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 proceedings of the last meeting of the Consultation and Negotiation Sub-Committee, held on 27^th July 2013, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the chair.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Consultation & Negotiation Sub-Committee, held on the 23^rd July 2013, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

To consider Report CFO/121/13 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning dialogue between the service and representative bodies, including matters of negotiation and consultation; and to provide an update regarding the progress of industrial relations issues since the last meeting of the Consultation & Negotiation Sub-Committee.

Members considered Report CFO/121/13 of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer, concerning dialogue between the service and representative bodies, including matters of negotiation and consultation; and an update regarding the progress of industrial relations issues since the last meeting of the Consultation & Negotiation Sub-Committee on 23^rd July 2013.

The Chief Fire Officer provided Members with a comprehensive update on industrial relations matters, which covered progress with regards to; new and amended Service Instructions, changes to duty systems, increases to the contracted hours of 21 hour contract holders, the creation of a Retained Reserve; and the reduction in the number of LLAR Stations and subsequent changes in contracts for staff.

Members were informed of the significant progress made in relation to contract harmonisation and were advised that this work will continue, with a report being brought back to Members in due course.

With regards to progress in relation to revisions to the disciplinary procedures, Members were informed that a Task & Finish Group of the Authority will be looking at this in detail and their findings in this regard will be reported back to Members at a future meeting.

Both Members and the Chief Fire Officer expressed their thanks to all individuals involved in the positive discussions in relation to these matters.

Members Resolved that:

a)    The continuing effective and constructive industrial relations with representative bodies, be noted.

b)    The continued progress to deliver the Authority’s IRMP, be noted.