South East Fire & Rescue Service Regional Management Board – Achieving Level 3 of the Equality Standard – Update report. Doug Feery 16 th January 2008

RMBs Objective To improve the region’s performance against the Equality Standard for Local Government by December Key target in the RMB’s Business Plan 2007/10

The Project An assessment of the nine Fire and Rescue Services in the South East against the Equality Standard for Local Government. Assessment based upon: Detailed desk top review On site Interviews Detailed report.

Progress since 25 th September 2007 Current position 3 assessments have been completed and reported back to the individual F&RS. 4 assessments have been completed and are due for report back to the individual F&RS in January / early February assessments are to be finalised in January 2008 with reports due back to the individual F&RS in February / March 2008

Overall summary to date 2 out of 9 F&RS are on track to achieving Level 3 by December 2008, but will need to consolidate a number of areas to support this. The majority are progressing towards Level 2, but need to progress and consolidate a number of key areas. Some F&RSs housed within a county structure are linked to the level and pace of progress and that the county is making, but issues around ownership of the equality agenda at county level are being discussed.

Summary findings Priority for progressing Equality within the F&RS Senior Management Team Understanding / Engagement Elected Members Self Assessment – Structures and process Performance Management

Summary findings Equality Impact Assessment Consultation & Community Engagement Equality Steering Groups Procurement Staff Engagement Local Strategic Partnerships Training

Key questions for the RMB from the 9 Assessments Whether or not the key target within the RMB Business Plan of all nine F&RS achieving Level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government by December 2008 is achievable, or needs to be revised? What, if any, further next steps may need to be taken to support the key target of improving the regions performance against the Equality Standard for Local Government?