To consider the report which relates to the overview of scrutiny 2023-2024 (CFO/26/24).

Ria Groves presented a report providing an Overview of Scrutiny for 2023-2024.  It was noted that the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan was agreed by Members at the Authority meeting in October 2023. It was advised that Scrutiny Members compiled the Forward Work Plan, and those topics were discussed over the course of three meetings.

Members were informed that the Committee had considered the Annual Health, Safety, and Welfare report 2022-2023 particularly focusing on injuries at work, road traffic collisions and near misses. It was noted that benchmarking against other Fire Rescue Services was included.

A detailed presentation on Wildfires was also provided to Members to gather crucial information on the environment and the Authority’s impact.  It was advised that the presentation led to Members reaching out to the National Tactical Advisor to present to their relevant areas.

Ria Groves noted that Staff Sickness over the course of three years was discussed, which resulted in a Task and Finish Group for Members of the Scrutiny Committee. Members were advised that two areas were identified as significant in terms of their effect on long-term sickness; Musculoskeletal (MSK) Injuries and Mental Health.

Ria Groves advised Members that at the Scrutiny Committee held on the 25^th  April 2024, the results of the 2022 Staff Survey and the feedback from the ongoing trial of Hybrid Working were presented.

Members were reminded that the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan was a living document and could be amended at any time.

Councillor Maloney requested that the Plan include the battery life of smoke alarms installed in households throughout Merseyside, as she was concerned that they were failing to meet the advertised lifespan.

The Chief Fire Officer mentioned that battery life could vary depending on cold weather.  It was noted that the Authority was constantly working to improve smoke alarms, working with the providers to monitor performance and make sure they meet expectations after delivery.

Members were advised that if expectations were not met then the Authority would consider reevaluate the current approach.

Councillor Hanratty expressed gratitude to the officers for sharing the staff sickness information during the Task and Finish Groups. Councillor Hanratty summarised that the main topic focused on MSK issues, specifically how wear and tear affects muscles and joints and how age played a significant role in this matter.

To gather more information on a national level, Members proposed to ask the Local Government Association (LGA) to investigate the evidence obtained from the scrutiny process and agreed it could benefit current and future Firefighters.

The Chief Fire Officer emphasised the significance of gathering data to inform future practices and it was noted that sickness absence was continually monitored.

The Chief Fire Officer discussed firefighters’ health and well-being and the gym facilities available which allowed Firefighters to stay fit for their role and duty.

Councillor Knight enquired whether it would be beneficial to seek a third party to discuss Mental Health to staff. It was noted that it would assist with motivating more staff to engage in conversations regarding their health.

The Chief Fire Officer explained that the Authority already provides Mental Health First Aid Support through Blue Light Champions, courses, and training. The importance of debriefing and defusing post incident for firefighters was discussed.

The Employee Assistance Programme was noted, and it was advised that the programme extends to the families of staff. The Chief Fire Officer proposed that Mental Health could return to the Authority at a future meeting if Members requested to do so.

A previous Blue Light Mental Health Awareness course attended by Members was discussed by the Chair. It was noted that the training focused on identifying triggers and recognising early signs of mental trauma, Members agreed it was a well received a course.

The Chair emphasised the importance of providing support to colleagues and highlighted the significance of addressing invisible injuries as well as creating a safe work environment for both physical and mental well-being.

Councillor Hanratty discussed that identifying individuals with mental health issues could be challenging but emphasised that support was available. It was noted that while the Authority was proud of the progress made, there was still work to be done.

RESOLVED that the continued work of the Scrutiny Committee throughout 2023/24 and the matters considered from the Scrutiny Forward Work Plan be noted.