How we make decisions

Meetings of the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority consider and make decisions on key London Fire Brigade matters such as strategy, policy and the Brigade’s budget. Five specialist executive committees meet to consider and make decisions on specific areas of responsibility and to report to the Authority where appropriate:

• The Appointments Committee meets to appoint the Brigade’s principal officers.
• The Audit Committee meets to agree and monitor the Brigade’s audit procedures and policies, its risk management framework and business continuity arrangements.
• The Finance, Procurement and Property Committee meets to: (1) make decisions on building, property and energy schemes;  (2) advise the Authority on matters relating to its capital and revenue budgets and (3) monitor expenditure.
• The Standards Committee meets to promote and maintain high standards of conduct by members of the Authority and its committees.
• The Urgency Committee meets only when a decision must be made before the next appropriate executive meeting.

Membership of these committees reflects, so far as is practicable, the political balance of the Authority. The Standards Committee is chaired by an individual not connected with the Authority or its business.

There are also two panels that meet to consider and advise the Authority on particular subjects:

• The Human Resources, Equalities and Health and Safety Panel considers a wide range of staffing, equality and health and safety activities. 
• The Performance Management and Community Safety Panel looks at improving the Brigade’s performance and the promotion of community safety.

These panels have no executive decision-making powers.