Report of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer

The Fire Authority considered the Report of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) which presented them with the communication and consultation plan for the Integrated Risk Management Plan.  The plan had been revised in light of guidance issued by the Consultation Institute in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Assistant Director Planning & Improvement (ADPI) explained to those present that they had sought external advice on conducting a consultation at this time from the Consultation Institute.  These consultation providers had given the Service alternative options to the more traditional face to face approach which was not possible under the current national restrictions.  The plan included using various types of media channels to reach the public. 

The ADPI informed the Authority that the Service would not be reliant on digital media as some members feared, and had a list of over 500 local groups in the county and city including those that were hard to reach.  The consultation would also use telephone interviews and 10,000 postcards were being sent out to those residents that the Service know to be adverse to digital contact to encourage their awareness of the consultation and how to take part.  Information on the consultation would also be available in e-bulletins and magazines produced by the local authorities in the area

Members queried whether there were stocks of the plan available in other languages.  They were informed that this was not a new communication challenge and, in line with other local authorities processes, there would be papers made available in other languages available on request.

The Authority sought reassurance that the sample used for the telephone interviews would be large enough to provide robust data.  The ADPI explained that the independent consultancy firm carrying out the interviews would contact enough people to ensure that there were 600 full interviews undertaken.

The Authority were reminded that they would be provided with Member packs, containing all the information that they need to respond to their constituents and make sure that they are giving the right information and directing people to take part in the consultation.

Cllr O’Keeffe left the meeting at 11.55am

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) added that there would also be videos and short films produced to help get the information out, the Service would contact translating organisations to see if translation straplines may be added to these videos.  Members also suggested that consideration be given to sign language or pictorial graphics be used and made suggestions of local charities and organisations who may be able to assist.

Those Members who had already expressed their reluctance to support a consultation at this time, reiterated that, whilst they fully supported a consultation on the plan and were not unsupportive of the process, they were unable to support it happening under the current circumstances.

Members then voted on the recommendations:

FOR:            12      (Cllrs Barnes, Dowling, Galley, Lambert, Osborne,

Peltzer Dunn, Pragnell, Sheppard, Smith, Taylor, Theobald, Tutt)

AGAINST:       4          (Cllrs Ebel, Evans, Powell, Scott)

RESOLVED – That the Fire Authority:

       i.          approved the changes to the consultation plan in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, presented as option B;

      ii.          approved the proposed 8 week consultation period;

    iii.          did not elect to include a further 12 optional in depth surveys presented as option C; and

    iv.          noted that the additional costs would be funded from the corporate contingency.