Operational Assessment of Service Delivery A look at Health and Safety in the Service?

Overview of proposals FRS White Paper in 2003 gave the Audit Commission a new role in performance assessment of the FRS The Commission published Fire CPA outcomes in July 2005 In 06/07 there will be 3 components to assessment which will inform decisions on CPA re-categorisation work in 2007 These 3 components address key performance issues building on Fire CPA & modernisation progress Service Assessment Use of Resources Direction of Travel

Use of resources Assess all FRAs across a broad range of financial issues Gives a scored judgement on whether the FRA is providing value for money By exception reports on the FRA’s annual efficiency statement Use of Resources Financial Mgmt VfM Financial Standing Internal Controls Financial Reporting

Direction of travel Scored assessment to determine improvement (or deterioration) Draws together all work Publicly reported Direction of Travel Progress on Implementing Improvement Plans Evidence of Improving Outcomes

Service Assessment Forms part of CPA for single tier and county councils from 2006 Methodology used applicable to all FRAs. Greater emphasis on service delivery, including operational assessment Service Assessment BVPIs 2005/06 HMFSI Operational Assessment Score Other 05/06 PIs

Delivery timetable R Use of resources Jul ‘06 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan ‘07 Feb Mar R ? Use of resources Delivered alongside 2005/06 FY audit work conclusions Service assessments Operational assessments by DCLG – August to November Service assessment calculated by AC – December/February Direction of travel Assessments made December to February Reported in March 2007 R

Service Assessment – process FRA Self Assessment undertaken Self Assessment tool developed by Chief Fire Officers Association & DCLG Review of Self Assessment by seconded Fire and Rescue Service personnel Consistency and Review procedures developed

Service Assessment - key issues Consultation feedback generally positive: Toolkit covers issues well Welcome “Peer Review” approach HS(G) 65 Format well received

Service Assessment So how does all this promote good health and safety management? Origins of toolkit – golden thread or entire approach? Looks at planning, organising and delivery Audit and review a key feature

Service Assessment Some specifics – Risk Analysis “Policies are subject to impacts assessments including risk…” “The FRA sets out a means for identifying existing and potential risks to firefighters…”

Service Assessment Some specifics – Operational Preparedness “The FRA has established arrangements to provide appropriate resources, including approriate equipment and PPE, to meet reasonably predictable levels of operational activity…” “Personnel at all levels understand the policies that are relevant to them in relation to operational procedures, safe systems of work and working procedures”

Service Assessment Some specifics – Call Management “Arrangements are in place to secure the health, safety and welfare (including ergonomic requirements) of the control room environment” “Arrangements are in place to develop and provide health and safety procedures and processes …”

Service Assessment Some specifics – Emergency Response “The FRA has a suite of operational policies relating to the range of incidents that personnel may be required to respond …these include safe systems of work according to risk, incident type and reflecting national guidance” “The FRA analyses incident and safety event data to ensure health and safety issues are effectively addressed …”

Service Assessment Emerging themes Lots of innovation SA a useful process Policy /document control Audit and review

Service Assessment Any questions?