Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair requested that Members who are attending the Pride Event on Saturday 30^th July, collect T-shirts from the Equality and Diversity Team following the close of business.

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 14^th April 2016, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the committee chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th April 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

To consider Report CFO/059/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning an update on the progress made against the Equality and Diversity Plan 2013/17 as contained in Appendix 1 of the Equality and Diversity (E&D) Annual Report 2015/16.

Members considered report CFO/059/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning an update on the progress made against the Equality and Diversity Plan 2013-17 as contained in the Equality and Diversity Annual Report 2015/16.

Members were informed that the Authority has statutory responsibilities under the Equalities Act 2010 to publish equality objectives.  The Equality and Diversity Annual Report provides a high level, strategic overview of the Authority’s equality objectives which links into the Integrated Risk Management Plan.  It was confirmed to Members that the equality objectives of the Authority are identified locally and are not necessarily the same as adopted by other Authorities across the country.

Members discussed the Annual Report in light of current national issues that are affecting Fire and Rescue Services and the wider community, and were supportive of the work undertaken across the Service and especially by the Equality and Diversity Team. 

Particular discussion surrounded the inclusive work that the Princes Trust Team undertake in the community, as highlighted within Report. 

Members were supportive of distributing the report at Local Authority level to inform councillors of the work undertaken by the Authority.

It was resolved that:

The contents of the Equality and Diversity Annual Report be noted.

To consider Report CFO/063/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning the developments to the partnership governance arrangements within the Community Risk Management (CRM) Directorate.

A presentation will be provided in support of this report.

Members considered report CFO/063/16 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, informing Members of the developments to the partnership governance arrangements within the Community Risk Management (CRM) Function.

A presentation was delivered in support of this report.

Members were reminded of the change from a district based model to a functional model in order to deliver prevention and protection services, as a result of the financial challenges faced by MFRA. 

Members were presented with information regarding the functional delivery model and how Community Risk Management is engaging with local communities to strengthen partnerships and target resources to the most vulnerable within those communities.

Members were informed that the functional model establishes two priority areas for the Authority – Community Safety (Arson/Anti-social behaviour) and Health and Wellbeing (Home Safety and Safeguarding Vulnerable People). 

Discussion took place on the model and the important role the Authority can play in the health agenda through working with partners across Merseyside.  Members’ attention was drawn to the different structures in place across the Districts and the Authority’s involvement within those structures.

There was particular discussion around Safe and Well Visits and Health and Wellbeing Boards. Members were requested to use their expertise and networks in these areas to encourage MFRA representation on the Health and Wellbeing Boards or equivalent bodies, wherever possible.

Further discussion took place around the role that technological improvements can play in delivering services in prevention and protection. Members were assured that technological improvements are continually being monitored and utilised to ensure that the Authority target resources in the most efficient way possible.

Members thanked Officers for the presentation, and all staff involved in Community Risk Management.

It was resolved that:

1)     The content of the report be approved

2)    The work being undertaken to support the wider community with regard to safety and the health and wellbeing agenda, across the districts of Merseyside, be noted.