PAPER C

 

FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY SELECT COMMITTEE – 9 JUNE 2003

 

FIRE AUTHORITY INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLANS

 

REPORT OF THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER

 

 

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

This report provides members of the Fire Authority with detailed input on their Integrated Risk Management Plans, recently introduced by the Office of The Deputy Prime Minister.  This will involve a fundamental change to both the function and processes of the Fire Service

 

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

To endorse the planning process overview outlined within this report.

BACKGROUND

On the 3rd April 2003, all UK Fire Services were issued with documentation from the ODPM outlining the introduction of Fire Authority Integrated Risk Management Plans (IRMP’s).  This will form part of the programme of reform and modernisation of the framework within which the Fire Service operates. 

 

The main point for members to note is the repeal of section 19 (4) and the current standards of fire cover.  Fire Authorities will be required to develop locally produced risk management plans, which will include reviewed standards of fire cover.

 

The documentation includes guidance notes 1 and 2, which provide advice to Brigades on the process of developing IRMP’s and the consultation arrangements that the Government will expect Fire Authorities to undertake.

 

This is an opportunity for the Isle of Wight Fire Authority to assess what their fire service does and evaluate the effectiveness of that, with particular emphasis on incident prevention rather than intervention and then put forward and implement proposals to improve performance.

 

Members should also note that the guidance documents discuss ‘community safety’ rather than community fire safety.  Therefore, the role of the Service may change to encompass all aspects of community safety and closer liaison between all stakeholders. 

 

RELEVANT PLANS, POLICIES, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

It is the intention of Her Majesties Fire Service Inspectorate to amend the performance indicators to ensure they reflect the new, locally produced and assessed plans.

 

CONSULTATION PROCESS

The appendices enclosed with this report outline the consultation processes at each phase within the proposed plan and the guidance note from the ODPM.  To date Brigade Management Team, Functional Managers and their departments, Station Commanders and their personnel together with the Representative Bodies have been consulted on these attached documents.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL, CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS

 

The financial considerations will be presented in further papers.  At this phase of planning it is not possible to estimate or calculate the financial impact both in terms of potential savings or costs that the IRMP’s will generate.

 

Legal considerations will include amendments to the Fire Service Act and the introduction of the Fire Service white paper, the Regulatory Reform Order and the existing Local Government Act Best Value Legislation.

 

APPENDICES ATTACHED

 

The following documents are attached as appendices.

Identification of IRM Management implementation team        Appendix 1

List of key stakeholders                                                          Appendix 2

Outline process overview including milestones                     Appendix 3

Draft timetable                                                                        Appendix 4

Guidance notes 1 & 2 from the ODPM                                   Appendix 5

 

Contact Point :            Station Officer Steve Apter, IRM Liaison Officer,  ' 823192, [email protected]

 

 

RICHARD HARDS

Chief Fire Officer