To consider Report CFO/040/19 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the content of the Service’s inspection report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Members considered Report CFO/040/19 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the content of the Service’s inspection report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Members were informed that the Inspectors visited MFRA in December to undertake fieldwork, and gather evidence in relation to the three key pillars:

·         How effective is the fire and rescue service at keeping people safe from fires and other risk?

·         How efficient is the fire and rescue service at keeping people safe from fires and other risks?

·         How well does the fire and rescue service look after its people?

Members were advised that the role of the Inspectors is to act as members of the public.

The overall summary of the inspection findings, was read out to Members; and it was specifically highlighted that to date, MFRS is the only FRS in the Country to get a rating of “Outstanding” in two categories; and one of only five FRS’s to receive a “Good” rating across all three pillars.

It was explained to Members that the report is really positive; and something which should be celebrated by everyone involved with MFRS.

They were informed that it is the first time MFRS have been inspected by HMI for ten years, with the new inspection regime now being more critical and having more influence, than the Peer Review regime that was in place previously.

Members were also advised that MFRS have been approached by a number of FRS’s, to support them in making improvements; and as the Lead Authority for National Resilience, we should be providing support to others.

It was highlighted to Members that MFRS did receive one rating of “Requires Improvement” against the category – “Ensuring fairness and promoting diversity”. Members were advised that Officers accept that more work is required in this area. However their attention was drawn to the national report for tranche 2 inspections, which shows that for all the FRS’s inspected within tranche 2, MFRS has the highest percentage of female firefighters.

They were also advised that with regards to the percentage of BAME firefighters within MFRS as a proportion of the BAME resident population across Merseyside, MFRS are very close to being reflective of its communities, which compares favourably with the other FRS’s within tranche 2.

However Members were assured that officers will not rest on their laurels and work will continue, including around improving the culture of the organisation moving forward, to ensure that it is conducive to positive relations.

Comments were made by Members with regards to the way in which the workforce figures are presented within the report. It was noted that the firefighter cost per person per year figure for MFRS looks expensive when compared to the national average. However, this will be due to the fact that MFRS do not have any community retained firefighters. It was suggested that cost per incident may be a better indication of value for money; and Members were informed that HMICFRS are still working through the best way to benchmark.

Comments were made by Members regarding the retention of female firefighters; and it was requested that further information be brought back to Members regarding associated policies.

It was suggested that this issue be picked up through scrutiny, with a review around family friendly policies and staff retention, being added onto the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan.

Members wished to place their thanks on record to all staff and everyone involved with MFRS, for the fantastic achievement. It was noted that although there is always room for improvement, the Inspection Report has been particularly heartening.

Members Resolved that:

a.    The HMICFRS inspection report (Appendix 1), national tranche 2 report and comparisons with other fire and rescue services (Appendices 2 and 3), be noted.

b.    The findings of the inspection report and the areas of strength identified, be noted.

c.    The steps being taken to address any areas for improvement including the intention to create an action plan (Appendix 4), be noted.

d.    The Chief Fire Officer’s proposals to acknowledge the positive outcomes of the inspection, be noted.

e.    A review around family friendly policies and staff retention, be added to the Scrutiny Committees Forward Work Plan.