Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan 2011-12 ...

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes
Fire Authority
MEETING Executive Committee
DATE OF MEETING 6 th October 2011
OFFICER Des Williamson, Assistant Chief Fire Officer
LEAD MEMBER Councillor David Rowlands
SUBJECT OF THE REPORT Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan
(IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
ITEM 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report identifies specific areas in the quarterly
monitoring of the Authority’s Integrated Risk Management
Action Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 where performance issues have
been identified, or good practice has been exhibited, and
covers the first quarter from 1 st April to 30 June 2011.
ACTION Information
Where performance shows a declining trend, a narrative is
contained within the corresponding section of the report.
RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That the first quarter performance against the
objectives and targets set in the IRMP Action Plan
2011-12 be acknowledged.
2. That the introduction of an enhanced performance
management system; Performance Plus implemented
across the service on 31 st August 2011, that will
further enhance performance monitoring and reporting
across the service (as attached at the Annex), be
noted.
RISK MANAGEMENT Members should make use of performance information to
assist them in the strategic decision-making of the
Authority. Performance management is a contributor to
service improvement and to effective prioritisation of
resources.
FINANCIAL
IMPLICATIONS
None at present
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS None at present
HEALTH AND SAFETY None at present
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Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Where applicable the limited resources we have are being
targeted at the most vulnerable based upon collected
demographic data. This demonstrates an equitable process
based upon risk to all members of the community.
USE OF RESOURCES
PROVENANCE SECTION
&
BACKGROUND PAPERS
There has been success in reducing incidents of death and
injury in Road Traffic Collisions for young people through
targeted activity in this group.
Non-domestic properties are targeted according to their risk
thus identifying the most vulnerable in the community.
The potential issue of RDS recruitment and retention has
been identified that may require further work.
Performance monitoring
Provision of timely performance monitoring information
enabling feedback to members.
Communication with stakeholders
Informative and structured performance information
incorporating stakeholder contributions.
Background papers:
• Corporate Plan 2011-12
• 2011-12 IRMP (Integrated Risk Management Plan)
Action Plan
APPENDICES Annex – high level view of performance for each of the
measures outlined in the 2011-12 IRMP Action Plan.
TIME REQUIRED 20 minutes
REPORT ORIGINATOR AND
CONTACT
Executive Committee 6 th October 2011
Toni D’Souza
Manager – Performance & Intelligence Unit
01296 744444
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Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN (IRMP) ACTION PLAN 2011-12
PERFORMANCE MONITORING – 1 APRIL 2011 TO 30 June 2011
1. Executive Summary
1.1 This report focuses on performance monitoring against the strategic aims which form the
2011-12 Corporate Plan and provides a brief summary for each of the targets with
further commentary upon those in exception.
1.2 ANNEX A to this report provides a high level view of performance for each of the
strategic aims outlined in the 2011-12 Corporate Plan. Performance is indicated by the
RAG (Red Amber Green) status.The appendix, which contains detailed analysis, is further
broken down against both strategic aims and a set of clearly defined associated
priorities. These priorities allow us to target our limited resources where they will do the
most good.
1.3 In summary, of the 30 high level measures that support our strategic aims, eighteen (60
per cent) are on target, four (13 per cent) are marginally off target, six (20 per cent) are
off target and two (7 per cent) can not be reported against until the fourth quarter.
2 STRATEGIC AIM ONE: Prevention
Improving safety and helping to prevent fires and other incidents.
2.1 Prevention 1: Reducing the risks to people from fire in the home
2.1.1 Overall our success in reducing the risks to people from fire in the home are strongly
supported by our corporate strategies which serve to target our resources to the persons
who are most vulnerable to fire within the communities we serve. During the period 1 st
April to 30 th June 2011, we have reported 6 less accidental dwelling fire injuries
compared to the same period last year (Target 1.2). A contributing factor is the number
of dwelling fires attended where a working smoke alarm was present in 61 per cent of
cases (Target 1.3).
2.1.2 Of the four injuries reported between April and June, one was sustained in self contained
sheltered housing, two in a council rented property (parent and child) and one privately
rented, all three properties had a working smoke alarm fitted. Fortunately all four
casualties sustained only “slight” injuries; two through attempting to fight the fire and
two injured whilst escaping the fire (Target 1.2).
2.1.3 During the first quarter of 2011-12, there was a significant increase in the number of
accidental dwelling fires (Target 1.1). During the 1 st quarter, 117 accidental dwelling
fires were attended, an increase of 19 on the same period last year. This was
particularly attributable to a number of cooking related fires, the majority of which were
dealt with quickly and did not develop. Whilst representing a relatively large increase in
percentage terms, in absolute terms the increase is relatively small due to the low baseline
figures involved; essentially “the science of small numbers” across a large population
sample: The slight increase in cooking related fires could be attributed to any number of
social lifestyle changes brought about by the change in the economic climate caused by
the recession: The trend will be used by stations to provide a variation to their
community safety plans and to this end specific fire data relating to these type of
incidents will be forwarded to station commanders for inclusion in their station planning
processes.
Executive Committee 6 th October 2011
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Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
2.1.4 Intelligence gathered in 2010-11 and during the first quarter continues to indicate home
owners are experiencing the highest number of accidental dwelling fires (66 fires in this
category during the 1 st quarter 2011-12). Looking further at the occupancy types
suggests that the highest proportion associated with owner occupied properties are
couples with dependant child/ren and lone persons under pensionable age. Furthermore,
26 accidental dwelling fires were reported within the same period in rented
council/housing association with highest proportion; lone persons over pensionable age
and 21 in privately rented accommodation with the highest proportion; lone persons
under pensionable age.
2.1.5 The number of fires that have been confined to the room of origin (Target 1.4) and so
have not spread to other areas of the building have declined to 82 per cent during the
first quarter compared to 85 per cent for the same period last year. This measure use to
form a part of the best value suite of indicators and much controversy exists amongst
the Fire and Rescue service nationally in determining the reliability of this measure as an
indicator of our performance. For example; determining the extent of fire spread where
the seat of the fire was near or directly within the vicinity of a doorway. A review of
Service Delivery related targets is due to take place to inform the consideration of more
relevant targets for the future. The change of three percentage points does not indicate
a significant change in performance terms and this measure will be further monitored to
identify if this is sustained before recommending any changes in current practice.
2.1.6 The new Home Safety Check (HSC) administration and reporting procedure,
implemented recently, will facilitate a more effective method of controlling this function.
Stations now have local statistics and details of various social groups including their
specific vulnerability to fire. This will aid targeting of HSCs to the most vulnerable
persons. It is expected that the performance in monitoring the number of HSCs
undertaken (Target 1.6) will improve dramatically in the next quarter and will have a
positive impact on reducing the number of accidental dwelling fires (Target 1.1).
2.2 Prevention 2: Working effectively with partners on education programmes
which reduce risks to people from accidental and deliberate fires.
2.2.1 Overall the number of primary fires in vehicles and secondary fires in buildings are
declining (Targets 4.3b, 4.4a and 4.4b) aside from primary fires in buildings (excluding
dwellings, Target 4.3a) which is marginally off the performance level set. These results
on the surface, all reflect excellent performance of our service. However, these targets
also reflect the “science of small numbers” compared to population group.
Consequently, it follows that some caution is advised at this stage in seeking to attribute
success or failure of our activity within these areas.
2.3 Prevention 3: Working effectively with partners to reduce the number of road
traffic collisions targeting young people and those most at risk.
2.3.1 Once again this appears a very successful area and one to be celebrated (Target 3.1).
The number reported killed and seriously injured during the first period of 2011-12 was
61; that is a reduction of 14 compared to the same period last year. The systems that
the service has in place for the education of young drivers, motor cycle riders and young
pedestrians is well structured, well managed and offered in a very effective manner to all
persons in these categories.
2.4 Prevention 4: Reducing Anti-social behaviour and improving social well-being.
2.4.1 Whilst the number of malicious false alarms have increased (Target 4.1) when compared
to the same period last year, the number that we have attended has reduced (Target
4.2). Our non attendance to malicious false alarms reflects an element of professional
performance in respect of our control staff utilising call challenging methods to filter the
extent of call validity.
2.4.2 The number of malicious false alarms received (Target 4.1) has not achieved target.
Going forward, more analysis and work will be required to address this trend.
Executive Committee 6 th October 2011
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Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
3. STRATEGIC AIM TWO: Protection
Protecting public buildings and workplaces from fire
3.1 Protection 1: Maintaining risk based inspection and enforcing fire safety
legislation.
3.1.1 Target 2.1, implementing a risk based audit programme for the common areas and
private living accommodation of 75 per cent of the sheltered housing premises within the
area we serve has not been populated and therefore has not provided a performance
indicator as yet. Note that; Enforcement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order
2005, does not specifically reduce the chance of a fire occurring, but seeks to make
‘relevant persons’ safe from fire.
3.1.2 Successfully defending appeals against alteration, enforcement or prohibition notices
issued under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Target 2.5) is a suitable
indicator for our performance. It reflects the technical and practical ability of our
auditing officers, the effectiveness of our monitoring systems and the skill of our
managers. Currently, the indicator shows that we are extremely effective in this respect,
in relation to our Protection activity.
3.2 Protection 2: Providing education and advice on fire protection measures.
3.2.1 Undertaking audits within 90 per cent of high-risk non-domestic properties within the
month they fall due (Target 2.4) is a good indicator of our ability to manage a risk based
enforcement programme. It is dependant on us maintaining our capacity to undertake
audits but it relies predominantly on the ability of our protection managers to direct work
flow effectively. At the current time, we are performing within the parameters set by the
indicator. This should be recognised as exceptional given the recent effect of the
restructure changes and the consequent reduction in auditing capacity.
4. STRATEGIC AIM THREE: Response
Intervening and responding to fires and other incidents
4.1 Response: Intervening and responding to fires and other incidents
4.1.1 The number of false alarms caused by automatic fire detection equipment (Target 2.2) is
marginally off target during the first quarter, though the number of repeat calls to
automatic fire alarms (Target 2.3) is well within target. These performance criteria
themselves are a good indicator of the actual effect that we can have on unwanted fire
signals as they take account of our day to day activity. They show that our interactions
are risk based and our method of rectification is effective. This should be considered in
light of the fact that we attend all calls for assistance caused as a consequence of the
operation of automatic fire alarms. This is as opposed to some services that choose to
opt for non-attendance to automatic fire alarms that emanate from specific types of
premises. This method of filtering has very little risk validation and is likely to place
organisations who choose to pursue it, at increased operational risk. This course of
action can dramatically reduce attendance to unwanted fire signals and subsequently
improve performance, albeit under false pretences. The degree of fluctuation from the
target can reasonably be attributed to seasonal variation: Historically there is a definite
increase in the number of fire alarm actuations caused by temperature changes and
thrips entering detecting devices, over the spring and summer months. (Thrips are small
bugs which are carried along by airstreams). This effect is likely to tail off as we enter
the last two quarters of the year. Given that currently the effect has only marginally
moved our performance off target it is reasonable to expect this indicator to come in on
target across the fiscal year.
Executive Committee 6 th October 2011
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Quarter One Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) 2011-12 Performance Monitoring Report
4.1.2 Availability of whole-time pumps continues positively to within 0.7 per cent of our target
(Target 5.4).
4.1.3 During the first quarter the overall availability of our retained pumping appliances
(Target 5.5) has slipped to 73 per cent against a target of 95 per cent. The decline in
availability is largely seasonal and the 2 nd quarter of the year is likely to show lower
performance due to increased leave during the summer months. We continue to face
ongoing challenges to recruit and retain RDS staff. Overall difference between target
and actual is accounted by the Monday to Friday daytime lack of availability, where
night-time and weekend availability is very good. RDS remains the most cost effective
means of providing fire cover, particularly in Authority areas such as our own. A review
in to the way we provide RDS staff is planned for next year. This will need to identify
some new and innovative methodologies for the provision of RDS staff in certain
locations. Princes Risborough, Aylesbury and Amersham and Winslow have all exceeded
the 95% target in 2010/11, with Marlow, Chesham and Brill all demonstrating very
positive progress in availability during this time. The potential retirement profile of staff
at some of our most consistently best performing RDS stations is being examined, and it
is likely that pro active action will need to taken at some of these locations to ensure
that the integration of new staff is achieved in such a manner that maintains high levels
of performance.
4.1.4 We continue to maintain a fully operational and resilient local mobilising and control
room capability (Target 5.7).
4.2 Response 1: Supporting a safe and effective response to incidents
4.2.1 The service has not had any work-related deaths or serious injuries to our staff. The
service takes Health and Safety very seriously and spent a considerable amount of time
during the previous year encouraging hazard reporting to prevent accidents before they
occur. Breathing apparatus and driver training has undergone considerable review over
the past eighteen months and a brigade wide training needs analysis will be conducted
shortly (Target 5.1).
4.3 Response 2: Providing an effective response to fires, RTCs and other incidents.
4.3.1 Our attendance to road traffic collisions where people are confirmed trapped is
marginally off target (Target 3.2), with our attendance in 10 minutes being made on 68
per cent of occasions against a target of 75 per cent. Our attendance within 20 minutes
on 98 per cent of occasions is marginally off target by 0.7 per cent. Further
investigation and identification of required corrective action will be undertaken to
address under-performance.
4.3.2 Despite our under-performance reported against Target 3.2 above, overall we are
exceeding our ten and twenty minute response times. During the first period April to
June 2011, we exceeded our set standards; 78.9 per cent in 10 minutes (target 75 per
cent) and 98.9 per cent in 20 minutes (target 98 per cent), we will continue to strive
towards exceeding these (Target 5.2).
4.3.3 The pre-determined attendance of all pumping appliances was met on 88.4 per cent of
occasions, exceeding the target of 85 per cent (Target 5.3).
Executive Committee 6 th October 2011
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