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1. The Appeals Committee meets only when required and at a date and time as determined by the Chair of this committee.

2. The powers of this committee are set out below. The powers are delegated to this committee by the full Authority and (unless stated otherwise) they are empowered to make final decisions on matters within their remit. Reports of all matters dealt with by this committee should be sent to the full Authority at its next meeting following the decision, or a subsequent one if that is not possible, for noting. In exceptional circumstances the committee may instead refer issues to the full Authority for a decision.

3. The Appeals Committee’s functions are as follows:

3.1 Hear and determine appeals from the stage one Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) in relation to pensions. Stage one decisions are made by the Chief Fire Officer (or by an officer designated by them). The appeals following stage one are known as IDRP stage two appeals and will be heard by this committee.

3.2 To hear and determine unresolved grievances against the Chief Fire Officer.

3.3 To hear and determine appeals against action short of dismissal against the Chief Fire Officer, Director of Corporate Services (Treasurer) and Monitoring Officer.

3.4 To hear and determine appeals against dismissal of those officers accountable to the Chief Fire Officer, excluding Director of Corporate Services (Treasurer) and the Monitoring Officer.

3.5 To hear and determine appeals from the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee in relation to any complaints determined under the Member Code of Conduct Procedure.

4. It is preferable, although not essential, that members of the committee have some background knowledge in business or people management or within a trade union.

Quorum

5. The number of seats for voting members is seven drawn from the full Authority. Political balance rules and regulations apply.

6. In addition, there will be one co-opted independent member. Where this committee is sitting to hear appeals from the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee in relation to any complaints determined under the Member Code of Conduct Procedure, the co-opted independent member will sit as Chair and will have voting rights and in case of equality of votes, a second or casting vote. The co-opted independent member will not form part of this committee other than for this function.

7. It will only be quorate and therefore constitutionally able to conduct business and make decisions if there are at least three voting members present. Where this committee is sitting to hear appeals from the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee in relation to any complaints determined under the Member Code of Conduct Procedure, one of those members must be the co-opted Independent Member (who will sit as Chair). Should the committee be inquorate it shall stand temporarily adjourned for 30 minutes and if, thereafter, there is still not a quorum the meeting shall stand finally adjourned. At the point of adjournment, or subsequently, the Chair may agree arrangements for the meeting to be reconvened.

8. It is also recommended that members of the committee (and any substitutes) attend appropriate training where possible.

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