Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/037

Contact: Nathan Travis, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Tel: (01865) 855206

Report by Chief Fire Officer (CMDDL4).

This report seeks Lead Cabinet Member approval for the continued development of collaborative opportunities with other Thames Valley Blue Light Services (Police, Fire & Ambulance), supporting national guidance around inter (FRS-FRS) and intra (Blue Light) operability, whilst at the same time, delivering increased public sector efficiencies.

Specifically, this report highlights two collaborative initiatives for approval: Firstly, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the three Thames Valley Fire & Rescue Services aimed at establishing a clear commitment by the respective fire authority members to consider each other's services as preferred collaborative partners from the outset. Secondly, the development of a separate MoU between the three fire authorities and the Thames Valley Police & Crime Commissioner regarding the sharing, primarily, of property assets.

Both of these initiatives will build upon the knowledge gained and operational / governance frameworks developed by the Thames Valley Fire Control Service programme.

The Cabinet Member is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)      Approve the contents of the proposed MOU’s and the collaborative Blue Light Services approach described in this report.

(b)      Sign the MOU’s on behalf of the Cabinet of OCC and direct the Chief Fire Officer to continue with further collaboration

Recommendation agreed.

to:

(a)      Approve the contents of the proposed MOU’s and the collaborative Blue Light Services approach described in this report.

(b)      Sign the MOU’s on behalf of the Cabinet of OCC and direct the Chief Fire Officer to continue with further collaboration