The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority's annual meeting was scheduled to address key governance matters, including the election of its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming year. The Authority was also set to review its committee structures and make appointments to various committees and outside bodies. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Fire Brigades Union's Improvement Agenda and the 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan Update, alongside an operational activity and communications update.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 term. The Vice-Chair's responsibilities were outlined, including supporting the Chair, deputising when necessary, and leading on responses to government proposals, climate change, and matters relating to HMICFRS¹.

Membership and Committee Matters

The Authority was to note the appointed members for the 2026/27 term, reflecting the electorate proportions of Buckinghamshire Council and Milton Keynes City Council. Following this, discussions were scheduled regarding committee appointments. Recommendations were to be made for the allocation of seats on the Executive Committee and the Overview and Audit Committee, adhering to political balance regulations. Authority was also to be delegated to the Monitoring Officer to vary nominations on committees.

Calendar of Meetings and Outside Bodies

A calendar of future Fire Authority and committee meetings for 2026-2027 was to be presented. Additionally, the Authority was scheduled to appoint representatives to several outside bodies, including the Local Government Association Annual Conference, the Local Government Association Fire Commission, the Local Government Association Annual Fire Conference, and the Thames Valley Fire Control Service Joint Committee.

Lead Member Responsibilities

The allocation of Lead Member responsibilities was to be considered, with specific roles outlined for Service Delivery, Protection and Collaboration; People, Equality and Diversity and Assurance; Finance and Assets, Information Security and IT; and Health and Safety and Corporate Risk. Appointments to these roles were to be made.

Annual Review and FBU Improvement Agenda

The meeting was to consider the Annual Review 2025-2026, which summarises performance and progress against the priorities set out in the Annual Delivery Plan and Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). This report highlighted achievements in prevention, protection, and response, as well as efforts to strengthen the workforce.

A significant item on the agenda was the Member Update on the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Improvement Agenda 2025/26. This report, co-authored by BFRS Officers and the FBU Brigade Secretary, detailed progress against the FBU's priorities for improving operational effectiveness and workforce wellbeing. Key achievements noted included enhanced maternity and parental entitlements, progress on training, and a review of mental health support. The report also outlined planned actions and next steps for areas such as skills payments, day crewing, standard crewing, and the High Wycombe Fire Station redevelopment.

Annual Delivery Plan Update

An update on the 2026-2027 Annual Delivery Plan was scheduled, providing an overview of progress on major projects from a Project Management Office (PMO) assurance perspective. This included updates on the On-Call Improvement Programme, the Local Training Facility, and the High Wycombe Station Redevelopment. Collaborative projects, such as the Thames Valley Fire Control replacement, PPE renewal, and the Emergency Services Network transition, were also to be discussed.

Operational Activity and Communications Update

A presentation was scheduled to provide an overview of recent significant operational incidents and demonstrate how the Service coordinates response, public communication, and community reassurance. This included details of incidents such as a nightclub fire in Bletchley, a barn fire in Little Brickhill, a fire on Desborough Road in High Wycombe, and a fire at Lynx Gymnastics in Aylesbury. The presentation aimed to assure members of the Service's operational effectiveness, community engagement, and continuous improvement processes.