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1. Members of the public and press are entitled to attend and report on any of the Authority’s meetings that are held in public. These public meetings can be reported by filming, photographing, making an audio recording or otherwise reporting on them for example through the use of social media.

2. You do not need prior permission to attend and report, but it would be helpful if members of the public give notice of their intention so any necessary practical arrangements can be made. Contact: CFA@lancsfirerescue.org.uk

3. The primary purpose of the public meeting is to transact its business in a transparent manner. If a member of the public or press is present at the meeting, they are not permitted to provide an oral commentary on the meeting as it takes place. The Authority will as far as practicable provide reasonable facilities for members of the press or public who wish to report on proceedings. Reporting may only be carried out from within the areas designated for the press and public or as directed by the Chair of the meeting, from where the meeting can be viewed and heard. This may only be done in a non-disruptive way and must not impede the view of other attendees or access to the meeting room. There is limited space for tables but if there are specific requirements and advance notice is given of these, they will be accommodated as much as is practicable.

4. This protocol is about the right to report the proceedings of the meeting. Other members of the public may also be present as observers only and may not wish to be filmed or recorded. Their wishes should be complied with if they actively indicate an objection to being filmed or recorded. This does not apply to formal public participation in the meeting.

5. Members of the public and press are not able to attend or report private meetings or those where the press and public have been excluded, and must not leave any recording equipment in the room where a private meeting is held.

6. Members of the public and press must not behave in a way which is disruptive, and to do so could result in them being stopped from reporting on the meeting or even excluded from it. Disruptive behaviour could be any action or activity which disrupts the good conduct of the meeting or impedes others from being able to see, hear or themselves film the proceedings. Examples include moving outside the areas designated for the press or public without the Chair's consent; excessive noise in recording, setting up or re-siting equipment during the meeting; intrusive lighting; any flash photography; or interrupting the meeting in any way. The Chair of the meeting has responsibility for ensuring the proper conduct of the meeting's business and may require people to stop reporting or even exclude them from the meeting entirely if they are being disruptive.

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