Agenda item

This report details the progress made on the delivery of the 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 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 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report detailed the progress made on the delivery of the Fire Safety governance arrangements for BCP Council. The implementation of the Governance Framework continued to be embedded and was working effectively. The framework included the Health and Safety and Fire Safety Board and others meeting at the agreed frequency, with generally good attendance. The Fire Safety Service Manager gave an update on the staffing structure and the wide ranging work of the fire safety team following the incorporation of the Council’s housing estate through BCP Homes in September 2024. He also referred to the work underway to embed two new British standards affecting fire safety from September 2025 into policies and practices.

The Fire Safety Service Manager responded to questions and comments on engagement with BCP Homes residents. He explained that guidance on what to do in the event of fire was provided in welcome packs for new residents. BCP Homes’ annual residents check identified those in need of a person-centred fire risk assessment with appropriate support provided as required. He had attended several residents’ panels since his appointment and had found their input invaluable when developing the new housing fire safety policy particularly in ensuring the avoidance of technical jargon. He agreed that future reports could include more ‘you said, we did’ feedback. Although the main focus was on BCP Homes, the service had also supported colleagues in private sector housing in providing guidance.

Members also asked about workload and resources. Following changes in January 2023, the Council was now responsible for six high rise residential buildings and twelve of medium height. The Fire Safety Service Manager reported that while there had been no significant increase in resource for this change, a planned restructure in September 2024 had strengthened overall service delivery. He confirmed that the team was busy, responding to ongoing changes in the industry and new legislative requirements and future planning for staff retirement. He confirmed that the size of the team was sufficient to fulfil its responsibilities and that there was no financial pressure to reduce numbers. He agreed to provide a follow up response by email to confirm the number of formal meetings held with the Chief Operations Officer since his appointment.

He also reported on other areas of work. He confirmed that the team had provided advice to publicise safe battery disposal and had passed on Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service guidance on battery fires.

Cllr Armstrong in her capacity as a member of BCP Homes Advisory Board drew attention to the most recent quarterly assurance report to the Board and applauded the work of the Fire Safety Service Manager and his team in the 100% delivery of fire risk assessments for all buildings. The Chair on behalf of the committee thanked the Fire Safety Service Manager and his team for their work.

RESOLVED that:

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

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

Voting: Agreed with no dissent