insurance, Computer Insurance, Engineering Inspection & Insurance, Motor Fleet Insurance, Marine and Terrorism.

NFRS Decision Record 68 Insurance cover


NFRS Decision Record 69 Compressor Replacement

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:
Approve the contract for the purchase and installation of 7 compressors for NFRSW. This procurement was undertaken via a request for quotation with three suppliers submitting bids. Following evaluation Bauer Komresson were selected as the preferred bidder. The contract value for this procurement is £133,525.23. This is being taken from the capital budget and is split across the financial years with:
• £86,831.17 being spent before March 2022 and
• £46,694.06 being spent between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023.
The installation plan has been agreed between fire and the supplier to ensure this can be achieved.

 

NFRS Decision Record 69 Compressor Replacement


NFRS Decision Record 70 NFRS Vehicle RTC Training

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:
Approve a variation in the contract to increase the provision of vehicles for training purposes at Rushden station, various stations in the north and at Mereway training to accommodate fire fighter development. This variation supports the organisational establishment increases and new shift system and represents an increase of £4670 on the original contract value of £122,840.

 

NFRS Decision Record 70 NFRS Vehicle RTC Training


NFRS Decision Record 71 Joint Fleet Workshop

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

approve the award of a Call-Off Contract to the preferred supplier for the provision of Design Team and Project Management Services in respect of the Joint Fleet Workshop. The period of contract shall be from 2 November 2021 to 31 August 2023. It is proposed that the total contract value is up to £524,725.53. The payments shall be managed in accordance with the delivery of the RIBA stages and shall be subject to agreement by the PFCC Office as the two-stage design and build contract progresses.

NFRS Decision Record 71 Joint Fleet Workshop


NFRS Decision Record 72 Provision of Mains Water and Sewerage Contract

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the awarding of the contract for Provision of Mains Water and Sewerage to Wave Utilities for the period of contract 16 August 2021 to 15 August 2024 for the total contract value of £116,944.00 exc VAT should the 12 months extension option be exercised.

NFRS Decision Record 72 Provision of Mains Water and Sewerage Contract


NFRS Decision Record 73 Provision of IT hardware

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the provision of purchases for IT hardware covered by the recently agreed capital hardware budget and hardware refresh strategy. This contract with Softcat plc has a total cost of £85,077.97.

NFRS Decision Record 73 Provision of IT hardware


NFRS Decision Record 74 RTC hydraulic cutting equipment

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the contract for the provision of RTC hydraulic cutting equipment by Terberg DTS (previously Holmatro) for a period of 4 years. The provision was tendered by the compliant West Midlands Framework for Supply and Delivery of Emergency Response Equipment and Associated Services. The total value of the contract is £297,295.33 and the purchase is being made with capital funding.

NFRS Decision Record 74 RTC hydraulic cutting equipment


NFRS Decision Record 75 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Approve the contract for the provision of training through the Apprenticeship programme run by Fire Service College (Capita) for new recruits. The value of the contract is £214,800 (£168,000 raised by apprenticeship Levy, & £46,800 funded by NFRS) and will provide Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship for 12 Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Employees/new starters from 25th April 2022.

NFRS Decision Record 75 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract


NFRS Decision Record 76 Asbestos Consultancy Works

Decision taken

The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has taken the decision to:

Agree a call off contract up to £100,000 with Challen Commercial Investigations Ltd T/A Ensafe Consultants to provide asbestos consultancy works including: annual reinspections and all required survey types and to provide consultancy for removal of asbestos on the NFRS estate including management of the tender and award process and management of the removal works.

NFRS Decision Record 76 Asbestos Consultancy Works


NFRS Decision Record 77 Fire Precept 2022-23

Decision taken

Following consideration of the precept at the Police, Fire and Crime Panel in February 2022; the report of the Police Fire and Crime Panel and the response of the PFCC; the PFCC took the decision to issue the following precept for Fire for 2022/23

NFRS Decision Record 77 Fire Precept 2022-23


NFRS Decision Record 78 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract Variation

Decision taken

Approve the variation of the contract for the provision of training through the Apprenticeship programme run by Fire Service College (Capita) for new recruits as set out in NFRS Decision Record 75. The contract will now add an additional of 2 additional FF apprenticeships to the existing contract with a value increase of £35,800 (Levy= £28k, NFRS costs= £7,800). The total spend of the contract will now be £250,600 (Levy= £196,000 NFRS = £54,600)

 

NFRS Decision Record 78 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract Variation


NFRS Decision Record 79 External Audit Services Procurement

Decision taken

Approve the recommendation to opt into Public Sector Audit Appointment (PSAA) National Procurement arrangements to procure External Audit Services for a five-year period from 23/24 to 27 /28 for the PFCC and NCFRA.

NFRS Decision Record 79 External Audit Services Procurement


NFRS Decision Record 80 Replacement Command & Control System

Decision taken

Approve the Tender Award Report for the purchase of a replacement control Room system in conjunction with WFRS. Each organization will have its own cloud-based solution which allows for inter-operability between the two systems, in order to support operational resilience and the partnership working. The successful supplier is Capita and the cost for NFRS for 5 years is £995,992 excl VAT. A 24m extension is available with a total cost of £1,161,381.

NFRS Decision Record 80 Replacement Command & Control System


NFRS Decision Record 81 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Additional Contract Variation

Decision taken

Approve the variation of the contract for the provision of training through the apprenticeship programme run by Fire Service College (Capita) for new recruits as set out in NFRS Decision Record 75. The contract will now add a further 2 additional FF apprenticeships to the existing contract with a value increase of £35,800 (Levy= £28k, NFRS costs= £7,800). The total spend of the contract will now be £250,600 (Levy= £196,000 NFRS = £54,600)

NFRS Decision Record 81 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Additional Contract Variation


NFRS Decision Record 82 Network Connectivity Services

Decision taken

Approve the contracts for:

  • the provision of network connectivity services in the form of internet lines and connections for the period 1st of April 2020 to 30th November 2023 to be provided by Spitfire Network Services Limited for an up to value of £300,481.96. This also includes line renewals for Corby, Leamington Spa, Rushden and the Mounts stations
  • the provision of network connectivity services in the form of internet lines and connections at Darby House for the period 1st May 2021 to 31st April 2024 to be provided by Spitfire Network Services Limited for an up to value of £14,080

NFRS Decision Record 82 Network Connectivity Services


NFRS Decision Record Number: 83 - Short Term Tenancy Agreement with EMAS

Decision taken

Approve the Heads of Terms for Short Term Tenancy Agreement with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) for office accommodation at Moulton Logistics Centre (MLC) for a period of 12 months for a rental value of £70705 per annum plus VAT inclusive of contribution towards business rates, insurance and external/structural repairs.

NFRS Decision Record 83 Short Term Tenancy Agreement with EMAS

Our Information

Chapters

  • Key Fire and Rescue Decisions
  • Decision Making Policy
  • NRFS Decision Record 1 - NRFS Staff Indemnity
  • NFRS Decision Record 2 - NFRS Statutory Officers
  • NFRS Decision Record 3 - NCFRA Banking
  • NRFS Decision Record 4 - NCFRA External Audit
  • NRFS Decision Record 5 - Corporate Governance Framework
  • NRFS Decision Record 6 - Staff Indemnity
  • NRFS Decision Record 7- Fire and Rescue Authority Precept
  • NRFS Decision Record 8 - Financial Strategies for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • NRFS Decision Record 9 - NFRS Hearing Defenders
  • NRFS Decision Record 10 - OSB timber boards
  • NRFS Decision Record 11- NFRS Firewalls Licensing (Users & Physical)
  • NRFS Decision Record 12- NFRS provision of prepared scrap vehicles for RTC training
  • NRFS Decision Record 13- NFRS Drager Breathing Apparatus
  • NRFS Decision Record 14- Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operator (SFRBO) revalidation
  • NRFS Decision Record 15- NFRS Fire Governance Transition Costs
  • NFRS Decision Record 16 - NCFRADR Opening Balance Sheet
  • NFRS Decision Record 17 - Spitfire Technology
  • NFRS Decision Record 18 - Integrated Risk Mangement Plan
  • NFRS Decision Record 19 - Provision of Fuel cards
  • NFRS Decision Record 20- Supply of Timber
  • NFRS Decision Record 21- Supply of Pallets
  • NFRS Decision Record 22- Condition Surveys
  • NFRS Decision Record 23- Purchase of Leased Vehicles
  • NFRS Decision Record 24 - LGSS
  • NFRS Decision Record 25 - Cobra Frame
  • NFRS Decision Record 26 - Provision of EMPLU services
  • NFRS Decision Record 27 - Incident Command Training Courses
  • NFRS Decision Record 28 - Training Manikin Replacement Program
  • NFRS Decision Record 29 - Supply of Liquid Fuels
  • NFRS Decision Record 30- Basic Skills Training for Fire Fighters
  • NFRS Decision Record 31 - Provision of Swift Water Flood Rescue Boat Operater Courses
  • NFRS Decision Record 32- NCFRA Special Services 2019-20
  • NFRS Decision Record 33- Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service Awards 2019
  • NRFS Decision Record 34 - Purchase of Type B Appliances
  • NRFS Decision Record 35 - Overage Agreement
  • NRFS Decision Record 36 - Northamptonshire Commissioner Fire and Authority Efficiency Plan for 2019/20
  • NRFS Decision Record 37 - Fire and Rescue Strategy for Fleet
  • NFRS Decision Record 38 - Fire & Rescue IT Strategy
  • NRFS Decision Record 39 - Fire & Rescue Equipment Strategy
  • NRFS Decision Record 40- Fire & Rescue IT Infrastructure
  • NRFS Decision Record 41- BType Pumping Appliances
  • NRFS Decision Record 42- Joint Garage
  • NRFS Decision Record 43- Collaboration Agreement
  • NRFS Decision Record 44- Extension of LGSS Services
  • NRFS Decision Record 45- Joint Fire and Police Vehicle Workshops
  • NFRS Decision Record 46 - Fire Budget and Precept 2021 and 2122
  • NFRS Decision Record 47 - NFRS Insurance Variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 48 - NFRS Pension Administration
  • NFRS Decision Record 49 - Units 1-5 Baron Avenue
  • NFRS Decision Record 50- Type B Contract Variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 51- Belinda Ferrison House
  • NFRS Decision Record 52- Occupational Health and Wellbeing
  • NFRS Decision Record 53- Basic Occupational Health services
  • NFRS Decision Record 54- Mobile Device Terminals
  • NFRS Decision Record 55- Aerial Appliances
  • NFRS Decision Record 56 - PPE Contract variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 57 - Aerial Turntable Ladder Appliance Contract
  • NFRS Decision Record 58 - Smoke Alarms
  • NFRS Decision Record 59 Digital Radios
  • NFRS Decision Record 60 Joint IT Team
  • NFRS Decision Record 61 B type appliances variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 62 NFRS Youth Engagement Officer
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 63 Compressor Replacement
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 64 NFRS Cleaning Contract
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 65 NFRS Pay Awards
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 66 Liquid Fuels Contract
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 67 Asbestos Removal
  • NFRS Decision Record 68 Insurance cover
  • NFRS Decision Record 69 Compressor Replacement
  • NFRS Decision Record 70 NFRS Vehicle RTC Training
  • NFRS Decision Record 71 Joint Fleet Workshop
  • NFRS Decision Record 72 Provision of Mains Water and Sewerage Contract
  • NFRS Decision Record 73 Provision of IT hardware
  • NFRS Decision Record 74 RTC hydraulic cutting equipment
  • NFRS Decision Record 75 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract
  • NFRS Decision Record 76 Asbestos Consultancy Works
  • NFRS Decision Record 77 Fire Precept 2022-23
  • NFRS Decision Record 78 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Contract Variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 79 External Audit Services Procurement
  • NFRS Decision Record 80 Replacement Command & Control System
  • NFRS Decision Record 81 NCFRA Firefighters Apprenticeship Additional Contract Variation
  • NFRS Decision Record 82 Network Connectivity Services
  • NFRS Decision Record Number: 83 - Short Term Tenancy Agreement with EMAS