Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair confirmed that no press and public were in attendance and that the meeting was not being recorded.

Members are requested to consider the identification of:

a)  declarations of interest by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  any additional items of business which the Chair has determined should be considered as matters of urgency; and

c)  items of business which may require the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

Members considered the identification of declarations of interest, any urgent additional items, and any business that may require the exclusion of the press and public.

Resolved that:

a)  no declarations of interest were made by individual Members in relation to any item of business on the Agenda

b)  no additional items of business to be considered as matters of urgency were determined by the Chair; and

c)  no items of business required the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof because of the possibility of the disclosure of exempt information.

The Minutes of the Previous Meeting, held on 8^th October 2015, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the committee chair.

Members considered the minutes from the previous meeting held on 8^th October 2015 to be a correct record and were signed accordingly by the Chair.

To consider Report CFO/027/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the progress of the apprentices within the organisation.

Members considered report CFO/027/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer concerning the progress of the apprentice programme within the organisation.

Members were informed about the background to the apprentices’ programme that commenced in January 2015 within the Community Safety Team.  A breakdown was provided of the training provided to the apprentices and their resultant employment position since completion of the programme, highlighting the success of the scheme and the consequential widening of the scheme across the organisation to other departments.

It was reported that such has been the positive feedback, that the programme lead has been asked to be a City Region Ambassador for apprenticeships.

Members discussed the success of the programme and extended their thanks to Officers for their work on the successful completion of the initial scheme.  It was noted this was a positive story for Merseyside and Members discussed the possibility of a press release being issued and widening the scope in the future of inclusive recruitment beyond the terms of Equality and Diversity legislation.  Officers confirmed they would consult further on this.

Members resolved that:

a)    Recruitment utilising the Authority Apprenticeship model which has been developed in line with the values of the Authority and cognisant of the Government apprenticeship commitment, continue to be supported.

b)    Officers look into the possibility of preparing a press release highlighting the positive work of the scheme.

c)    Officers be requested to look into the possibility of widening the scope in the future of inclusive recruitment to the scheme beyond the values included in Equality and Diversity Legislation.

To consider Report CFO/029/16 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the granting of delegated authority to the Chief Fire Officer, to reach agreement with the Home Office over Merseyside taking on the role of Lead Authority for the delivery of National Resilience Assurance.

Members considered report CFO/029/16 of the Chief Fire Officer concerning Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority taking on the role of Lead Authority for the delivery of National Resilience assurance.

The background to National Resilience provision was delivered to Members which included information on what is National Resilience, the rationale for National Resilience and the funding stream for National Resilience provision.  Members were informed of the Home Office’s request that Merseyside take on the role of the Lead Authority for National Resilience which will be cost neutral and may have a beneficial effect on job security at Merseyside.

Members discussed the opportunities this would present not just for Merseyside F&RS but for Merseyside as a whole and the positive image this would promote within Central Government.  Thanks were extended to Officers and discussion took place regarding the possibility of future updates and a presentation for Members.

Members resolved that:

a)    The Chief Fire Officer be granted delegated authority to reach agreement with the Home Office over Merseyside taking on the role of Lead Authority for the delivery of National Resilience assurance.

b)    Officers be requested to provide updates on the progress of the role of Lead Authority on National Resilience, with the possibility of a presentation to a future Committee.