Stephen Mold (PFCC)

Paul Bullen

Paul Fell

Helen King

Jelena Motte (Budget item only)

Louise Sheridan

Darren Dovey (CFO)

Rob Porter

Shaun Hallam

The minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Action Log
Relevant updates on any outstanding actions were provided and the Action Log updated.

• There was a discussion about Cold Fire® firefighting. NFRS are currently piloting the testing this product.
• DD explained a range of benefits and a number of development opportunities which could also be beneficial for the police.

SM is keen to follow progress.

• As part of the firefighters pay dispute there is a potential for industrial action to take place.
• RP provided an update on how the service managed the 2013/14 industrial action.
• There was a discussion about the developments in the FBU’s successful challenge to the 2015 firefighters’ pension scheme
• It was noted that there is also a potential risk that should the ’92 scheme’ be reinstated, a number of firefighters could retire straightaway.
• RP advised that a risk assessment has been completed which covers all of the tasks in a firefighters role map. The contractual elements are linked to pay which can be withheld should strike action take place.
• Approach to industrial action is well documented including assumptions about which stations will have picket lines and responding to emergency calls from picket lines.
• ACTION – PF to check position for managing pickets on shared estates such as NAB

   

  • There was a discussion about ‘implied terms’ versus what is contractually in the role map.

   

  ACTION – RP to update ‘Op Rookery’ document to reflect the discussion where required.

   

  ACTION – RP to ensure there are documented decisions for the agreement reached on pay should industrial action take place.

• The Commissioner requested potential options regarding a pilot project to expand the number and reach of home safety and security checks across Northamptonshire.
• SH provided an update on the two Safe and Well pilots in Rushden and Moulton.
• In addition to broadening safety advice around home security, the aim was to improve the use of resources and increase the reach of Home Safety Visits to vulnerable members of the community, particularly in rural areas.
• It was agreed that expansion of the programme offers the opportunity of Improved Appliance Availability in Rural Areas and Operational Resilience in Rural Communities
• SM is keen to support the expansion of the programme with additional funding providing there is a significant crime prevention element. This is the only way that he can justify giving the funding to the Fire Service as opposed to another external agency.
• Currently the home safety and security checks only cover door step crime and reducing the risk of fraud/cyber-crime. (Advice only given in 1 in every 5 visits)
• The commissioner was clear that the crime prevention element in any new pilot will need to include target hardening and burglary prevention
• It was proposed that this could be a new programme that could be piloted for 6 months in South Northamptonshire.

ACTION – PF to ask Paul Golley to work with SH to work up a proposal.

• There was a discussion about an opportunity to recruit an extra Fire Protection Officer. (Two posts have been advertised but five candidates that could appoint)
• Likely outcomes of Grenfell enquiry will potentially increase the burden on protection departments.
• DD asked SM to consider appointing one additional person and train them in time for a retirement next year. Net no increase in establishment but provides a succession plan.

ACTION – SM to consider and respond to DD with decision