The Committee is 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.

Members Resolved that:

a)    There were no declarations of interest made by individual Members, in relation to any items of business on the Agenda.

b)    There were no additional items of business which the Chair determined should be considered as matters of urgency.

c)    There were no items of business requiring the exclusion of the press and public during consideration thereof, due to the possible disclosure of exempt information.

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Joint Fire and Police Collaboration Committee held on 21^st February 2019, are submitted for approval as a correct record and for signature by the chair.

The Minutes of the previous meeting of the Joint Fire & Police Collaboration Committee, held on 21^st February 2019, were approved as a correct record and signed accordingly by the Chair.

To provide a verbal update regarding collaboration between Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Merseyside Police following the Bluelight Programme Board held on 22^nd July 2019.

Members were provided with a verbal update regarding collaboration between Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Merseyside Police, following the Bluelight Programme Board held on 22^nd July 2019.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer informed Members that he Co-Chairs the Bluelight Programme Board with Deputy Chief Constable – Serena Kennedy. He informed Members that the Board had met twice since the last meeting of this Committee, at which the various project leads have presented updates regarding their various work streams.

Members were informed that there has been some good progress made in several areas, with lots of work now being classed as “business as usual”, with a real joined up approach now being taken.

Members were advised that the work streams are split into 9 key areas; and were provided with a brief update in relation to each of those areas.

With regards to Legal Services, Members were informed that there are now 2 trainee solicitors, who are working across both organisations on a 6 month rotational basis, which is working very well.

In relation to Operational Planning Teams, Members were advised that work is underway to review joint contingency plans. They were informed that joint collaboration plans were not considered to be the best way forward, however there are joint plans in place via the Merseyside Resilience Forum. Members were advised that the teams are co-located and are working really well together, with a great deal of activity now business as usual.

With regards to Equality and Diversity, Members were informed that MFRA and Merseyside Police have held a joint inter-faith week; and have conducted joint work around recruitment and encouraging BAME individuals to apply for roles within the emergency services.

Regarding ICT, Members were advised that collaboration is fully embedded, with officers from each organisation, attending each other’s meetings. They were also advised that they are collaborating around skype and disaster recovery. 

In relation to Estates, Members were informed that this is very much business as usual, with opportunities for collaboration being considered on an ongoing basis.

A further key area highlighted to Members, was around Training Delivery. Members were advised that progress has been quite slow in this area, but it has now gained momentum, with joint training opportunities now being considered in areas such as confined space, joint command; and driver training, as well as consideration being given to the provision of joint training facilities.

With regards to joint working within Strategy and Performance, Members were advised that there has been work undertaken around data protection and sharing sensitive data across organisations. They were also informed that the Corporate Communications Teams have facilitated joint media training, have made improvements around the sharing of information; and are providing reciprocal support.

Another key area highlighted, was around Health and Safety. Members were informed that work had progressed around joint training and awareness days. Also, consideration is currently being given to the potential for Merseyside Police to provide IOSH courses for MFRA.

Further areas of progress highlighted to Members, were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.