Purpose: Noted

Date: 12 July 2018

Title: FIRE AND RESCUE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENGLAND

Report of Chief Fire Officer

SUMMARY

On 8 May 2018, the Home Office released a revised Fire and Rescue National Framework for England (the Framework) document which will come into force on 1 June 2018. The Fire and Rescue National Framework for England provides the overall strategic direction for Fire and Rescue Authorities.

Members are required to note the content of this report and the content National Fire and Rescue Framework for England at appendix 1.

BACKGROUND

The Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 states that the Secretary of State must prepare a Fire and Rescue National Framework for England that:

sets out the priorities and objectives for fire and rescue authorities in connection with the discharge of their functions

may contain guidance for fire and rescue authorities in connection with the discharge of their functions

may contain any other matter

The Framework states that the priorities for all Fire and Rescue Authorities are:

make appropriate provision for fire prevention and protection activities and response to fire and rescue related incidents

identify and assess the full range of foreseeable fire and rescue related risks their areas face

collaborate with emergency services and other local and national partners to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the service they provide

be accountable to communities for the service they provide

develop and maintain a workforce that is professional, resilient, skilled, flexible and diverse

The Framework does not prescribe operational matters and allows for flexibility in how Authorities operate under the framework to enable the most efficient and effective delivery of services. Every Fire and Rescue Authority must have due regard to the Framework.

CONSULTATION ON THE FRAMEWORK

The Framework was last published in 2012.Since that time, the Government have acknowledged that the fire landscape is changing, in particular, the different governance models now available as a result of the Policing and Crime Act 2017, the new inspectorate, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the creation of the National Fire Chief Council (NFCC). On 27 December 2017, the Government issued Consultation on a revised Fire and Rescue National Framework for England which would reflect the changes of the fire landscape.

HFRS Officers contributed to the consultation and submitted a response to the Home Office. Officers were also involved in the development and review from a national position. The Framework states that Fire and Rescue Authorities should engage with national research and development programmes, including those overseen by the NFCC. This new inclusion to the Framework was influenced by HFRS Officers.

On 8 May 2018, after considering the consultation feedback, the Home Office published a revised Framework to replace the 2012 version. The new Framework comes into force on 1 June 2018.

The revised Framework has additional sections within it which assist in making the roles and responsibilities for Fire and Rescue Authorities much clearer and precise and up to date.

NEW INFORMATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK

Section 2, ‘Delivery of Functions’, contains an additional section called ‘Collaboration’ at page 7 which has been included to reflect the changes introduced within the Policing and Crime Act 2017 (the Act). This section details Fire and Rescue Authorities duties within the Act.

Section 3, ‘National Resilience’, contains an additional section called ‘Response to terrorist attacks or marauding terrorist firearms attacks’ at page 10. This section explains Fire and Rescue Authorities responsibilities around responding to terrorism and maintaining a robust capability.

Section 4, ‘Governance’, is completely new at page 11. This section explains the different governance models across the Country and reinforces whether it be a Fire Authority, a Police and Fire Crime Commissioner (PFCC) or a Mayor, that all have a statutory duty to ensure the provision of their core functions as required by the Fire and Rescue Service Act 2004.

Section 4, at page 12, explains a PFCC’s responsibilities in relation to setting a Fire and Rescue Plan.

Another additional section within ‘Governance’ is the ‘National Fire Chiefs Council NFCC)’ section at page 13. This section has been added to reflect the creation of the NFCC and explains that all Fire and Rescue Authorities are expected to engage with and consult the NFCC for advice and support. It also states that the NFCC are expected to support and represent every Service.

Section 5, ‘Achieving value for money’ at page 14 is new. This section clearly sets out the expectation that all Fire and Rescue Authorities must manage their budgets and spend money appropriately ensuring the efficient and effective use of their resources. Much of the information within this section was in the previous 2012 Framework but it incorporated within the document and not under a separate heading. In the revised Framework, duties relating to financial responsibilities are all under this new heading.

Additional sections within ‘Achieving value for money’ include; ‘Commercial Transformation’ at page 15 which explains that Fire and Rescue Authorities must demonstrate that it is achieving value for money; ‘Research and Development’ at page 16 which explains that Authorities should engage with national research and development programmes including those overseen by the NFCC; and ‘Trading’ at page 16 which explains Fire and Rescue Authorities powers to trade and make profit under the Local Government Act 2003, the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Local Government Order 2009 and the Local Authorities (Goods and Services) Act 1970.

Section 6, ‘Workforce’ at page 17 is new to the Framework. This section clearly articulates Authorities responsibilities in relation a ‘People Strategy’, ‘Professional Standards’, ‘Fitness Principles’ and ‘Re-engagement of Senior Officers’.

Section 7, ‘Inspection, Intervention and Accountability’ sets out new responsibilities for Fire and Rescue Authorities in relation to ‘Inspection’ and ‘Intervention’. The Framework states that the inspection framework and programme applies to all Authorities and all Authorities must co-operate with the inspectorate and its inspectors. The Framework also explains that Authorities must give due regard to the reports and recommendations made by HMICFRS. This section also includes a new intervention protocol for Authorities.

Another new section detailed on page 21 explains the responsibilities of Police and Crime Panel’s in providing support and challenge to PFCC’s.

HOW THE AUTHORITY EXERCISES ITS FUNCTIONS

The Scheme of Delegation clearly outlines the responsibilities that are delegated to the Chief Fire Officer. The Authority approved the Scheme of Delegation (July 2018 HFRA meeting) which is included in the Constitution. In doing so, the Authority delegate to the Chief Fire Officer, activities which pay due regard to the Framework and ensure the Authority are meeting their requirements.

The Authority provide regular scrutiny and challenge throughout the year. Officers will pay due regard to the Framework and will bring appropriate reports to the Authority to enable challenge, scrutiny and to facilitate the Authority to carry out its functions as detailed within the Framework. The Authority regularly receive reports such as the annual assurance statement, the annual governance statement, performance reports, financial reports, audit monitoring reports and workforce information, all which assist the Authority in meeting the requirements of the framework. It is important that in making decisions, the Authority have due regard to the Framework.

SUPPORTING OUR SERVICE PLAN AND PRIORITIES

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to ensuring safer communities. The revised National Fire and Rescue National Framework provides the basis for the Authority to ensure it is meeting its responsibilities. as required by the Fire and Rescue Service Act 2004.

RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

There are no resource implications as a result of this report.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An environmental and sustainability impact assessment is not required for the purpose of this report.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

The Fire and Rescue National Framework document provides the role and responsibilities of Fire and Rescue Authorities in England. The Home Office state that Authorities must have due regard to the Framework in carrying out their duty to ensure the provision of their core functions as required by the Fire and Rescue Service Act 2004.

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An equality impact assessment is not required for the purpose of this report.

RISK ANALYSIS

It is important that HFRA Members acknowledge their duties as set out in the Framework document. Ensuring Members have an understanding of the contents of the Framework will assist with the discharge of functions in accordance with the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.

CONCLUSION

On 8 May 2018, the Home Office published a new Fire and Rescue National Framework document to replace the 2012 version. The revised Framework includes additional information to reflect the changing landscape in which Fire and Rescue Authorities are governing in. This report explains the key changes within the Framework and seeks Member acknowledgment of those changes and the associated responsibilities.

RECOMMENDATION That the revised Fire and Rescue National Framework be noted by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority and Members pay due regard to the Framework when carrying out the Authority’s functions.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Appendix 1: Fire and Rescue National Framework Document.

The document can also be found on the following link:

Fire and Rescue National Framework for England document

Contact:

Iain Hardcastle, iain.hardcastle@hantsfire.gov.uk, 07918 887570