Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority Constitution

Introduction

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority is the governing body of Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service. It is made up of eighteen Elected Members (Councillors) from the five districts of Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St. Helens and Wirral. It is a public authority in its own right, but its Members are appointed by the district councils not elected directly on to it. The Authority is highly committed to having meaningful democratic control over its activities in order to achieve its vision of making Merseyside a safer, stronger, healthier community. To do this the Service works in partnership with the community and with public, private and voluntary sector organisations. Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, as led by the Fire & Rescue Authority, seeks to reflect the communities it serves and be part of those communities with its community fire stations open to the public and its employees and volunteers approachable to all. If the Service is to be effective in engaging with the community it is important that it involves all communities in development of its plans and strategies. Consultation and review will accompany this process. The Authority as a body of Elected Members intends to be a fundamental force in driving forward a democratic and inclusive process and this constitution is a reflection of that aim.

CONTENT PAGE

PART 1 SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION

PART 2 INTRODUCTORY

ARTICLE 1 (PDF 9kb) - Purpose of the Constitution
ARTICLE 2 (PDF 8kb) - Membership of the Authority
ARTICLE 3  (PDF 18kb) - Officers
ARTICLE 4  (PDF 11kb) - Decision Making
ARTICLE 5 (PDF 11kb) - Finance, Contracts and Legal Matters
ARTICLE 6 (PDF 9kb) -  Review and Revision of the Constitution
ARTICLE 7 (PDF 14kb) -  Suspension, Interpretation and Publication of the Constitution

PART 3 RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNCTIONS

ARTICLE 8 (PDF 15kb) -  Roles and Functions of Members
ARTICLE 9 (PDF 21kb) - Roles and Responsibilities of designated Office Holders
ARTICLE 10 (PDF 17kb) - The Role of the Authority
ARTICLE 11 (PDF 12kb) - The Role of the Executive Leadership Board
ARTICLE 12 (PDF 12kb) - Stategic Assets Committee
ARTICLE 13 (PDF 16kb) - Role/Function of Community Protection Committee
ARTICLE 14 (PDF 9kb) - Role/Function of Asset Management Scrutiny Panel
ARTICLE 15 (PDF 11kb) - Role/Function of Audit & Value for Money Scrutiny Panel
ARTICLE 16 (PDF 11kb) - Role/Function of Community Safety Scrutiny Panel
ARTICLE 17 (PDF 12kb) - Role/Function of IRMP Scrutiny Panel
ARTICLE 18 (PDF 19kb) - Role/Function of the Standards Committee (and its Sub Committees)
ARTICLE 19 (PDF 9kb) - Role/Function of the Appeals Committee
ARTICLE 20 (PDF 9kb) - Role/Function of the Appointments Committee
ARTICLE 21 (PDF 9kb) - Member Development Group
ARTICLE 22 (PDF 15kb) - Consultation & Negotiation Committee
ARTICLE 23 (PDF 37kb) - Scheme of Delegation to Officers

PART 4 PROCEDURE RULES

ARTICLE 24 (PDF 130kb) - Procedural Standing Orders
ARTICLE 25 (PDF 65kb) - Contract Standing Orders
ARTICLE 26 (PDF 304kb) - Financial Regulations

PART 5 CODES & PROTOCOLS

ARTICLE 27 (PDF 277kb)