PAPER E

Purpose : for Decision

REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE

Date : 6 OCTOBER 2004

Title : FIRE SERVICE PAY AND CONDITIONS AGREEMENT:

LOCAL VERIFICATION REPORT PHASE 2 – ACTION PLAN

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR FIRE, EMERGENCY PLANNING AND CONSUMER PROTECTION

IMPLEMENTATION DATE : 18 October 2004

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

1. For the Executive to consider and approve the Action Plan arising from the recommendations contained in the Phase 2 Report.

CONFIDENTIAL/EXEMPT ITEMS

2. None

BACKGROUND

3. The national agreement on Fire Service Pay and Conditions was finalised on 13 June 2003 and this agreement included a condition that the pay award at stages 2 and 3 be subject to verification by the Audit Commission.

4. Accordingly the Audit Commission have undertaken two local verification studies of the Isle of Wight Fire Authority.

5. In the course of their work on Phase 2 the Audit Commission have made a number of recommendations for change and improvement. These recommendations have been incorporated into the Action Plan (attached as Appendix A)

STRATEGIC CONTEXT

6. There will be no further Verification Reports although the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service will be subject to Comprehensive Performance Assessment (C.P.A.) in April 2005. CPA assesses how well the Council is delivering on its Corporate Plan.

CONSULTATION

7. The Action Plan has been the subject of wide consultation within the Fire and Rescue Service with input from staff and relevant unions. Officers from the Corporate Policy Team and Human Resources have contributed to the formulation of the Action Plan and will be instrumental in its delivery along with officers of the Fire and Rescue Service.

8. The Action Plan was considered by the Fire and Public Safety Select Committee at their meetings on 16 August 2004 and 20 September 2004.

9. Members of the Executive have contributed to the Action Plan.

10. The Fire and Rescue Service Round Table Group, which comprises members of the Executive, Officers and Union representatives have discussed the Action Plan at length and have agreed its content.

11. The Audit Commission have given verbal approval of the Action Plan and written confirmation of this is anticipated.

FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

12 The direct costs of implementing the Action Plan will be contained within existing budgets.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

13. The power to set or modify the conditions of service of the Fire and Rescue Service is laid down by the Fire Services Act 2003. The standard of performance of the service will clearly have an effect on the CPA results.

OPTIONS

14. 1. Approve the Action Plan

2. Amend the Action Plan

3. Reject the Action Plan

EVALUATION/RISK MANAGEMENT

15. The Action Plan is an essential component of the Council’s and the Fire and Rescue Service’s preparation for the C.P.A. next April. Failure to adopt the Action Plan and implement it would constitute a risk insofar as it would adversely impact upon the outcome of the C.P.A.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That Option 1 be adopted and the Chief Fire Officer be instructed to implement the Action Plan

BACKGROUND PAPERS

17. Isle of Wight Fire Authority. Fire Service Pay and Conditions: Local Verification Report Phase 2.

Contact Point : Richard Hards, Chief Fire Officer F 01893 823199 Email: [email protected]

RICHARD HARDS Chief Fire Officer

DAVID KNOWLES Portfolio Holder for Fire, Emergency Planning and Consumer Protection