To consider Report CFO/016/20 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the newly developed People & Organisational Policies created to reflect changes in national legislation alongside delivery of the MFRA’s People Strategy.

Members considered Report CFO/016/20 of the Chief Fire Officer, concerning the newly developed People & Organisational Policies created to reflect changes in national legislation alongside delivery of the MFRA’s People Strategy.

Members were provided with an overview of the report, which highlighted some of the key aspects of the policies.

With regards to the overarching Wellbeing Policy, Members were informed that this outlines the Authority’s commitment to employee wellbeing, with regards to the mechanisms in place to enable our staff to work towards a healthy work life balance.

In relation to the Recruitment Policy, Members were advised that its sets out the Authority’s intent to recruit a diverse workforce, reflective of the community it serves.

It was highlighted to Members, that the percentage of female fighters within MFRA, is the second highest of all FRS’s in the Country. Members were also informed that when you compare the number of BAME firefighters, as a proportion of the population, MFRA performs the best with regards to the diversity of BAME firefighters out of all the UK FRS’s.

Members were advised that this information is based on the Inspection which was undertaken some time ago; and that when you compare the figures now, there have been increases, demonstrating that MFRA have not stood still and have continued to improve the diversity of the workforce, to reflect the community it serves.

Members were informed of the Promotions Policy, which sets out how we would promote; and the succession strategy.

The Bereavement Service Instruction was then highlighted to Members, which has been developed in response to statutory parental bereavement leave regulations, which moves MFRA to providing 2 weeks paid leave following the bereavement of a child under the age of 18.

Members were also advised that Officers have sought to review existing bereavement leave arrangements; and propose as part of the new arrangements, to increase the amount of paid leave for staff who lose a close family member, from 3 days, to a full week, or full tour of duty. They were advised that these changes will bring the Authority in line with other organisations, but more importantly, will help to support our staff through challenging times.

A question was raised by Members in relation to the work around equality and diversity and a proposed visit from the Asian Fire & Rescue Association; and whether this would still take place given the current uncertainty.

Members were advised that MFRA were due to host an Asian Fire & Rescue Association Conference; and that the Association have approached Officers to ask if this event could be put back. Members were assured that Officers are committed to that event taking place in Merseyside in the future.

The Chair of the Authority commented that Members have a legal responsibility to promote equality and diversity.

Members Resolved that:

a.    The polices attached in Appendix A, B & C, be approved.

b.    The Instruction at Appendix D, which includes a commitment to continue to pay an employee their normal salary rather than the statutory prescribed amount for any period of Parental Bereavement leave, be noted.