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ITEM EX11 - ANNEX 2

EXECUTIVE – 28 OCTOBER 2003

FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT PLANNING IN OXFORDSHIRE

Consultation Requirements

  1. The Secretary of State considers that fire authorities should consult widely as part of the process of preparing their IRMPs and that effective consultation can act as a catalyst for greater community participation. The consultation process should therefore be extended to any individual or organisation that might have a legitimate interest in the proposals under consideration, or who may be affected by those proposals.

  2. The scope of the consultation should be proportionate to the nature and extent of any changes proposed. The public will be most interested in those aspects that impinge directly on the service provided to them, and their perception of its impact upon their safety. Staffing and related issues will be of lesser importance to the public but will be of significance to employees and their representatives.

  3. There are three principal areas for consultation:

    • The Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan;

    • The Annual Action Plan; and

    • Any changes to response standards and/or resources not included in an annual Action Plan

  1. Before final decisions are made on either the Strategic document or the Action Plan it is expected that consultation will have been undertaken with:

    • The general public, council tax payers, households, etc;

    • Community organisations, including specific community groups, such as ethnic minority and other often excluded groups;

    • Public representatives, e.g. Members of Parliament;

    • Business organisations;

    • Local authorities, public agencies, and other emergency services;

    • Employees (uniformed and non-uniformed) and their representatives;

    • The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; and

    • Any other interested parties

  1. The consultation process should employ the most appropriate technique relevant to the complexity of the issue and its salience to the affected group or individuals. Consultation techniques may include some or all of the following:

    • Advertising/articles in local newspapers

    • Leaflets delivered to households

    • Letters to other agencies, public/business representatives, MPs, etc

    • Fire authority/brigade website

    • Public meetings and meetings of specific community groups

    • Focus groups, citizens’ juries, etc

    • Displays in libraries, public buildings, etc

    • Meetings with local authority representatives and other agencies

    • Meetings with employees and/or representatives

  1. Following the consultation exercise, all responses received must be evaluated and formally considered by the Fire Authority, before it reaches a final decision about implementing any proposals. The process should be open and transparent with all relevant factors and views taken into account, including perceptions of risks faced and public concerns and values.

  2. A summary of responses received and the considered response should be available as public documents.

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