25 April 2007

Members are reminded that they should declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests at this point and that they should leave the meeting before any item, in which they have a prejudicial interest, is discussed.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions, of which notice has been received, from members of the public.

To receive the non- minutes of the Human Resources Committee meeting, held on 1 March 2007 and agree the recommendations at items 4, 5, 6 and 7. The minutes are attached marked 6 and the draft Promoting Gender Equality Scheme is attached marked 6a.

Attachment	Size
pdf-225-2007-04-25-06 - HR Minutes 1 March 2007.pdf	38.5 KB
pdf-225-2007-04-25-06a - Draft Gender Equality Scheme.pdf	559.97 KB

To receive the non-confidential minutes of the Audit and Performance Management Committee meeting, held on 29 March 2007.

Attachment	Size
pdf-227-2007-04-25-08 - A-PMC Non Confidential Minutes 29 March 2007.pdf	52.21 KB

This report sets out the current arrangements regarding the quorum for Fire Authority committees and asks Members to consider whether they wish to make any changes to these arrangements.

Attachment	Size
pdf-229-2007-04-25-10 - Quorum for Committee Meetings.pdf	53.66 KB

Regional Control Centre Update
The Local Authority Controlled Company was formally established on 19 February 2007, when the Articles of Association were registered at Companies House. Members will, however, need to agree upon a number of important issues before the Company can hold an inaugural meeting, including the Member's Agreement and the correct method for cost apportionment across the Region. Once the Board meets officially it can begin to address the Company's business arrangements and to examine, and give direction on, important issues such as:

_list
Selection of the Regional Control Centre Director
Human resource issues, such as staff numbers and shift patterns
Ensuring that appropriate conditions are in place regarding a range of contracts, into which the company will need to enter
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These decisions are vital and are required to ensure the overall project is able to progress effectively.

The tendering process for the infrastructure service contract has been completed with EADS Defence and Security Systems announced as the successful bidder. It is anticipated that a number of key documents will now be made available, namely the Full Business Case, Transitional Plans and information on the proposed national functions cost apportionment model.

For information

In 2009 the current Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) arrangements for auditing of local public sectors services will superseded by Comprehensive Area Assessments (CAA). CAA will develop a shared view about the challenges facing an area, such as crime, community cohesion, a sustainable environment or public health issues and will also create a more joined-up and proportionate approach to public service regulation. This report advises of the Audit Commission's consultation proposals regarding the transition from CPA to CAA.

Attachment	Size
pdf-234-2007-04-25-15 - Audit Commission Consultation Exercise - Transition to Comprehensive Area Assessment.pdf	32.15 KB

To consider a resolution under section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined by the provisions of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act, by virtue of paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 and of confidential information.

To receive the exempt notes of the Principal Officers' Employment Panel meeting, held on 8 March 2007, and agree the recommendations at item 11.

Attached marked 19. For decision