Agenda item

To allow the Board opportunity to comment on the draft Public Safety Plan, ahead of its consideration by Cabinet and a public consultation.

Declarations of Interest:

None.

Witnesses:

Russell Pearson, Chief Fire Officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Sally Wilson, Service Improvement Manager, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Stephen Beakhust, Project Specialist, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Richard Walsh, Cabinet Member, Localities and Community Wellbeing

Kay Hammond, Cabinet Associate Member, Community Safety Services

Asif Aziz, Surrey FBU

Lee Belston, Surrey FBU

Richard Jones, Surrey FBU

Key Points Raised During the Discussion:

1.    A presentation on the draft Public Safety Plan was delivered to the Board by the Chief Fire Officer, outlining the target of the Public Safety Plan in the context of the current safety plan that runs until 2020. The presentation covered why collaboration was required between the emergency services and gave example of where collaboration has been effective already in Surrey.

2.    The timeline for the Public Safety Plan was discussed, particularly around the consultation period. It was agreed that changes to the timeline were necessary, though as there are no substantial changes to service provision, the consultation period may not need to be as long. The suggested period is 6 weeks and officers requested Member feedback on this proposal, which was positive. The method of consultation was debated, covering topics such as how best to engage with as many residents and businesses as possible; accessibility to older residents, and for face to face consultation, the time of day and locations. The Member Reference Group would discuss these issues in more detail and take this further.

3.    The Chairman raised a desire to take the Public Safety Plan consultation to all 11 boroughs and districts in Surrey in an effort to highlight the document to as many residents as possible and increase awareness of what SFRS does. SFRS officers agreed to help facilitate this.

4.    It was noted that the language of the Public Safety Plan required further attention as jargon and service specialist phrasing slips in. Members expressed that as a Public Safety Plan, further information and mention of prevent, protect and response is required.

5.    Members discussed the pilot Telecare system currently being run in Elmbridge where suitably trained on-call firefighters respond to incidents. It was reported that the pilot scheme is going well and the trial has been extended.
Approximately 700 incidents have been attended so far on behalf of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) since January, mainly breaking into homes where the resident needs medical attention. The scheme is considered by SFRS as a good example of where their collaborative efforts are making better use of resources; adding value to SFRS and upholding 24/7 facilities in Surrey, improving outcomes for residents.The scheme supports the SFRS prevention strategy as well as acting as a channel of communication between relevant agencies – the Service also has the support of 150 volunteers.The discussion around Telecare response and other emergency medical services provided by SFRS officers also brought attention to potential health and safety issues around working hours.

6.    A discussion around future funding was held with a view of how Government innovation funding grants could be used to help future recruitment for SFRS. It was noted by the Board that the available grants could not be used in this way as they were one-off grants designed for transformation and improvement project work.

Actions/Further Information to be Provided:

1.    To include further information on what happened next regarding case study on p30.

2.    Member Reference Group for SFRS Transformation and PSP to discuss best approach to public consultation.

3.    Performance and Finance Sub-Group to look at additional duties being carried out by SFRS and how it effects core services, and what additional financial burdens these additional services put on the SFRS budget.

Recommendations:

1.    That the Board notes the draft Public Safety Plan for 2016-2025.

2.    That the Board agrees the proposed alterations to the Public Safety Plan timeline (supported by the MRG) regarding later consultation and cabinet dates.

3.    Members of the Board to engage with the consultation on the Public Safety Plan and to promote to residents and groups the summary document that will be provided.

A short break in proceedings 12.10pm-12.20pm.