The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee welcomed Councillor Tracy Dickinson to the Authority and to her first Scrutiny Committee meeting.

To consider any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Doreen Knight, Jeanie Bell and Co-opted Member Mr Anthony Boyle.

Members noted that Councillor Christopher Page was in attendance, as a substitute for Councillor Jeanie Bell.

To consider any Member declarations of interest in relation to any item on the agenda.

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

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 23^rd July 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the last meeting held on 23^rd July 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

To consider the report relating to the Update on Grenfell Recommendations (CFO/64/24).

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Nick Searle introduced the report which provided an update on Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommendations.

Group Manager Dave Watson delivered a presentation detailing the advancements made by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) in relation to the Phase 1 recommendations, from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry (released in October 2019) comprising of 46 recommendations.

In response, it was highlighted that the Authority had formed a Grenfell Tower Inquiry (GTI) Project Working Group, which led to the establishment of additional initiatives, including the High-Rise Tactics Subgroup.

Dave Watson provided a summary of the 46 recommendations from Phase 1, informing Members that 98% of the recommendations had been implemented across the service.

It was noted that recommendation GR28 was not applicable to Fire and Rescue Services but that it was linked to recommendation GR29 which was relevant, as it pertained to evacuation of high-rise premises.

Dave Watson emphasised that each recommendation's sign off enhanced the Authority’s procedures and increased knowledge of high-rise buildings for Operational Crews and Fire Control staff.

Dave Watson drew attention to the changes within the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 1.10 Fires in Buildings and SOP 1.1.3 High Rise guidance documents.

Councillor Sam Gorst left the meeting at 14:10.

Members were provided with an overview of the training and exercises conducted by the Service in response to the Phase 1 recommendations.

Councillor Sam Gorst re-entered the meeting at 14:12.

In relation to advancements in equipment, Dave Watson provided a summary of specific equipment that had been implemented across the Service as part of the recommendations.

Dave Watson highlighted the final steps undertaken by the Authority to assist in reaching full compliance with the GTI Phase 1 recommendations, which included the MAIT (Multi Agency Incident Transfer) system and the introduction of Stairwell Protection Teams (SPT). It was noted that these steps were part of control measure tactics.

Attention was directed to the GTI Phase 2 report, which was issued on 4^th September 2024. It was observed that an additional 58 recommendations were included in this publication.  With regards to the Authority’s strategy for the Phase 2 recommendations, it was observed that a gap analysis had been conducted, highlighting aspects pertinent to the Service.

The Chair praised Dave Watson for his clear and well-structured presentation, commenting on how easy it was to follow and understand.

Councillor Hanratty raised concerns around high-rise buildings in Merseyside, managed by social landlords. He queried the actions taken by the Authority to ensure these properties adhered to fire safety regulations. Additionally, he requested information on whether new tenancy agreements included provisions relating to fire safety, which would help to establish consistent practices among social landlords and enhance the safety of the residents. Dave Watson informed Members that all high-rise buildings had been audited and inspected by the Service’s Protection and Prevention teams as part of the Government-mandated Phase 1 Building Risk Review (BRR). It was noted that a system had been implemented to alert the Authority for any necessary revisits, assigning risk ratings  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the report relating to the Annual Health, Safety and Welfare Report 2023/24 (CFO/65/24).

Group Manager Craig Whitfield gave a presentation which outlined the performance of the Authority against its Local Performance Indicators (LPIs) for Health and Safety during 2023/24. Group Manager Craig Whitfield highlighted the report's importance in providing assurance of compliance with corporate policies, legal requirements, and health and safety practices.

To provide context it was noted that an analysis of 2023/24 data displayed a significant increase in Fire Service activity, which included community engagement through HFSC’s. In the reporting year, there were also 17,345 operational incidents, supported by 36,240 appliance movements. These figures were significant as they reflected the operational challenges faced in managing life-risks.

Craig Whitfield discussed the workplace data contained in paragraph 9, page 16 of the agenda. Key points included a total of 39 operational staff injuries for 2023/24; a decrease from the previous year. Of these, it was noted that the most common injury type was sprains and strains, with 11 during this time.

It was reported that of those 39, there were 12 injuries recorded at operational incidents, representing a decrease of four compared to the previous year. Among the injured, it was noted that four staff members were unable to continue their duties; however, three of them returned within 12 days, while one remained on long-term sick leave. Craig Whitfield informed Members that the remaining eight staff members continued to fulfil their duties.

The report included injuries occurring during training and it was emphasised that the Authority undertook a significant amount of training compared to other services. In 2023/24, examples of training undertaken included 343 core training courses, 74 off-site station exercises, 45 high rise/hazmat exercises, and the successful delivery of three recruit courses.  It was noted that seven individuals were injured during risk critical training. Two subsequently went off duty and booked sick, and performance was equal to the previous year.

It was highlighted that the report for 2023/24 displayed an increase in injuries among operational staff conducting routine activities, with 20 incidents identified, noted as one less than the predicted target. Notably, 16 of the injured remained on duty, whilst four staff members were off duty, resulting in a total of 21 lost days. Craig Whitfield emphasised the importance of reporting injuries and near misses, as it was crucial for improving safety and operational effectiveness.

Members noted that there was a total of 10 injuries across non-operational staff, which was the same as the year before. Craig Whitfield advised Members that all 10 injured staff had remained on duty.

It was explained that under Health and Safety Executive guidance, the Authority held a responsibility to report Reports of injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) events, which were categorised into two standards: ‘Major’ and ‘Minor’. It was reported that one ‘Major’ RIDDOR event was identified within the reporting period and seven ‘Minor’ incidents were reported, noting a decrease of 50% from the previous year. It was highlighted that these injuries consisted of five sprains/strain injuries, one minor burn/scald and one bruising.

Councillor Sam  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer presenting the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan 2024- 2025 (CFO/66/24).

Monitoring Officer, Ria Groves presented the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan report to Members, highlighting it as a recurring item. Members were directed to page 61 of the agenda, where all topics presented had been highlighted in blue.

Ria Groves addressed proposals made by Councillor Hanratty, who had previously identified three items to be considered by the Scrutiny Committee. It was noted for the first proposed topic in respect of the most recent staff survey, the outcome was due to be presented to Members at the upcoming Policy and Resources Committee. The second proposed topic to review the grievance and complaints policies were already currently under review and will be reported back to Members as part of the response to the cultural actions issued by the HMICFRS across the sector. The third proposed topic was in relation to the Key Performance Indicators of the Service. Members noted that all three of the topics would be considered at a workshop for Members of the Scrutiny Committee in the next municipal year in order to propose a new scrutiny forward work plan for 2025/26.

RESOLVED that Members;

a)    the current progress of the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan 2024-2025 to date be noted and;

b)    review the outstanding items on the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan be noted.

Close

Date of next meeting Thursday, 10^th April 2025.