Agenda item

The report and background papers are attached.

Ben Brook (Assistant Chief Fire Officer) introduced the report, stating that Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service (WFRS) had a statutory duty to prepare an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) which is regularly reviewed and consulted upon.

Ben Brook reported that, on behalf of the Fire and Rescue Authority, WFRS had prepared an IRMP based upon detailed risk analysis. The Committee’s view was sought on the five proposals outlined within the recommendation of the report.

Ben Brook advised that the report provided details of the outcome of the public consultation on the five proposals. He stated that a diverse range of views had been received with majority support for the five proposals. The proposals would form the basis of an action plan for the next 12 months. He praised the contribution of Ade Mallaban (IRMP Manager) and his team for their hard work and commitment to the project.

Councillor Boad highlighted Proposal 1 (‘ensure our workforce and ethos reflect the diverse communities we serve’) which received the highest proportion (22%) of responses in disagreement. She expressed concern that these figures could suggest intolerance, or a failure to comprehend the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Kieran Amos stated that it was likely that respondents who indicated disagreement to Proposal 1 held the view that WFRS was a tolerant organisation which did not require specific attention to be given to EDI. He commented that this was symptomatic of a broader misconception and justified WFRS’s continued emphasis on EDI. He stated that it was crucial to maintain a position where anybody, including prospective employees, felt welcome, protected, and secure.

In response to Councillor Reilly, Kieran Amos advised that the IRMP would enable a clear mandate to seek a reduction in the number of road traffic collisions resulting in injury or death. Work with the Business Intelligence Team had informed an improved understanding of the causes of road traffic collisions, the areas of the highway network that presented the greatest risk, and where intervention should be targeted. He advised that continual improvement in this area was a priority.

Councillor Crump advised that in 2019/20, 34 people had been killed or seriously injured on Warwickshire roads, the majority of whom had been pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists. This provided a sense of the risk profile. He stated that speed cameras had proved to be an effective means of reducing road traffic collisions in the West Midlands area, and the Safer Travel to School scheme had shown benefits.

The Chair praised WFRS Officers for their support throughout the municipal year and for the exemplary performance of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Resolved:

That the Committee notes the view expressed by Cabinet on 11 February 2021, and recommends that Council:

a)    Note the outcome of the eight-week Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2020-2025 consultation process.

b)    Approve the IRMP 2020 - 2025 and the proposals therein:

·       Proposal 1 - Ensure our workforce and ethos reflect the diverse communities we serve

·       Proposal 2 - Assess our capabilities to improve our ways of working in response to any future pandemics

·       Proposal 3 - Assess our overall resource capacity to ensure our personnel and physical assets are in the right place and at the right time to deliver our statutory duties

·       Proposal 4 - Develop further opportunities to support the wider community health outcomes and help to protect Social Care and the NHS

·       Proposal 5 - Implement digital solutions to enhance our service delivery.

c)     Authorise the Cabinet to approve the annual action plans to deliver the IRMP.