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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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…”

11. 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”

12. 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 …”

13. 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 …”

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

15. Service Assessment
Any questions?