Agenda item

The report provided the Panel with an update on the delivery of the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Safety Plan (SP), Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP).

Following the transfer of governance from the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Authority to the Staffordshire Commissioner, a new Safety Plan 2020-2024 was developed which was published in August 2020.

The Safety Plan was designed to underpin the Staffordshire Commissioners Fire and Rescue Plan and four priorities for the Service were determined following consultation across Staffordshire in 2020.

The four priorities that the Service was delivering against were:

·       Prevention and Early Intervention

·       Protecting Staffordshire and its people

·       Public Confidence

·       Service Reform

Detail on the priorities and the progress to date was contained in the report.

It was explained that the Princes Trust work had stopped during the pandemic but there were plans to start again when it was safe to do so.  Similarly, the Cadets scheme would also be reinstated.

The Safe and Well visits had been reduced during 2020 and the service was being provided through a revised approach using either telephone advice only; telephone advice and smoke alarms dropped off at the door for the occupier to fit; and for residents with an immediate threat to life telephone advice and a full safe and week physical visit. 

The Panel asked why Road Traffic Incidents was a key performance indicator.  It was explained that this was work mainly done through the Safer Roads Partnership and mainly involved making vehicles or the areas safe after accidents.

Along with the Safety Plan, the Commissioner presented an inspection letter from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).  The Inspection was carried out between the 19 and 30 October 2020. 

In the report it was noted that staff absence had increased by 63% from April to June 2020.  Members asked for more information on staff absences during 2020 for both Fire and Police services and if the absence had been due to Covid-19.

The Panel asked how many high-rise blocks of flats were in Staffordshire and what the situation was regarding cladding. The Commissioner agreed to provide the information to the panel but confirmed that there was no ACM cladding in Staffordshire.  Sprinkler systems in flats were the priority and work was taking place with the relevant Local Authorities to address this.

The Panel and the Commissioner expressed their sincere thanks to the Fire and Rescue Service for all their work during the pandemic, particularly the work with the vaccination programme.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the delivery of the Safety Plan 2020 – 2024 and the Covid19 inspection report be noted.

b)    That information on staff absences during 2020 for both Fire and Police services and the reason absence be forwarded to the Panel.

c)    Information on the number of high-rise blocks of flats in Staffordshire and the situation regarding cladding be forwarded to the Panel.

d)    The Chairman, on behalf of the Panel write to the Fire and Rescue Service expressing their sincere thanks for all their work during the pandemic.