Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for 2022/23

(Councillor Hopkins in the Chair)

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Rouse be elected Chairman of the Fire Authority for 2022/23.

RESOLVED –

That Councillor Rouse be elected Chairman of the Authority for 2022/23.

(Councillor Rouse in the Chair)

A Member commented that it was important to start having a discussion about the Chairman occasionally being from Milton Keynes Council and not always from Buckinghamshire Council, as it would provide some balance moving forward, sharing the responsibility across Milton Keynes; a Member supported that suggestion.

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for 2022/23

It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Hopkins be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Fire Authority for 2022/23.

RESOLVED –

That Councillor Hopkins be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Authority for 2022/23.

To approve, and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Fire Authority held on 16 February 2022 (item 4)

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Fire Authority held on 16 February 2022, be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

The Chairman to invite officers to provide verbal updates on any actions noted in the Minutes from the previous meeting.

FA37 - The Director of Legal and Governance advised that on 31 May, he and the Chief Fire Officer had received an email from the NFCC Strategic Lead Safeguarding, advising that she had received formal confirmation from the Home Officer that the Fire Minister having considered the business case, which was mentioned in the minutes, was minded to endorse to the Ministry of Justice the change to the Exceptions Order to include fire and rescue authority employees. However, indications were that this would increase DBS checking nationally to Standard DBS checking rather than the Enhanced DBS checking which was undertaken by the Authority and as requested by the Group Leaders in their letters to the Minister and National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chairman.

The Chief Fire Officer advised that he had been invited to sit on the National Fire Chief’s Council Safeguarding Board and at those meetings he would be pushing the position of this Authority on Enhanced DBS checking.

FA40(c) – In terms of Members Allowances, the Director of Legal and Governance confirmed notification had been received from the new Conservative Group members to forego the 1.5% element of their allowances.

Members to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in any matter being considered which are not entered onto the Authority’s Register, and officers to disclose any interests they may have in any contract to be considered.

None.

To receive the Chairman’s announcements (if any).

The Chairman announced that:

He was very honoured and privileged to become Chairman of this Authority. There were some significant challenges coming over the next 12 months, and he was very much looking forward to the Authority working collectively to address those challenges and focusing on ensuring Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes had the best fire and rescue service it could.

The Chairman paid tribute to Councillor Lesley Clarke OBE who had been the previous Chairman of the Authority and who had steered it through a particularly challenging time during the Covid-19 pandemic. He wanted to put on record his thanks to her and also for the professional and quality handover she had given him. He would also like to register thanks on behalf of all the Authority. The Chairman also thanked the Lead Members who had been in their roles for the past 12 months, for the huge amount of work that had been undertaken. The Chairman particularly thanked Councillor Lambert for his hard work on the equality, diversity and inclusion work that would be discussed later in the meeting.

The Chairman congratulated the Members from Milton Keynes Council on achieving City status.

Last month saw the successful completion of a challenging 12 weeks of acquisition training at the Fire Service College and Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service training sites, for our newest firefighter recruits. To celebrate this significant achievement, we hosted a “passing out” ceremony for the first time at the Blue-Light Hub, West Ashland on Friday 20 May 2022. Friends and family, members of the Authority and members of the Senior Management Team attended the ceremony to congratulate and welcome our new members of staff. Thanks, and recognition of the work put in goes to Course Director, Watch Commander James Tuffley, the Area Trainers and all the Associate Trainers who assisted throughout the initial training. Thanks also to all those who were involved in organising the day and marking the occasion with the celebration it deserved. The firefighters have now taken up operational posts at a variety of stations across the Service and we wish them a long and happy career here in Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Human Resources together with the help of Training School, Marketing and Communications Team, and the Organisational Development Team launched a Wholetime Recruitment campaign in April 2022. The campaign attracted 172 applicants including existing On Call Firefighters. Applicants are undertaking tests to verify their technical and practical competence. Those who are successful will progress to a final interview and medical. The candidates will be joining on 3 October 2022.

The On Call and Wholetime Firefighter transferee campaign is live and closes on 3 July 2022.

Crew, Watch and Station Commander assessment and development centres are planned for the week commencing 17 September 2022 – including an On Call specific weekend. These Development Centres will be for both internal and external candidates and will be for promotional and direct transfer purposes. Engagement sessions/familiarisation events will be held on 18 and 19 July,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Under the Buckinghamshire Fire Services (Combination Scheme) Order 1996 Part III paragraph 12 – Each constituent authority shall, so far as is practicable, appoint such number of representatives to be members of the Authority as is proportionate to the number of local government electors in its area in relation to the number of such electors in the other constituent authority’s area.

The electorate for Buckinghamshire Council is 411,005 as at 1 December 2021 (An email received from the Buckinghamshire Council Senior Electoral Services Officer, 12 January 2022, confirmed ‘The Local Government electorate for Buckinghamshire Council at 1 December 2021 is 411005.’) 67.73%.

The electorate for Milton Keynes Council is 195,827 as at 1 December 2021 (An email received from the Milton Keynes Council Electoral Services Manager, 25 January 2022, confirmed ‘Milton Keynes Local Government Electorate as per the revised register on the 1 December 2021 is 195,827’) 32.27%.

Total Number of Members     :                                               17

Buckinghamshire        411,005           (67.73%)          12        Members       

Milton Keynes             195,827           (32.27%)            5        Members

This equates to Authority Membership for Buckinghamshire Council 12 Members and Milton Keynes Council 5 Members.

To note that the Constituent Authorities have appointed the following Members to serve on the Fire Authority for 2022/23:

Buckinghamshire Council (12)

Councillors Bagge, Carroll, Chapple OBE, Christensen, Hall, Hussain, Irwin, Lambert, Rouse, Stuchbury, Waite and Walsh

Milton Keynes Council (5)

Councillors Darlington, Exon, Hopkins, Marland and McLean          

The Authority noted that the following Members had been appointed by the Constituent Authorities to serve on the Fire Authority for 2022/23:

Buckinghamshire Council (12)

Councillors Bagge, Carroll, Chapple OBE, Christensen, Hall, Hussain, Irwin, Lambert, Rouse, Stuchbury, Waite and Walsh

Milton Keynes Council (5)

Councillors Darlington, Exon, Hopkins, Marland and McLean

(a)                Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990.

The Authority is required by the above Regulations to review the basis of allocation of seats amongst the Political Groups either at its Annual Meeting, or as soon as practicable thereafter, or following a change in its Membership.  In making its review, the Authority is required, so far as reasonably practicable, to comply with the following principles:

(i)                  The majority of seats is to be allocated to a particular Group if the number of persons belonging to that Group is a majority on the Authority.

(ii)                Subject to the above paragraphs, the number of seats on the Committees allocated to each Group should bear the same proportion to the total of all the seats on the Committees as that borne by the number of Members of that Group to the Membership of the Authority.

(iii)              Subject to paragraphs (i) to (iii) above, that the number of the seats on the body which are allocated to different political groups bears the same proportion to the number of all the seats on that body as is borne by the number of members of that group to the membership of the authority.

Subject to formal notification of the Membership of each Political Group, the allocation of seats on the Authority is as follows:

Conservative Group:                           11 seats           (64.70%)

Liberal Democrat Group:                    3 seats             (17.65%)

Labour Group:                                     3 seats             (17.65%)

The above Regulations, with the Authority’s Scheme of Delegation, require a notice in writing to be delivered to the Authority’s Monitoring Officer signed by two or more Members of the Authority to establish a Political Group. 

The Authority is asked to note the report.

Contact Officer: Katie Nellist (Democratic Services Officer) – 01296 744633

Background papers: None.

(b)        Committee Appointments

To consider making appointments to the Authority’s committees. The membership of the Executive and the Overview and Audit committees is required to be mutually exclusive.

Executive Committee

The Authority is asked to make appointments to the Executive Committee in accordance with the wishes of the respective Political Groups (8 Members).

It is recommended that the seats should be allocated as follows:

Conservative – 5

Liberal Democrat – 2

Labour – 1

Overview and Audit Committee

The Authority is asked to make appointments to the Overview and Audit Committee in accordance with the wishes of the respective Political Groups (9 Members).

It is recommended that the seats should be allocated as follows:

Conservative – 6

Liberal Democrat – 1

Labour – 2

Contact Officer: Katie Nellist (Democratic Services Officer) – 01296 744633

Background papers: None.

(a)        Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990

The Authority noted that the allocation of seats on the Authority was:

(i)         Conservative Group:               11 seats                       (64.70%)

(ii)        Liberal Democrat Group:          3 seats                       (17.65%)

(iii)       Labour Group:                           3 seats                       (17.65%)

(b)        Committee Matters – Committee Appointments

RESOLVED –

That the following Committees be appointed and seats be allocated, as follows:

(a)        Executive Committee (8 Members):

(i)         Conservative – 5 seats

(ii)        Liberal Democrats – 2 seats

(iii)       Labour – 1 seat

(b)        Overview and Audit Committee (9 Members):

(i)         Conservative – 6 seats

(ii)        Liberal Democrats – 1 seat

(iii)       Labour – 2 seats

RESOLVED –

1.      That the following Members be appointed to the Executive Committee:

Councillors Christensen, Hall, Hopkins, Lambert, Marland, McLean, Rouse and Walsh in accordance with the Group Leaders wishes.

2.      That the following Members be appointed to the Overview and Audit Committee:

Councillors Bagge, Carroll, Chapple OBE, Darlington, Exon, Hussain, Irwin, Stuchbury and Waite in accordance with the Group Leaders wishes.

Fire Authority

Wednesday 12 October 2022             at 11.00am

Wednesday 7 December 2022           at 11.00am

Wednesday 15 February 2023            at 11.00am

Wednesday 14 June 2023                   at 11.00am

Executive Committee

Wednesday 13 July 2022                    at 10.00am

Wednesday 14 September 2022        at 10.00am

Wednesday 16 November 2022         at 10.00am

Wednesday 8 February 2023              at 10.00am

Wednesday 22 March 2023                at 10.00am

Overview & Audit Committee

Wednesday 20 July 2022                    at 10.00am

Wednesday 9 November 2022           at 10.00am

Wednesday 15 March 2023                at 10.00am

The Authority considered proposed dates for its meetings and meetings of its committees during 2022/23.

RESOLVED –

1.                  That meetings of the Authority me held on Wednesday 12 October 2022, Wednesday 7 December 2022, Wednesday 15 February 2023 and Wednesday 14 June 2023, all at 11 am.

2.                  That meetings of the Executive Committee be held on Wednesday 13 July 2022, Wednesday 14 September 2022, Wednesday 16 November 2022, Wednesday 8 February 2023 and Wednesday 22 March 2023, all at 10 am.

3.                  That meetings of the Overview and Audit Committee be held on Wednesday 20 July 2022, Wednesday 9 November 2022 and Wednesday 15 March 2023, all at 10am.

(a)                Local Government Association Annual Conference

To appoint 2 Members to attend as the Authority’s representatives at the Local Government Association’s Annual Conference.

(b)               Local Government Association Fire Commission

To appoint 1 Member and Standing Deputy to represent the Authority at the Local Government Association’s Fire Commission.

(c)                Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference

To appoint 2 Members to attend as the Authority’s representatives at the Local Government Association’s Annual Fire Conference.

(d)               Thames Valley Fire Control Service – Joint Committee

(i)                  To appoint 2 Representatives to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service – Joint Committee.

(ii)                To nominate 2 substitute members to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service – Joint Committee (in the event the 2 representatives are unable to attend).

Appointments to the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee are exempt from the political balance rules under section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. It is a joint committee constituted by two or more authorities under section 102 of the Local Government Act 1972 but to which the Authority appoints fewer than three members.

The Authority considered the appointment of representatives to outside bodies having received nominations which were seconded:

RESOLVED –

1.                  That Councillors Hopkins and Bagge be appointed to attend the Local Government Association Annual Conference.

2.                  That Councillor Rouse be appointed as the Authority’s representative (and Councillor Hopkins as the Standing Deputy) to the Local Government Association Fire Commission.

3.                  That Councillors Rouse and Hopkins be appointed as the Authority’s representatives to the Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference.

4.                  That Councillors Rouse and Walsh be appointed as the Authority’s representatives on the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee.

5.                  That Councillors Hall and McLean be nominated as substitute members of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee.

To consider the allocation of Lead Member Responsibilities; and to appoint Members to those roles.

It is recommended that:

1.                  Appointments to each of the Lead Member roles be made.

Contact Officer: Katie Nellist (Democratic Services Officer) – 01296 744633.

Background Papers: None

The Chairman advised Members that he would like to make an amendment to the Lead Member Responsibility for ‘Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT and Climate Change’, by removing Climate Change and adding it to the Vice Chairman’s responsibilities, as it was important to the Authority that Climate Change was given clear focus moving forward.

It was proposed and seconded that ‘Climate Change’ be removed from the Lead Member responsibility for Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT.

RESOLVED –

Climate Change be removed from the Lead Member responsibilities for Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT.

The Chairman wanted to put on record the Vice Chairman’s responsibilities, which would include supporting the Chairman of the Authority in the discharge of their responsibilities; and to deputise for the Chairman of the Authority where necessary, including leading on the Authority’s response to any Government proposals relevant to the responsibilities of the Authority, and any transitions or changes arising from such proposals.

With Climate Change having been removed from the Lead Member for Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT, and it being proposed and seconded it was

RESOLVED –

That the Vice Chairman be appointed to lead on Climate Change and to lead on the Authority’s response to any matters relating to HMICFRS.

Having received nominations which were seconded it was

RESOLVED –

That Members be appointed as Lead Members for 2022/23 as follows:

To consider item 15

The Chairman advised Members that this was a review of progress made over the second year of the five-year Corporate Plan that this Authority approved at the Annual Meeting in June 2020. Progress during the first year and a year two refresh was approved at last year’s Annual Meeting. Also, in light of progress made, officers had taken the opportunity to refresh the programme of activities that would be undertaken over the remaining three years of the plan in pursuit of Its Strategic Objectives. Given that the Authority continued to face a very uncertain outlook, officers would keep the plan under active review to enable the Authority to respond to changes to its strategic context and report back as often as conditions require.

The Corporate Planning Manager advised Members that this item was structured in two parts and for each item of the refreshed plan a report had been provided which showed what had been completed during the second year of the plan and a status report for the remaining items using the RAG system. Of the 22 projects and workstreams set out in the plan, three had been completed and were now embedded in ongoing ‘business as usual’. None were at red RAG status; seven were at amber and there were two without a RAG Status, as they were not due to start during the second year of the plan (these related to the preparation of the next PSP which would cover the period 2025–30).

The Corporate Planning Manager advised Members, that Appendix 1 contained the updated programme of activities that would be progressed over the remaining three years of the plan and also who would be responsible for driving each aspect of the programme forward at Senior Management Team level, and who was leading on delivery of the groundwork. Members were asked to note two new items relating to the Protection Objectives replacing those that were completed during year two of the Plan. The document had also been updated to reflect the latest financial projections that were reported to the Authority in February.

The Corporate Planning Manager advised Members that in his introduction, the Chairman mentioned the need to keep the Plan under active review given the uncertainties associated with the future outlook. Members would have seen a range of risks that could potentially impede progress with delivery of the plan. Also, there were potential implications for the Authority arising from the Government’s proposals set out in the Home Office White Paper Consultation document.

A Member proposed that ‘the environment’ be included on the Corporate Plan.

The Corporate Planning Manager advised that the environment was on the Public Safety Plan, and also some elements of it were in the Corporate Plan and also the Authority had approved an Environment and Climate Action Plan.

The Director of Finance and Assets advised that there were a number of activities in the Environment and Climate Action Plan, that would be focused upon over the next four to five years and these  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

To consider item 16

The Lead Member for People, Equality and Diversity and Assurance, thanked the previous post holder for his integrity and professionalism for the work he had undertaken whilst in the role.

The Lead Member for People, Equality and Diversity and Assurance introduced the report and advised Members that in June 2020 the Authority approved the overarching EDI Objectives 2020 to 2025 set out against elements of the Authority’s core values – Diversity, Service to the Community, Improvement and People. This report was to update on progress made on EDI throughout the year and the EDI objectives.

The Head of Human Resources advised Members that Appendix 1 provided an introduction to the statutory duties outlined by the prevailing legislation and the overarching objectives. Appendix 2 showed the proposed EDI objectives, which had been revised to continue the strong focused approach on EDI work and alignment to the Corporate Plan priorities and the HMICFRS report recommendations.

The Head of Human Resources advised Members that regarding the first objective ‘Change 100 Internship’, officers had been working with Leonard Cheshire, an external provider who support people with disabilities to come into the workplace for a period of three months. This was an opportunity for the individuals and also the Service.

Appendix 3 illustrated the EDI workforce data in the form of charts in comparison to the latest census data (2011) for the population of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The diversity of the workforce was broken down into wholetime, on call and support staff who were encouraged to disclose their protected characteristics, the data was used to inform the EDI strategies. Further work was planned on this area. The EDI workforce data was presented to ensure it was inclusive and could be viewed by individuals who find it hard to distinguish between different colours. The current data set had been reported for a number of years and the way the data was collected and presented was being refreshed, and this would help inform the objective setting. Appendix 4 provided a summary of EDI headlines.

A Member stated that a lot of work was being undertaken, but he felt that benchmarking was not reflected in the report, and it would be interesting to compare progress with other Authorities as an objective measure.

The Head of Human Resources advised that there was a lot of collaboration undertaken with other fire and rescue services, but it was something that could be looked at in terms of EDI data. With regard to protected characteristics, some people were not comfortable, for whatever reason, submitting this information, and work was ongoing, trying to ensure people understood why it was important to share this information, not just when joining the organisation, but to continue to update the information.

A Member who had attended the recent apprentice graduation felt that although there was some diversity, there was a lack of gender diversity and although there were now measures in place to work with women who did not get through the interview process due to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To consider item 17

The Chairman advised that he was aware that the Democratic Services Officer had emailed copies of the Home Office White Paper to all Members of the Authority when it was published on 18 May 2022; and that he had asked that it be tabled today as an agenda item with a view to agreeing a mechanism for submitting responses on behalf of the Authority if Members were minded to do so. It was not the intention today for Members go through the details of any of the 48 questions in the consultation document.

The Director of Legal and Governance advised that since writing the report, there had been a date arranged for him and the Corporate Planning Manager to meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Head of Governance and its Chief Executive to liaise on areas of shared interest in the White Paper. If Members were minded to agree the recommendation to form a working group, the Director of Legal and Governance would follow up with the Chairman on how best to facilitate a workshop and/or a document drop box for Member and officer input in the consultation responses.

Members discussed their views on the White Paper which would be taken into consideration by the working group.

RESOLVED –

1.                  The content of the Home Office white paper consultation document be noted.

2.                  The establishment of a working group comprised of the Group Leaders, the Vice Chairman, and Lead Members be agreed in order for it to formulate responses to be approved at the meeting of the Executive Committee on 13 July.

To consider item 18

The Group Commander and Station Commander advised Members that the aim of the project was to align and standardise the Breathing Apparatus (BA) and ancillary equipment utilised across the Thames Valley area which included Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service under a joint collaborative contract. The successful project delivery was a key enabler to achieving full operational alignment for the Thames Valley. The project falls under a wider programme of operational alignment which aimed for seamless cross-border mobilisation of fire and rescue service assets via Thames Valley Fire Control Service, and firefighters who can work together using the same operational guidance, training, and equipment.

The key achievements were the new equipment contract provided better management of contamination, this increased firefighter safety both during and post incident; A BA wearer survey had been completed and responses reviewed; successful practical trials by operational staff had taken place, providing feedback and scoring to assist in identifying the best equipment offering; the collaborative procurement process had been successfully completed, resulting in significant efficiency savings and equipment specification aligned across the Thames Valley; personal facemasks for all staff to improve equipment offering and firefighter safety and joint Thames Valley training team established to provide efficiency and resilience in aligned training delivery.

The benefits highlighted were better equipment with latest technologies; improved firefighter safety and monitoring; lighter, better fitting equipment for use by a diverse workforce; standardised equipment across the Thames Valley; resilience with equipment and maintenance; reduced procurement and technical costs; more efficient service delivery with few mobilisations and increased interoperability; reduction in complexity of management of incidents and supports aligned procedures and training in the Thames Valley.

A Member asked what would happen to the existing kit and was advised that this would be collected and donated through one of the fire charities.

The Vice-Chairman thanked officers for the presentation and for reminding Members that it was the fifth anniversary of the Grenfell tragedy and Members thoughts were with all the families involved including the firefighters.

The Lead Member for Health and Safety and Corporate Risk stated that he was pleased that health and safety, as well as health and wellbeing were at the forefront of the project.

The Chief Fire Officer advised Members that this was another positive step in terms of collaboration. There was a Thames Valley Fire Control, the services buy the same fire appliances and same equipment and now the three services would have the same breathing apparatus across the Thames Valley. The next steps would be operational procedures and combined training.

The Chairman clarified that the reason this service was the last to receive the new breathing apparatus, was due to the order in which the current contracts for all three services were expiring.

RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

To consider excluding the public and press representatives from the meeting by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contain information relating to any individual; and Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person (including the Authority); and on these grounds it is considered the need to keep information exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED –

It was moved and resolved that the public and press representatives from the meeting by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contains information relating to any individual; and Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of a person (including the Authority); and on these grounds it is considered, at this moment in time, that the need to keep information exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

The Chief Fire Officer, Corporate Planning Manager, Group Commander, Station Commander and all remote participants left the meeting.

To consider item 20

Members considered the report and appendices, details of which were noted in the confidential/exempt minutes.

The Authority was advised as follows:

Succession planning for the Senior Management Team (SMT) was on-going and well-reported to Members, with potential opportunities, challenges and risks identified.  The timing and sequencing of SMT succession planning was disrupted by the advent of the public health emergency associated with the Covid-19 pandemic.  Both the Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer were heavily engaged in leading the Service’s response to this in collaboration with other partner agencies.

The Service continued to face a number of strategic uncertainties including financial stability due to current economic conditions; the government’s agenda as set out in its White paper – “Reforming our Fire and Rescue Service”; and the need to address the issues identified by the HMICFRS in its most recent inspection.

Officers were of the view that option 1  strikes the optimal balance having regard to considerations of public safety, leadership stability, time to succession plan properly, and progression of key HMICFRS issues.  It also created scope/flexibility for the Authority over the medium term to address the uncertainties identified above. It does not preclude the further opportunity to extend the duration of the contracts, should exceptional circumstances persist or emerge in the future.

The meeting went back into public session and

RESOLVED –

1.                  an interim departure from the Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Succession Plan (Appendix C) until no later than 10 November 2024 be approved;

2.                  the mitigation measure in the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Succession Plan (Appendix C) of re-engagement be adopted.

3.                  an offer of employment to the incumbent CFO be approved:

                               a. subject to the following:

i. a fixed term contract to terminate no later than 1 November 2024 (unless terminated by either side on the giving of 3 months’ notice); and

ii. £153,717 per annum starting salary;

b. with other terms and conditions in accordance with the CFO’s current entitlements and obligations.

4.                  the current DCFO’s fixed term contract is extended to expire no later than 10 November 2024

5.                  a paper to be submitted to the Authority before 31 December 2023 to consider all options open to the Authority in respect of the roles of both CFO and DCFO and the Senior Management Team.

THE CHAIRMAN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 12.11 PM.