County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

The Committee meets at least four times yearly and is chaired by the Vice Chair of the Authority. The Committee undertakes the following functions:

• Reviewing and reporting on the quarterly and annual financial statements of the authority prior to approval by the authority
• Discussing with the external auditor the nature and scope of the forthcoming audit
• Ensuring all auditors have fullest cooperation of staff
• Reviewing the statement of accounts before submission to the Authority
• Considering issues arising from any audit
• Reviewing the statement of internal control prior to its submission to the authority
• Reviewing and reporting on corporate governance arrangements
• Reviewing the effectiveness of risk management
• Considering reports from internal and external auditors and inspectors
• Promoting the value of the audit process
• Considering and making recommendations to the authority for the proposed Revenue and Capital Budgets and medium term financial plans
• Considering any changes in the budget allocations arising from changes in strategic policies and service plans
• Considering any proposals for growth or budget reductions

The Committee meets at least twice yearly:

Functions of the Human Resources Committee are:

• Champion the development and conditions of service of staff through the implementation and maintenance of the HR and People Development Strategies
• Considering and making recommendations on the policy on staff remuneration
• Receiving proposals, considering and making recommendations arising out of job evaluation
• Reviewing and making recommendations upon the terms and conditions of employment of the Chief Executive and the Directors
• Considering written reports submitted by the service on all policy and matters relating to the provision of terms and conditions of employees
• Assisting in maintaining good employment relations in the interests of providing the highest level of service to residents of County Durham and Darlington
• Making recommendations to the authority as to how employment relations could be improved
• Making recommendations on the appointment of independent members to sit on the Standards Committee

The Committee meets as and when required. Functions of the Joint Consultative Forum are:

• Assisting in maintaining good employment relations in the interest of providing the highest level of service to residents of County Durham and Darlington
• Making recommendations to the authority as to how employment relations could be improved
• Considering written reports submitted by either the Service or by or on behalf of personnel relating to employment relations issues within the Service which have not been resolved by the normal consultation and negotiating procedures and which has not been the subject of formal grievance

The Committee meets four times a year and has the following functions:

• Reviewing and monitoring progress and performance in achieving strategic objectives (as set in the Corporate Plan or Integrated Risk Management Plan)
• Monitoring and reviewing local performance standards and targets
• Receiving reports and making recommendations to the Authority on Best Value reviews
• Monitoring and reviewing the CPA Improvement Plan.
• Considering and reviewing specific matters in relation to Authority policy and strategy
• Scrutinising performance and challenging the Authority when carrying out the responsibilities referred to above