Mr WF Gillespie, Chair - Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service

- 2 -Following discussion, the Minutes were signed as a true record, on the motion ofMr Campbell, seconded by Mr Harper.Arising from the Minutes:Appointment of Temporary Discipline CommitteeThe Chair sought an update on progress with respect to a temporary DisciplineCommittee to deal with a case outstanding under the old Fire Service (Discipline)Regulations Northern Ireland 1985.The Director of Human Resources explained that some Members had confirmed theiravailability and the Meeting was scheduled to take place on 21 November 2006.Draft Standing OrdersMr McKay sought an update with respect to the Equality Impact Assessment of the draftStanding Orders.The Director of Human Resources informed Members that a letter had been forwardedto the Equality Commission seeking guidance on the matter but that, to date, no replyhad been received.Long Service IncrementThe Chair informed Members that no agreement had been reached at the National JointCouncil Meeting held on 29 September 2006. He explained that a small Working Grouphad been established and would continue to work towards an agreement on the matter.The Chair also explained to Members that the first half of the Long Service Incrementwould be removed from 1 November 2006 and the remainder in July 2007 inaccordance with the 2003 Agreement and the 3-month postponement agreed in June bythe National Joint Council. He reminded Members that the Board, at its last Meeting,had agreed not to commence the deduction on 1 October 2006 and to await theoutcome of the Meeting on 29 September 2006.In response to a query from Mr McKay, the Chair explained that Continual ProfessionalDevelopment payments would be phased in as the Long Service Increment was phasedout. He stated that savings from the removal of the Long Service Increment would bedevoted to Continual Professional Development.During further discussion, Mr McKay proposed that NIFRS postpone the phasing out ofthe Long Service Increment in order to give the Board an opportunity to hear the FireBrigades’ Union’s perspective on the matter. As no-one seconded Mr McKay’sproposal, the motion failed. Members agreed that the Board should honour the nationalagreement.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006

- 3 -3 Draft Minutes of Service Delivery CommitteeMembers noted the draft Minutes of the Meeting of the Service Delivery Committee heldon 16 October 2006. Mr Harper, Chair of the Committee, gave Members a briefoverview of the Business of the Meeting.Arising out of the Minutes:Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan 2007/2008Members noted the draft Integrated Risk Management Plan 2007/2008 which had beenamended to incorporate the views of the Service Delivery Committee.The Board, on the motion of Mr Harper, seconded by Mr McKeever, unanimously –Resolved:“to approve the draft Integrated Risk Management Plan2007/2008 to be issued for public consultation”.4 Draft Procedures for the Investigation of Complaints againstMembers of the BoardMembers noted the draft Procedures for the Investigation of Complaints againstMembers of the Board. The Chair gave Members a brief overview of the document.Following discussion and suggestions by Members for amendments, it was agreed thata further of the document, incorporating the amendments, would be tabled at theNovember Meeting of the Board.5 National Joint Council MattersReport on MeetingsThe Chair informed Members that a full Employers’ Side Meeting to discuss the paysettlement for 2007 was scheduled to take place on 7 November 2006.He also informed Members that he would be attending a meeting of the LGA Fire Forumbeing held on 17 November 2006.Members noted that a National Joint Council Meeting was scheduled to take place inDecember.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006

- 4 -National Employers’ CircularsMembers noted the following Circulars which had been circulated since the last Meetingof the Board.EMP/12/06 - Decisions taken at Employer and Joint Meetings –29 September 2006; andNJC/7/06 - Introduction of Continual Professional Development Payments.6 Chair’s BusinessThe Chair gave Members a brief overview of his activities since the last Meeting of theBoard. He highlighted in particular the Job Scene at the Odyssey Arena, the successfullaunch of National Fire Safety Week which had taken place in Dublin on 2 October 2006and the LIFE Scheme Graduation Ceremony held on 13 October 2006.Launch of Seat Belt CampaignThe Chair informed Members that he had attended the launch of the Department of theEnvironment’s Seat Belt Campaign. He expressed concern at the lack of co-ordinationand involvement of NIFRS personnel in the launch.Minister’s VisitThe Chair reported positively on the Minister’s visit to Central Fire Station on 10 October2006.Eastern Area CommandMembers expressed their appreciation to Area Commander Kerr and his staff for theirhospitality and their display of equipment, etc, prior to today’s Board Meeting.Launch of New Dimension EquipmentMr Bradley referred to the launch of the New Dimension equipment and Minister’s visiton 10 October and expressed his disappointment that Members of the Board had notbeen informed of or invited to the event.The Chair outlined the background to the Minister’s visit explaining that the Departmenthad approached the Chief Fire Officer to arrange a visit to a working Station at theMinister’s request and had asked particularly to meet personnel. He explained thatNIFRS had taken the opportunity to launch its New Dimension equipment.Mr Harper outlined his concerns regarding the matter and stated that it was his view thatMembers should have been informed of the launch.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006

- 5 -Following further discussion, it was noted that Members wished to be kept advised ofsuch matters. The Chair asked the Chief Fire Officer and the CorporateCommunications Manager to consider the possibility of forwarding a list of events toMembers.Court Case – Co-Responders- - - - - - - - - -At this point,Mr McKeever left the Meeting- - - - - - - - - -The Chair informed Members of the outcome of the Court Case relating to whether ornot co-responding was considered part of a Firefighter’s contractual duty and explainedthat the Court had ruled that co-responding was not within the Firefighter’s role map. Hehighlighted that the Judge had indicated the need for both sides to find a way for corespondingto move forward by negotiation.The Officers answered Members’ questions relating to the issue of Co-Responder.7 Chief Fire Officer’s ReportThe Deputy Chief Fire Officer gave Members a brief overview of operational matters andincidents of note since the last Meeting of the Board, in particular incidents at Portrush,Newry and M1 Motorway.Referring to Items of Interest, the Chief Fire Officer highlighted the success of the teamof Firefighters from Londonderry who had represented NIFRS and the UK at the WorldRescue Organisation Extrication Challenge held in South Africa. He informed Membersthat the team had presented NIFRS to the highest standard and were a credit to the Cityof Londonderry, NIFRS and the UK.He also informed Members that Mr N Coyle, NIFRS Transport & Production Engineer,had received a commendation for his work at the Export & Freight Transport & LogisticAwards 2007 - ‘Transport Manager of the Year’.The Chair, on behalf of Members, extended congratulations to the team of Firefightersfrom Londonderry and to the Transport & Production Engineer on their excellentachievements.Management AccountsThe Director of Finance & Performance Management gave Members a brief overview ofthe Management Accounts for the period ending 30 September 2006.Board Meeting – 24 October 2006

- 6 -Referring to Members’ Allowances, the Director of Finance & Performance Managementadvised Members that it was their responsibility to ensure that any allowance theywished to claim was entered on the appropriate claim form. He explained that Financestaff could not ‘anticipate’ what Members may wish to claim for, or enter any unclaimedamounts on their claim forms. The latter would be contrary to Accounting/Auditing rulesand regulations. He indicated that he would be happy to provide additional copies of theTravel and Subsistence Circular to any Member who requires it.Media Launch – Animal Rescue TeamThe Chief Fire Officer informed Members of the Media launch of NIFRS Animal RescueTeam which was being held on 25 October 2006 in Carryduff.8 Relevant CorrespondenceThe Chair informed Members of a letter received from Mr P Simpson in respect ofMembers’ Allowances.He suggested that a proposal to review the current allowances paid to Members bepresented to the Department. He explained that a Working Group would be establishedto take the matter forward and highlighted that the Director of Finance & PerformanceManagement was currently collating background information for consideration.Mr Campbell indicated his willingness to assist the Working Group with the proposal.9 Sealing of DocumentsThere were no documents for sealing.10 Meetings of the Board and its CommitteesMembers noted Meetings of the Board and its Committees scheduled to take placeduring the month of November.The Chief Fire Officer informed Members that a Meeting of the Audit Committee wouldbe held on 14 November 2006. The Chair indicated that the Remuneration Committeewould also meet during November._____________________________THIS CONCLUDED THE BUSINESSAND THE MEETING TERMINATEDAT 3.30 PM_____________________________Board Meeting – 24 October 2006