Agenda item

Report by the Chief Fire Officer.

The report provides a context to the Performance and Assurance Framework for the purpose of future scrutiny of the Executive’s approach to performance.

6.1        The Committee scrutinised a report by the Chief Fire Officer (copy appended to the signed minutes).

6.2        Summary of responses to committee members’ comments and questions: 

·           At the end of Quarter 4 2021-22, 19 of the 30 measures had a GREEN status, 5 were AMBER and 6 were RED. The Committee welcomed areas of significant improvement and success. Quarter 4 saw an overall improvement in performance, with the following emergency response measures showing particular success:

Ø  Critical Fires -1st Appliance Attendance

Ø  Critical Fires -2nd Appliance Attendance

Ø  Critical Special Services -1st Appliance Attendance

·           Annual figures for all instances of fires and fire casualties remained low. Accidental Dwelling Fires formed a key focus of the Service’s prevention activity and the continued low numbers reflected the sustained work of teams to ensure that the most vulnerable people are kept safe from fire. 

·           Sustained improvement and investment in technology had assisted the Service to achieve success in appliance attendance at critical fires.

·           Prevention work was noted as central to the Service’s performance with the overall incidence of fires being reduced over the year.

·           The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the service worked closely with Adult Services as well as in collaboration with partners to identify vulnerable people (including those with dementia) and ensure fire prevention work is targeted.

·           It was asked if targets should be revised upwards to strengthen the Service position. It was noted there would be a review of standards at the appropriate time with consideration given to the balance between available resources and performance aims.

·           It was noted that the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) which identifies and assesses all foreseeable fire and rescue related risks that could affect the community also looks at the resources in place and the activity needed to be undertaken to meet these risks and develop plans to improve safety. The CRMP addressed unwanted Fire Alarm Calls with the aim of reducing wasted fire service activity.

·           Committee members were reassured that every incident that the Service attends is subject to an operational review to determine whether a fire could have been prevented. Fires that cause injury are investigated by the Borough Commander and fatalities are reviewed forensically by the Chief Fire Officer/Deputy Fire Officer. The service analyses data/trends and uses this information in fire prevention work.

·           Safe and Well visits were discussed as areas for improvement as the target had not been achieved. The Service was determined that improvements would be made by exploring different ways of working, e.g. training fire fighters to spot potential fire risks in commercial property and offering support to district and borough councils to screen for potential fire safety risks. It was noted that the Grenfell Fire incident had produced learning and these safety messages would be promoted to Members.

·           Retained Fire Fighter availability was discussed as an area requiring improvement. It was noted that this was a national issue.  The Chairman pointed out that a successful Task and Finish Group had been held, focusing on this issue and providing recommendations on future retention and recruitment. The Committee was confident that this performance would be improved upon.

·           Comment was made that the Fire and Rescue website needed accessibility improvements. The Chief Fire Officer was asked to review the website.

6.3        Resolved – that

                   i.  The Committee supports the fire safety audit tool template for West Sussex County Council;

                  ii.  The Service continues to remind members of all councils of the resources available for supporting vulnerable people in the community;

                 iii.  The Service to assess the West Sussex County Council website for how easy fire safety information is able to be accessed by the public;

                iv.  The Service to update the Committee on outcomes following the Performance Improvement Plan at an appropriate time; and

                  v.  To add “Ensuring outcomes are delivered” to Section 1.4 of the Performance and Assurance Framework cover report.