Meeting Details

There were no apologies for absence.

The Chairman welcomed Cllr Andy Fry to the Committee, who had recently replaced Cllr Boatright-Greene on the Fire Authority.

The Head of Internal Audit - WIASS was unable to attend the meeting. The Treasurer presented the update on the delivery of the Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25 that was approved on 25 September 2024.

Members noted that the Internal Audit Plan was on track to be delivered and no proposed amendments were required at this time.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Treasurer updated Members on the position regarding the production and audit of the Authority’s Accounts and the proposed measures to return to a normal cycle.

Members noted that up until the Accounts for the year 2022/23 (Accounts), external audit was provided by Grant Thornton but from 2023/24 this had changed to Bishop Fleming. The Treasurer explained that as the audit took so long this did mean that coordination and planning was a complex process, which was now more straightforward as the relationship with Grant Thornton was now complete. The key issue was to get the audit completed before the end of the following year so that the Accounting System could be rolled (in normal audit circumstances this is not an issue) as without this we would never get back on track.

 The Treasurer reminded Members that the Authority had a good track record of producing accurate accounts and there was no underlying weakness, despite the late and extended audits. The normal budget and out-turn reporting to Committees and the Authority had remained on track and normal financial governance had carried on.

It was agreed that with the co-operation of the Auditors, the Service would endeavour to complete the audit by the backstop date, but would accept a limited and low risk disclaimer opinion, as follows:

'To reduce the audit input, we will not be carrying out a valuation of fixed assets in the 2023/24 statement. This is a technical risk which the Auditor will have to comment on (potentially issue a disclaimer). However, a full valuation at 2024/25 will fully restore this position and is unlikely to impact on any users of the accounts.'

If, with resources available, this was not achievable the priority would be to get into a position where the 2024/25 accounts could be audited normally.

Members noted that in order to complete the audit, it may may be necessary to bring reports to the Fire Authority where Audit and Standards Committee dates were unsuitable.

Members agreed that this would appear to be the quickest and least risky approach to get back to a normal accounts and audit cycle.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted:

i)   the position in respect of the Statements of Account and audit;

ii)  that the 2023/24 Statements would be subject to a statutory disclaimer; and

iii) that reasonable steps had been taken to bring timetables back on track.

The Assistant Chief Officer - Director of Prevention presented the Equality and Gender Pay Gap Report 2023-2024 and an update on the work completed during Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 2024-2025 against the Service’s Equality Objectives 2021-2025.

Members noted that the Service continued to make progress against its Equality Objectives which evidenced the continued commitment to meet the diverse needs of the communities the Service served, whilst building an inclusive workplace culture. Going forward the Service remained focused on enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), in order to develop a safe and inclusive workplace culture and deliver a quality service to all members of our communities.

Members thanked Officers for an excellent report which highlighted the positive way the Service was helping and supporting its employees.

 Members were asked to note the contents of the Equality and Gender Pay Gap Report 2023-2024 and approve its publication on the Service website. In addition, the gender pay gap information would be submitted to the government reporting website as per the Regulations.

RESOLVED that Members note the:

i)   Content of the Equality and Gender Pay Gap Report 2023-2024; and

ii)  Good progress made against the Service’s Equality Objectives.

The Assistant Chief Officer - Director of Prevention presented Members with a recommendation to extend the Core and Enabling Strategies for up to one year.

Members noted that the Core and Enabling Strategies were due to come to an end on 31 March 2025. Extending the delivery period of these strategies would allow time to ensure they were accurately reviewed to articulate the strategic direction in line with the priorities identified in the new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP 2025-2030).

RESOLVED that a 12 month extension to the core and enabling strategies, due to come to an end 31 March 2025, so that they can be reviewed in line with the new Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030, be approved.

The Assistant Chief Officer - Director of Prevention updated Members on the Service’s commitment to safeguarding for the year January – December 2024.

The report provided an overview of the work the Service had undertaken over the last 12 months with regards to its safeguarding responsibility and provided assurance that it was compliant with safeguarding legislation.

Members noted that all activities related to safeguarding continued to be developed and evolved to align with the Safeguarding Fire Standard and Prevention Strategy. Activities would be quality assured, monitored and reviewed regularly.

RESOLVED that the progress of the Prevention department’s activity against the Fire Standards Board’s (FSB) Safeguarding Fire Standard be noted.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer updated Members on the work of Women@HWFire group.

Members noted that the work delivered by Women@HWFire demonstrated the organisational commitment to supporting under-represented groups within Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS). It had added significant value to multiple areas of work and continued to influence the changing profile in operational and support staffing managerial roles across the Service. The group remained committed to driving diversity within HWFRS as an organisational priority.

[Councillor R Morris left the meeting at 11.33am].

The Chief Fire Officer informed Members that the new workwear would be shown at the Fire Authority meeting on 19 February 2025 to highlight, in particular, the clothing that was now tailored for women.

RESOLVED that the activities of the Women@HWFire group be noted.

The Deputy Chief Fire Officer presented a Health and Safety update on activities and items of significance.

Members noted that the Service aimed to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and reduce and prevent accidents and injuries at work, as outlined in the People Strategy 2022-2025.

The total number of safety events reported in Quarter 2 (39) had decreased by five compared to the previous quarter (44). Although minor personal injuries had increased this quarter, the other categories were offsetting this with lower numbers.

Overall absence due to staff sickness had risen slightly from 2.47 in Quarter 1 2024-2025 to 2.73 days lost per person in Quarter 2 2024-2025, 2.29 days lost per person was reported in Quarter 2 2023-2024. The Service continued to monitor and review attendance levels in line with the Attendance Management policy and supported managers in the timely resolution of absence cases.

RESOLVED that the following issues be noted:

i)    The involvement of the Service in Health and Safety initiatives;

ii)   Health and Safety performance information recorded during July - September (Quarter 2); and

iii) Workforce Health and Wellbeing performance (Quarter 2).