Minutes:
The Chair introduced Paul Hancock, President of the Chief Fire Officer Association, who updated the Fire Commission on the structural changes being proposed for CFOA.
The key changes being made include:
· Reposition the FRS Council to increase influence and contribution to Fire Strategy and Reform.
· Establish a permanent and longer term position or post for leading the National Fire Chiefs Council to build and capitalise on relationships with stakeholders.
· Improve decision making and coordination of key national and local issues.
· Restructure association to build capacity and maximise contributions and expertise from across the sector (including political input).
Following the presentation several members commented that it is elected members who determine policy and officers who are responsible for operational matters. Members were concerned at the implication CFOA would start to have a policy role and wanted to see the LGA more involved in influencing policy. Members also asked if the research by Kent on the value for money of on-call firefighters would be published. The CFOA President said the report would be circulated to FRAs.
Decision
The Fire Commission noted the update from CFOA.