To consider the report relating to the Service Delivery Plan 2024-25 Q1 Update (CFO/54/24).

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle presented the Service Delivery Plan Quarter 1 Update report for 2024-25, which outlined the scrutiny of the Authority's performance to date against its targets and objectives.

Members were informed that the Key Performance Indicator TC05, which related to special service calls, no longer had a set target, and would be used for quality assurance purposes only. It was noted that this decision reflected the nature of the incidents attended and would ensure that the service did not hinder public calls, nor were the Authority able to influence performance in areas such as assisting partner agencies.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle explained that FC13, Total False Alarms Attended (discounting False Alarm Good Intent and FC24 Total Number of False Alarm Good Intent attended including Non-Alarm-Receiving Centre Domestic Incidents), would also no longer have a set target but would still be recorded for quality assurance. It was noted that no target was set for these figures to encourage reporting. It was emphasised that the Authority prioritised responding to calls, with attendance decisions made upon receiving them.

Attention was drawn to page 30 of the agenda/report wherein indicator (TC02) displayed 1,293 fires attended which MFRA responded to from April to June 2024, highlighting a decrease of 733 fewer incidents from last year. Members were advised that adverse spring weather may have contributed to this reduction, and that the Authority would reassess next year.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle noted on page 32 that while a red indicator was present, the overall trend was usually green due to seasonal changes. He explained that the red status related to injuries occurring from deliberate dwelling fires. In response, it was confirmed that the MFRA’s Prevention team was investigating this issue to develop preventive measures and understand the causes.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle stated that in May 2024, the TR08 attendance standard for fire appliances responding to life-risk incidents, which was established at 90%, was successfully achieved within a 10-minute response timeframe, which resulted in a remarkable 100% attendance rate.

Councillor Byrom highlighted the importance of statistical reports for insight into the Authority’s targets and objectives. It was noted that if Members wished to escalate any broader issues, they could do so to the Authority or Scrutiny Committee for further review.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Nick Searle highlighted the importance of monthly analysis of all relevant data and metrics to stay informed. The Authority's internal processes were explained as crucial for performance reviews and identifying improvement areas, it was noted that Strategy and Performance regularly review those metrics.

Councillor Lamb expressed his appreciation for the clarity of the report and the effective colour scheme, indicating progress. He highlighted the prevention section on page 63, expressing concern that the prevalence of orange might worry the public about unmet targets, noting that it may relate to specific stages throughout the year.

In response, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer explained that the orange status indicated potential delays in meeting the functional plan's schedule due to external factors like partner collaboration and pending actions from the National Fire Chiefs Council. It was also noted that the statistics were for the first quarter, and that the Authority expected to complete the remaining actions within the next nine months.

Councillor Doreen Knight highlighted page 38 and queried the increase in sickness absence levels. Head of Professional and Organisational Development, Mike Pilkington explained that various measures had been implemented following thorough examination led by a Task and Finish group of the Scrutiny Committee, and full Authority. It was noted that since the pandemic, sickness levels had increased as employees had been waiting for medical appointments, with access to NHS services becoming increasingly challenging therefore extending long term sickness absence. Members were assured that measures, including strong occupational health programmes and improved fitness support, were being implemented.

Ria Groves advised that the recommendation for the Authority to engage with the LGA, had been actioned.

RESOLVED that the attached Service Delivery Plan reports (Appendices 1-9) for publication on the website be approved.