Issue - meetings

This report details progress made on the delivery of Health & Safety and Fire Safety governance arrangements for BCP Council and highlights:

·       the implementation of the Governance framework continues to be embedded and is working effectively. The framework includes the Health and Safety and Fire Safety Board and others meeting at the agreed frequency with generally good attendance;

·       the Corporate H&S team has had one FTE advisor post removed as part of the Council’s budget savings;

·       that effective 1 September 2024, the Corporate Fire Safety Team and BCP Homes Fire Safety support functions have merged under a unified Fire Safety Service Manager. This move enhances BCP Council-wide fire safety management capabilities.

The Health and Safety Manager and Fire Safety Service Manager presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Health and safety and fire safety governance arrangements continued to be embedded and were working effectively. The governance framework set out in paragraph 3 of the report included the Health and Safety and Fire Safety Board and other groups which were meeting at the agreed frequency with generally good attendance. The Health and Safety Manager reported that despite resource issues the team was successfully managing reactive work. Although proactive work was slower, a review of inspection documents had resulted in an increased focus on higher risk. It was noted that the cautionary contact system had now been successfully amalgamated. The Committee was updated on the number and nature of statutory (RIDOR) accident reports for this period compared to previous years.

The Fire Safety Manager reported on service delivery and legislative updates during this period. Key developments included the incorporation of BCP Homes fire safety support functions and the corporate fire safety team under a single management structure with effect from 1 September 2024. The Council was committed to the recommendations in the Grenfell Phase 2 report following its release. The Committee was also advised of ongoing instruction and training and work to review policies and procedures as required.

In response to a question about Martyn’s Law, the Committee was advised that the Council had set up a working group, led by Commercial Operations, to review the progress of this legislation and action as required. A Committee member sought assurance that service areas were staffed to the appropriate level and not under financial constraints in view of the budget process. The Head of Audit and Management Assurance confirmed that one FTE health and safety advisor had been deleted as part of 2024/25 budget savings. It was noted that the post had already been vacant for much of 2023/24 and that when the saving was agreed it was in the knowledge that it would result in the team being less proactive and more reactive in its work. The Fire Safety Manager confirmed that he was reviewing any gaps in resources and budget pressures. He would be happy to update the Committee further and respond to any subsequent questions as requested.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the Committee notes the continued progress in implementing the Health and Safety and Fire Safety governance arrangements and the operational updates;

(b)  Health & Safety and Fire Safety ongoing governance arrangements updates continue to be reported annually to the Audit and Governance Committee