Personnel and Training 13 July 2007

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Personnel and Training 13 July 2007

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Meeting of the Personnel and Training Committee held on 13 July 2007 at Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters, Birkenshaw

Present : Councillors G P Kirkland (in the Chair),

S Armitage, D Atkinson, J Cole, M Coulson, E Firth (as substitute for Councillor N Ikram),P M Harrand (as substitute for Councillor V Binney), A Harrison,

M Jamil, B Smith (as substitute for Councillor T Hardwick), R Taylor and G Wilkinson

Apologies : Councillors V Binney, T Hardwick and

N Ikram

In attendance : Councillor P Booth

1 Minutes of the Last Meeting

Resolved

That the Minutes of the Committee at a meeting held on 13 April 2007 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

2 Urgent Items

None.

3 Exclusion of the Public - Section 100A, Local Government Act 1972

There were no items which required the exclusion of the public and press.

4 Disclosures of Interest

No disclosures of interest in any matter under consideration were made.

5 Noise and Vibration Policy

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Human Resources which sought approval for the inclusion of a Noise and Vibration at Work policy as part of Section 3 of the Corporate Health and Safety policy. A copy of the Noise and Vibration policy was attached as an annex to the report now submitted.

Resolved

That approval be given to the inclusion of the Noise and Vibration at Work policy as part of Section 3 of the Corporate Health and Safety policy.

6 2007 World Extrication Challenge

The Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive submitted a report which sought approval for the participation of a team from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in the 2007 World Extrication Challenge.

It was reported that the team achieved a second place at the 2006 Challenge and had subsequently received an invitation to compete in the World event to be held in Barcelona in October 2007.

Members were advised that the cost of attending would be £4,200 which could be met from within the existing training budget.

Resolved

(i) That approval and support be given to the attendance of a team from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the 2007 World Extrication Challenge in Barcelona; and

(ii) That financial provision of £4,200 be made available from within the training budget.

7 Recruitment Update

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which updated Members on progress in the recruitment process and advised of the initiatives introduced to increase the number of BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) and female operational firefighters.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

8 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Human Resources which provided Members with feedback and advice on the actions required to improve the Authority’s position in the Stonewall Workplace Equality index (WEI). The WEI was seen as a key measure of an organisation’s commitment to diversity and, as previously reported, the Authority achieved 47th place in 2006. An action plan had subsequently been produced to address areas of improvement for 2007, a copy of which was attached as an annex to the report now submitted.

Resolved

That approval be given to the action plan to improve the Authority’s performance in the 2007 Stonewall Workplace Equality index

9 Variation in Shift Lengths - Progress

Members considered a report of the Director of Human Resources which advised of the progress and implementation of the variation to shift lengths

and which sought approval for the accompanying Buddying Policy and Flexibility protocol.

It was reported that the shift lengths would be

revised, as a result of a full collaborative process with the representative bodies and would comprise

11-hour day shifts and 13-hour night shifts. Implementation of the changes would commence on 1 January 2008 and be subject to agreed working routines and the resolution of individual family-friendly issues.

Resolved

(i) That the report be noted;

(ii) That the Flexibility Protocol and Buddying Policy be approved in relation to the implementation of the variation in shift lengths; and

(iii) That both Management and the representative bodies be thanked for their patience and perseverance in agreeing the changes to shift lengths.

10 Young Firefighters' – Future Resourcing and Direction

The Director of Fire Safety and Community Relations submitted a report which updated Members on the position with regard to the future resourcing and direction of the Young Firefighters’ scheme.

Members were advised that the scheme had been a great success for the Authority and had grown across all the 5 districts. The role of the Fire Service in youth inclusion and educational activities was highly respected both by schools taking part and by the Local Education Authorities – it was also regarded as best practice from a national perspective.

It was further reported that the Authority had agreed to commit capital resources of £300,000 over three years to provide equipment and building adaptations to support an extension of the scheme.

Resolved

(i) That the scheme, originally operated as a pilot project, be mainstreamed as part of the strategy for youth inclusion and education;

(ii) That the Authority continues to contribute to the capital budget for the scheme and revenue costs continue to be met by participating organisations;

(iii) That the role of Young Firefighter Scheme co-ordinator be confirmed as a permanent post within the organisation (funded by external sources); and

(iv) That Firefighter Martin Hoole be congratulated on his commitment and dedication to the scheme both locally and on a national level.

11 Temporary Agency Worker – Employment Services

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Human Resources which sought approval for the appointment of an agency worker for three months to cover a vacancy arising from the secondment of an employee within the department.

The estimated cost of using agency staff for a three-month period would be £5,800 which could be met from vacancies within the existing salaries budgets.

Resolved

That approval be given to the appointment of an agency worker for a three-month period within Employment Services.

12 Continuous Professional Development Scheme - Update

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which advised of the outcome of the implementation of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme.

It was reported that 1205 personnel were eligible to apply for the CPD of which 1140 had been approved for payment. The net cost of implementation of the payments and the removal of the Long Service increment would be £22,000 in a full financial year.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

13 Performance Improvement Policy - Introduction

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which advised of the introduction of a revised Performance Improvement policy following the introduction of the Continuous Professional Development scheme.

Members were advised that the policy was built around 3 key stages which may then be followed by subsequent disciplinary action and would be useful

tool for managers to assist in the maintenance of a high level of staff performance.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

14 Industrial Relations Protocol

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Human Resources which advised of the National Joint Council (NJC) joint protocol for good industrial relations in the Fire and Rescue Service.

It was reported that the protocol reflected the need for management and representative bodies to work together for the benefit of the service, its employees and local communities. A copy of the protocol was attached as an annex to the report now submitted.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

15 Personnel Activity Report

The Director of Human Resources submitted a report which advised of personnel activity between the

period June 2006 – May 2007.

Resolved

That the report be noted.

Chair