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1. The purpose of the Strategy Forum is to provide a private discussion forum for all members of the Combined Fire Authority – in essence it is a ‘think tank’.

2. The Strategy Forum is also a forum in which to share proposals for strategic and operational developments outside of the constitutional structure, in order to obtain general viewpoints and reactions to proposals and to promote healthy discussion and member engagement.

3. The terms of reference include:

3.1 To brief members and facilitate an exchange of views in relation to:

3.1.1 New policy areas, taking into account the impact of proposals on the staff and financial resources of the Authority.

3.1.2 Formulation of the Authority’s objectives.

3.1.3 Priority of those objectives.

3.1.4 Issues arising.

3.2 To consider proposals of government departments and other national or regional bodies which have implications that would affect the Authority.

3.3 To consider presentations from any organisation or individual it feels would be useful in achieving the role of the Strategy Forum.

4. In order to promote the widest possible discussions and free exchange of views, members are reminded that strict confidentiality must be maintained regarding any discussions during Strategy Forum meetings, until such time as the issues discussed are tabled at a formally constituted meeting or in the public domain.

5. Members are reminded that they are still bound by the requirements of the Authority’s Code of Conduct, as they attend the Strategy Forum in accordance with their duties as an elected member of the Authority. Should any member fail to comply with this requirement of confidentiality, this could result in potential adverse consequences for operational resilience and damage to public confidence.

6. The forum will meet twice a year or more frequently if required, without a fixed timetable, to remain flexible to respond to any need for urgent change.

7. The purpose of the Strategy Forum is for discussion and it does not have decision-making powers. To have decision-making powers it would need to be a committee covered by openness and transparency rules. Meetings of the Strategy Forum will not therefore be open to the public and confidentiality should be maintained by members of the group. Notes of the Strategy Forum meetings will be presented at the next full Authority meeting either under part one or part two of the agenda depending on the nature of the matters discussed.

8. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Executive Board is responsible for identifying issues to be considered by the Strategy Forum. However, the Authority, individual committees and individual members may on occasions wish to refer items for discussion.

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