PURPOSE OF REPORT

To give Members an indication of the Chair and Deputy Chair’s involvement with NWFRS and external partners during the Covid-19 pandemic.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Chair’s report has routinely been an opportunity to update Members about the meetings and events attended by the Chair and Deputy Chair. However, in light of the Covid-19 impact on 2020, this report pays tribute to all members of staff of NWFRS for their hard work since March 2020.

RECOMMENDATION

That Members note the information provided.

OBSERVATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE PANEL/AUDIT COMMITTEE

This report has not previously been considered.

INFORMATION

In light of the rapidly developing Covid 19 pandemic, I decided in conjunction with the Clerk and Chief Fire Officer to cancel the Authority meeting scheduled for 16 March. I am sure that Members will agree that it was a wise decision and that dealing with the reports scheduled for the March meeting via email approval was the best way forward. However, you will note that some reports require the Authority’s endorsement and they will therefore be on the agenda for today’s meeting.

Members will no doubt agree that the Authority can be proud of all NWFRS staff and how they have worked to continue delivering services wherever possible albeit in a completely different manner. Staff had to adapt to remote working ‘overnight’ and where possible have undertaken their duties from home. Safe and well checks have been conducted via telephone appointments, calls to the Control Room have continued to be answered albeit in a different environment and we are extremely grateful to the firefighters who have continued to attend the workplace and respond to all incidents.

In terms of the role of Chair, several meetings have been held with the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, initially via telephone and thereafter virtually. These meetings were held on 18 March, 31March, 3 June, 25 June and 17 September. At the 3 June meeting, the Deputy Minister placed on record her “thanks for all of the work that FRAs and firefighters had undertaken in the last few months, praising their resilience and dedication during the crisis”.

In addition to the Chief Fire Officer’s e-mail updates to Members, regular meetings have been held between Chair, Deputy Chair and Chief Fire Officer, over the last eight months.

The Chair has also attended the NJC for Local Authorities FRS pay claim consultation meeting on 14 July and the North Wales Regional Leadership Board meeting on 9 October.

IMPLICATIONS

Wellbeing Objectives - Not relevant.
Budget - Any costs associated with meetings and events attended by members are reimbursed from the travel and subsistence budget.
Legal - No specific implications arise from approving the recommendation.
Staffing - No specific implications arise from approving the recommendation.
Equalities/Human Rights/Welsh Language - No specific implications arise from approving the recommendation.
Risks - No specific risks arise from approving the recommendation.