Communique - CFA Board Meeting on 18 June 2018

The Board received reports from the Chairs of several of the Board Committees:

• The Chair of the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee reported on the Risk Portfolio Report, which was also discussed by the Board later in the meeting.
• The Chair of the Strategy, Policy and Governance Committee provided a report to the Board, noting that preparation was underway for the 2019 Inspector General Emergency Management (IGEM) review of outcomes from the Bushfires Royal Commission.
• The Chair of the People and Culture Committee provided a report to the Board, noting that the Committee had considered a range of issues at its recent meeting, including workforce planning and management of excess annual leave.

The Chief Executive Officer spoke to his report, highlighting:

• Community information sessions have commenced on the new Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre in Ballan.
• The Draft CFA Integrity Framework has been circulated to stakeholders, including the UFU, VFBV, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC), the Victorian Public Sector Commission (VPSC) and Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) for feedback.
• The 2018 People Matter Survey has concluded following participation by 56.5% of PTA staff compared to 23% last year.
• CFA has formed a partnership with Ambulance Victoria to promote the use of the Good Samaritan App.  The app allows CFA members with first aid qualifications to be aware of people in the community in their current location who need first aid or CPR.
• The CFA-VFBV Funding Agreement 2018-2022 has been executed.  The Board noted that the Funding Agreement provides transparency and clarity about the financial support that CFA is providing to VFBV to ensure that the views of volunteers across Victoria are captured and heard by CFA.  It also puts in place appropriate financial arrangements that ensure that the CFA Board is meeting its obligations to provide sound financial oversight of public funds.

The CEO also advised the Board about processes in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) relating to a waste recycling facility in Lara.  The Board noted that VCAT had determined that:

• By no later than 31 August 2018, the occupiers and landlord must arrange for a Preliminary Fire Management Plan (FMP) to be prepared and forwarded to CFA for approval;
• By no later than 30 September 2018, the occupiers and landlord must arrange for a Rehabilitation Plan to be forwarded to the Council (with a copy forwarded to CFA and EPA) for approval; and
• By no later than 30 September 2018, the occupiers and landlord must arrange for a Development Management Plan to be forwarded to the Council.

CFA is continuing to work closely with the EPA and Council on this matter.

The Chief Officer spoke to his report, highlighting:

• The Victorian Building Association (VBA) Cladding Taskforce has established a process to assess fire risk associated with accommodation, health, education and buildings utilised for public gatherings. CFA and MFB will participate in the process.
• Bystander training continues to be delivered to support firefighters in consoling distressed relatives and bystanders at incidents.
• The inaugural Career Firefighter Peer Supported training program was conducted with great success, and twenty new career peers will now commence providing support in the field.
• The Community First program will now have dedicated staff working between CFA and DELWP, rolling out the community plans under Community Based Bushfire Management (CBBM) and Capability and Capacity (building CFA/DELWP skills in engagement).

The Director Enterprise Risk introduced the Quarter Three Risk Report to the Board, and the Board discussed and approved the risk ratings, current controls and the proposed treatment options.

The Board discussed Alpine Service Delivery and agreed to a service delivery approach for Mt Buller for the current snow season.  The Board also agreed to CFA developing a longer-term strategy for service delivery in Alpine areas in conjunction with the Alpine Resorts Management Boards, the Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and other key stakeholders.

The Executive Director, Volunteers and Strategy, presented the draft 2018/19 CFA Plan to the Board.  The Board approved the draft, and the final version of the Plan is likely to be published in July.

The Board received advice on recent improvements to CFA’s Complaints process, noting that CFA has implemented a centralised complaints management system to better deal with complaints from employees and volunteers across the organisation, is focusing on providing support and advice for line managers, and has introduced a triage process and case management approach.