To consider any apologies for absence.

Apologies of absence were received Councillor Terry Byron.

To consider any Member declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest made in relation to any item on the agenda.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 25^th January 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 25^th January 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer providing an update on the recent Task and Finish Group and to consider any recommendations as appropriate (CFO/24/24).

Monitoring Officer, Ria Groves, fed back to the Committee on the progress of the recent Scrutiny Task and Finish Group on Staff Sickness absence.? It was discussed that there were a high proportion of Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries which related to long-term sicknesses. ?Members queried the reasons for the high numbers, and it was discussed that it was in part due to increased waiting times with the NHS. Members were informed that the Authority supports staff with the cost of the referral, so that they can be seen quicker.

Ria Groves advised Members that the cost of long-term sickness over the last two years was included within the report. However, it was advised that at the Task and Finish Group Members were assured how the Authority’s budget incorporated the cost. 

Members discussed collaborating with other organisations to identify trends on a national level, in particular relating to MSK injuries and the impact on staff employed as Firefighters. Members were informed about the Authority's promotion of Health and Wellbeing, including the Annual Health Awareness Programme and the Health and Wellbeing Network.

Councillor Hanratty highlighted mental health and MSK injuries as key areas of focus. He emphasised the need to address these issues and provide additional support to staff. Members also discussed the impact of the physical impact of a Firefighter’s role and the age profile of firefighters, noting the retirement age had changed. ?

It was suggested for a recommendation to be added for the request for data to be gathered nationally to assess the impact of MSK injuries on staff over the age of 50. Members agreed to raise these concerns with the Local Government Association (LGA) and lobby for action, dependent on the data. ?Councillor Rennie also emphasised the need for the Authority to ensure firefighters have the best retirement possible.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Dave Mottram, reassured Members that the Authority is investing heavily in training to assist with the prevention of injuries, including mental health support and fitness programmes. It was advised that trend analysis is conducted to scrutinise every injury and that firefighters have an hour dedicated to fitness every day. The importance of maintaining fitness throughout firefighter’s careers was emphasised along with the steps taken by the Authority to safeguard its staff.

Councillor Wood emphasised how critical it is to put preventative and fitness measures in place for MSK concerns in the early years of a firefighter’s career.

The committee discussed a mixed training plan that featured strength and cardio to ensure that firefighters were functionally fit for their role. The annual fitness test was highlighted as a way of monitoring fitness and as a way to identify issues early on.

Councillor Maloney raised the issue of how to determine if the LGA would scrutinsie this data.

It was highlighted to bring up the matter at the upcoming LGA meeting, and it was proposed to write a letter to the LGA and include copy  in  the representative chairmen and vice chairs.

Councillor Moloney expressed appreciation for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider an update on the Staff Survey 2022 (CFO/23/24).

Community Engagement Advisor, Michelle Kirk, gave a presentation which outlined an overview and recap of the last staff survey conducted in 2022. ? It was explained that staff engagement surveys have been conducted since 2014 and were developed  every two years, even during incidents such as COVID-19 Members were advised that all previous surveys are used as a benchmark to identify areas for improvement.

?Michelle Kirk explained the summary of findings from the 2022 survey?. It was highlighted that staff surveys have been conducted on behalf of the Authority by a company named People Insight, who also work with other Fire and Rescue Services.

Members were made aware that overall, the survey had a positive response, although there was a 2% drop in the Authority’s engagement levels compared to the previous survey. ?

Members were advised that the Authority had a strong employee engagement score, strong performance against benchmarks and staff reported that they felt  acknowledged and valued with positive appraisals.

It was noted that areas for improvement included response rates to the survey among operational staff, work-life balance, better collaboration between departments, and understanding the impact of national disputes.

Michelle Kirk summarised the actions taken to date.

With regards to responses about work life balance Members were advised that Hybrid Working had been introduced and the Flexi-Time system had been amended. It was hoped that this improvement would benefit the staff. Members were also advised that during the last HMI inspection staff had spoken positively about work life balance, showing an improvement since the survey was undertaken.

It was explained that the Draft People Plan was accompanied by the creation of a Cultural Action Plan and the associated cultural dashboard to aid organisational learning. Following feedback from 2023, it was noted that a revised approach was produced for the appointment process for 2024. Members were advised that the Recognition and Reward policies had been revised, based off staff feedback. 

It was explained that a new Learning Management System (LMS) was implemented based on staff feedback.

Michelle Kirk informed Members that x2 grade 12 Managerial roles were being trialed. This was a result of feedback in the survey relating to development opportunities for non-operational staff.

It was explained that career development will be a focus in the next staff survey in November and December 2024.

Councillor Wood queried how staff access the survey, and it was explained that it was accessible through mobile phones and laptops.

The committee discussed confidentiality as some staff had been concerned about their anonymity. It was explained that the survey had been conducted by an external organisation and responses had remained anonymous throughout the process.

Deb Appleton, Director of Strategy and Performance, advised Members that the survey was conducted throughout November and December to maintain a 2-year gap between surveys. ? Members were advised that reminders were sent to staff, and the survey was open for 5–6 weeks.

Councillor Hanratty praised the Authority on their hard work and progress, he also acknowledged that there were reasons for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider a presentation and report on employee work/life balance at MFRA (CFO/22/24).

Councillor Hanratty left the meeting at 14:00

Director  of People and Organisational Development, Nick Mernock, presented the Employee Work/Life Balance report that contained an overview of the first 12 months of the introduction of Hybrid Working, it was explained that the implementation of the trial started 18 months ago.

Members were advised that Nick and the Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan, ran consultation meetings which were attended by 90 members of staff, including both uniformed and non-uniformed staff. ? The staff discussed home working and there was a mix of views regarding the frequency of working in the office.

It was noted that the idea of a compressed working week was discussed among some staff members, but there were reservations about the ability to complete busy workloads in four days. ?

It was explained that the revision of the flexitime system and extending working hours had increased flexibility.

Nick Mernock discussed concerns about hybrid working being limited for certain duties and job roles, ensuring part-time staff receive the same opportunities, and keeping agile working as an option. ? Nick Mernock informed Members of the positive comments from the review, which included staff wanting to come into the office as well as feedback around reducing travel costs, releasing more productive work time, and reducing worries over childcare.

Nick Mernock explained to Members that there may be opportunity for staff to be able to work from a local Fire Station. Members were advised that there was still an expectation for staff to adhere to core hours.

It was noted that two surveys were circulated to staff, which included surveys to managers and another to employees who undertake Hybrid Working. It was explained that the feedback received was overall positive, and the trial would run for another 12 months. However, some issues raised by staff included the need for clearer rules, diverting phones during hybrid working, and that there were still some outstanding applications that had since been resolved.

Members were advised a reduction of 1% in short-term sickness had been identified. It was noted that the trial had contributed to improved recruitment and retention.

Councillor Moloney queried flexi carryover from month to month, in which Members were advised it was three days. It was noted that managers monitored the number of hours staff were working, from a Health and Safety perspective.

Councillor Moloney also questioned if the introduction of Hybrid Working had reduced the amount of overtime being taken, in which Nick Mernock advised that overtime wasn’t a significant issue within the Service.

Councillor Rennie queried if any complaints were received over the cost of heating people’s homes and Nick Mernock advised that no complaints were received. It was noted that implementing an allowance for fuel would be costly for the Authority and all office space remains available to staff.

Councillor Wood thanked Officers for the presentation and noted the importance of the trust between staff and the Authority, when working from home.

With regards to home working, Councillor Knight asked how many staff said  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan for 2023-2025 (CFO/25/24).

Monitoring Officer, Ria Groves, provided an overview of the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan. Members were advised that the plan was flexible.

The Chair noted that the plan was working well to scrutinise any areas of concern.

Councillor Maloney suggested scrutinising the Smoke Alarms fitted to homes across Merseyside, as it was reported that they were not lasting the expected 10-year life span.

RESOLVED thatthe proposed Scrutiny Forward Work Plan for 2023-2025 be reviewed.