To consider an update relating to the implementation of National Fire Standards (CFO/25/24).

Chief Fire Officer, Phil Garrigan presented the National Fire Standards Annual Update for April 2024.

Members were advised on the Authority’s progress towards compliance with the National Fire Standards. The Chief Fire Officer explained that 17 standards were approved, by the Fire Standards Board and that two further standards were awaiting approval; ‘Internal Governance and Assurance’ and ‘Procurement and Commercial Services’.

Members were advised that the Fire Standards were demonstrated within the Authority’s Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) and would be delivered by Response, Preparedness, Prevention, and Protection.

It was acknowledged that the Authority had been involved with the development of some of the 17 National Fire Standards.

The Chief Fire Officer stated that gap analysis would be carried out for each Standard, using the National Fire Chiefs Councils (NFCC) implementation Toolkit. It was noted that the delivery of the Standards would be monitored using a tracker. 

Members were directed to page 31 of the report, which contained an overview of MFRA’s achievements to date. It was noted that the Authority had achieved good progress, in relation to implementing the Standards.

Councillor Grace, queried the progress made against Fire Standard 8, which read," To demonstrate inclusivity by recognising the diversity of the community and providing equality of access." The Chief Fire Officer explained that the ratings in the report were part of a self-assessment and that the Authority felt that further work around cultural aspects and understanding the community was needed. It was explained that the Authority wanted to consider all the different communities within Merseyside in line with feedback from HMICFRS.

Councillor Lamb commended the Authority on its progress and asked for further information about the ‘Communication and Engagement’ Standard. Councillor Lamb queried the rating, noting that the report stated that the Authority had adequate resources in place to achieve the Standard. The Chief Fire Officer noted the recent release of this particular standard and Members were reassured that work around communication and engagement was always prevalent to the Authority.

Councillor Gorst queried if the Action plan was targeted at MFRA staff or communities in Merseyside. The Chief Fire Officer explained that the standard related to the community and the Authority’s affect on people’s habits e.g. safer driving.

Councillor Hanratty welcomed the new standards for Fire and Rescue Services. However, it was noted that the standards were not mandatory and so would not be financed by central government.  It was explained that maintaining standards would assist with prioritising the best interests of the community.

Councillor Hanratty questioned the Authority’s contribution to the creation of the Standards. It was noted that MFRA has been involved in the development of several of the Standards but that the Board was independent.

Councillor Hanratty queried if any of the 17 Standards included the introduction of policies and if they needed to be adopted by the Authority.The Chief Fire Officer discussed the use of the implementation Toolkit to identify any areas of improvement and explained that if a new policy was needed the Chief Fire Officer would report that back to Members.

It was confirmed that the Code of Ethics Standard had already been considered by Members and The Chief Fire Officer welcomed further Scrutiny on the matter if Members felt it was necessary.

Councillor Hanratty asked if a dedicated team for ensuring all Fire Standards would be beneficial for the Authority. The Chief Fire Officer advised that the Director of Strategy and Performance would ensure that proper governance was always maintained, with an Annual report presented to Members.

Councillor Hanratty discussed Succession Planning. The Chief Fire Officer explained the difference between succession planning and workforce planning. Members were reassured that the Authority were integrating succession planning into the functional planning process.

Councillor Hanratty queried the Authority’s progress on the Prevention Standard in relation to residents who are hoarding in Merseyside.

It was noted a multi-agency approach was used but that individuals have freedom in their homes and the Authority had limited legislative power. It was noted that powers were in place to ensure that the public’s well-being and safety, in particular high-rise buildings and new premises.

Councillor Hanratty inquired about the potential impact on the Authority’s budget if standards were to be implemented completely. The Chief Fire Officer emphasised that budget allocations aligned with the Standards and that a lot of the recommendations were already in practise so would not attribute further cost.

RESOLVED that the progress against achieving compliance with the National Fire Standards and the work being undertaken within Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (‘MFRS’) to implement and ensure compliance with the National Fire Standards be noted.