Cllr Hammond welcomed all to the meeting and gave apologies from Russell Pearson, who was dealing with the recent flooding. Steve Owen attended the meeting on his behalf.

Cllr Hammond gave her heart-felt thanks to all the Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) which have helped in the major flooding incidents. The events had demonstrated how well FRSs and other organisations work together to do an excellent job. In light of the major incidents, Cllr Hammond invited members to discuss the issues.

Members discussed the following:

·         Members were proud of the resilience that FRSs had shown and how they were working together.

·         Cllr Mark Healey gave his thanks on behalf of Devon and Somerset to the FRSs which had helped in the floods.

·         Cllr Dave Hanratty gave thanks on behalf of Merseyside to FRSs and CFOA for their help in the floods. He highlighted some lack of recognition of FRS’s role in dealing with the floods.

·         Members were pleased to see the Chief Fire Officer, Peter Holland CBE, advising the Government.

·         With financial pressures and the recommendations of the Pitt Review and Knight Review, FRSs will have an increasing role in rescue and civil unrest situations.

·         Members suggested further discussion on the future role of FRSs.

·         There is a need to look into the future and prepare for climate change.

Cllr Hammond echoed the need to bring the debate forward on the role of FRSs and influence government thinking. She said that the Chief Fire Officer had been an excellent adviser to government and has brought FRS issues to the fore of Government’s mind and was grateful to him for keeping in touch with the regions and for all of his work.

The Government understands that the ‘rescue’ aspect does need promoting. Due to the costs involved in dealing with the flood, Cllr Hammond said that an analysis of the pressures this will create in budget planning is needed. Cllr Hammond thanked all for their contributions and resilience during the flooding.

Cllr Hammond introduced the Chairman’s Report and updated members on the meeting with Brandon Lewis MP, at paragraph 5, saying that she had pressed him hard for a government response to the Knight Review.

Decision

Members noted the report.

Tina Waggott from the Defence, Fire and Rescue Project will present this item.

Cllr Hammond introduced the item and asked for any interests to be declared.

Cllr ???, Hampshire and Cllr Mark Healey each declared interests as Directors of Companies involved in bidding for work with the Defence Fire Risk Management Organisation (DFRMO).

Cllr Hammond welcomed Tina Waggott, Defence Fire and Rescue Project Team Leader, to present on the work of the project to modernise DFRMO.

Tina Waggott outlined the initiative to modernise and make efficiencies for DFRMO and stressed that the work is in its very early stages. She welcomed the Commission’s views and was interested in the Knight Review and how views and lessons from that could also be taken on board for the project. 

Members discussed the following:

·         Members clarified the aims of the project and the remit of DFRMO as a fire and rescue service.

·         Members were keen to be involved in the project, especially as FRSs are working in parallel to make efficiency savings.

·         Tina Waggott was invited to collaborate with FRSs and work together on resilience and resourcing.

·         There is a need to look at the wider landscape of fire safety and rescue and pull together the knowledge and experience, for example from Defence, Civil Aviation and Nuclear. 

Cllr Hammond added that the project focusses on how the LGA, DCLG and the MoD can work together and learn from each other. The project is timely in view of the Knight Review. She recommended the Commission’s involvement as the representative body for FRSs. Cllr Hammond thanked Tina Waggott and highlighted the need to consider local authorities.

Tina Waggott said that she was happy to update the Commission as progress is made on the project.

Decision

Members noted the report and presentation.

Dave Webb, CFOA Strategic Lead on Operational Communications will present this item.

Cllr Hammond introduced the confidential paper on the Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP).

Dave Webb, Strategic Lead on Operational Communications, presented on the ESMCP to provide emergency services with mobile voice and data communications.

Cllr Hammond thanked Dave Webb and invited Rebecca ??? on the ESMCP steering group to speak.

Rebecca ??? stressed that an effective switchover is critical and asked whether any of the existing, expensive equipment could be re-used. She was concerned about the complexities around ensuring enough masts are in place to deliver the necessary communications as well as how to deal with the communities’’ expectations that masts could provide communications to them.

Cllr Hammond thanked Rebecca ??? for her representation on the steering group.

Members discussed the following points:

·         Recycling the equipment is important

·         There is international learning that can be taken on board for the programme.

·         Members were keen for Government to ensure consideration of the communication demands of communities.

Dave Webb said that the programme was considering all issues raised and that the Government is working with other countries and to ensure an international standard. The programme is talking to existing providers to establish how equipment can be re-used as well as to provide an effective transition.

Cllr Hammond thanked Dave Webb and reminded all that the item was confidential.

Decision

Members noted the report and presentation.

Dave Webb, CFOA Strategic Lead on Operational Communications will present this item.

Dave Webb provided an update on the future of the Fire Control Room Services Scheme and drew members’ attention to paragraph 5 of the paper. He updated members on the progress of all Fire Control Projects, most of which will be delivered in the timeframe outlined, which is a great accolade to the ability of local areas to deliver.

Members echoed the ability of FRSs to deliver locally.

Cllr Hammond thanked Dave Webb.

Decision

Members noted the report.

Gill Gittins, Principal Negotiating Officer, LGA, introduced the report, drawing members’ attention to paragraph 5.2 on FBU legal advice, which was understood to have now been taken. FBU discussions are ongoing and are generally constructive. She also highlighted that the Executive Council would meet on 24 February 214.

Cllr Hammond thanked Gill Gittins and pointed members to a workshop session on industrial relations and the Grey Book. She commended members of the Fire Bridge Union for their hard work in the recent flooding incidents.

Decision

Members noted the report.

Cllr Hammond highlighted that the Leadership Academy had provided the opportunity to meet and network with many colleagues. She encouraged all to check the links in the report for more information, highlighted Sprinklers Week and asked all to note the Firefighters International Service of Remembrance and encouraged members to attend with their Chief Fire Officers.

Members also reported positive feedback for the Leadership Academy and noted the success of Sprinklers Week, looking forward to next year’s events.

Decision

Members noted the update.

Decision

The notes of the last Fire Commission meeting were agreed as a correct record.

Cllr Hammond gave special thanks to Cllr Mehboob Khan and his long-standing contribution to fire and rescue and the Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

Cllr Khan thanked Cllr Hammond and all, saying that it had been a real pleasure to work with everyone at the LGA and Fire Authorities.

Cllr Hammond urged members to book their place at the Fire Conference and thanked all for attending.