The suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 478 Livingston Firefighter Job Losses

Suffuck County Council
Fire Service
To: Ff. Y (566)
Station: 16, Normanshurst

KES/SIS/DISC
ACFO Seager
(01473) 588939
1 March 1999

Dear Ff Y,
IMPORTANT
Notification that you are the subject of an investigation under the Fire services (Discipline) Regulations, 1985

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 7 of the above Regulations, I am writing to notify you that I have received information which leads me to believe that you may have committed an offence, or offences, under the Fire Services (Discipline) Regulations, 1985
The circumstances which I have asked to be investigated are:

1. Your failure to comply with an order to revert to firefighter rank on 1 February, 1999.

2. Your demeanour in meetings with Temporary Assistant Divisional Officer Saward about the matter.

It is my intention to carry out an investigation into the allegations, and I have appointed Divisional Officer Graham Smith to assist me. He will shortly be making arrangements to interview you in relation to this matter, and I would suggest that you use the opportunity to make a statement in reply.

However, you are not obliged to say anything, or to answer any questions put to you at an interview, unless you choose to do so. I must also warn you that anything said or written by you in connection with this matter may also be used in evidence at any subsequent disciplinary hearing.

I enclose two copies of this notification. One should be signed by you and returned immediately to the officer serving this notice on you. The other copy is for your use, and I would strongly recommend that you pass it to your union representative. You are entitled to seek the advice of your union in this matter, and for a representative of the union to be present at any interview hereafter.

If you have any questions about the disciplinary process which the officer serving this is unable to answer, please do not hesitate to contact me at Brigade Headquarters.

Yours sincerely

K. E. Seager,
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Technical)
Brigade Investigating Officer

I acknowledge receipt of this notification. I understand I am the subject of an investigation under the Fire Services (Discipline) regulations, 1985.

Signed………………………………………Date……………………………….

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 477 Suffolk County Council Employee disputes

Z/GEN/Revised

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer
From: FF Y 566
Station: 016
Date: 28-02-99




Dear Sir,

I make reference to my grievance to you dated 20th February 1999. As it is now the 28th of February and the matter has not been dealt with within 7 days as per Suffolk County Council Grievance Procedure Policy I wish to go to the next stage. That being to an Appeals Panel of members drawn from the Personnel Sub Committee and Public Protection Committee.

Respectfully Submitted

Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 476 Free Electric Blanket Testing Felixstowe Fire Station 2007

Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA

27th February 1999

Your ref

Dear ACFO Seager,

I write with reference to the discovery of documents in relation to the discipline case against SubO X.

In recent conversation with a reliable source I have been informed that you are in possession of certain documents collected during investigations which might be useful to the defence of SubO X.

Clearly if this is the case it is a strange situation, essentially the prosecution withholds, or fails to inform the defence of useful evidence. Indeed I am led to believe these documents have been in your possession for several months.

Having regard to the issues I raise I would ask you to confirm or deny the existence of such documentation. Finally if you concede the existence of further documentation I will be most interested t in knowing why, on the face of it, concealment has taken place.

For the purpose of minimising postage costs I enclose a further copy of this letter which I ask you to sign in acknowledgement of receipt and return to me.



Yours sincerely


Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 475 Marlie Farm Firework Explosion

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SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

Memorandum



From: S Davies, Director of Personnel

To: SubO X Normanshurst

Date: 25th February 1999


Reference: Request for transfer

Thank you for your memo dated 19th February 1999, which the Chief fire Officer has passed to me.

I can confirm that you are on a list of people wishing to transfer in the rank of Sub Officer.

Most jobs in this rank are, however, advertised in the brigade routine orders and filled by means of a selection process. Should you wish to be considered for any posts you see advertised in this way, you should apply in the manner stipulated in the advertisement rather than await an invitation to be considered for the post.

Please let me know if you require any further clarification of the above.

S. Davies
Director of Personnel

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 474 Arson Attack at Brandon Fire Station

Suffuck County Council

Fire Service

Firefighter Y

MHA/MLA
Mr M H Alcock
01473 588969
22nd February 1999

Dear Firefighter Y,

I acknowledge receipt of your memorandum dated 20th February 1999, which I received by facsimile this morning. I have passed your memorandum to the deputy Chief Fire Officer who will make appropriate arrangements for a meeting to consider your grievance as soon as possible.



Yours sincerely



M H Alcock


Supreme Chief Fire Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 473 Free Electric Blanket Testing Stowmarket Fire Station 2007

Z/GEN/Revised

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer
BHQ

From: FF Y 566
Station: 016
Date: 20-02-99




Sir,

I have invoked the Grievance Procedure and have been heard by T/A.D.O. Saward (first stage), D.O. C. Hodge (second stage). I am still dissatisfied and wish to go to the next stage.

Submitted

Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 472 Hythe Fireman

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Regional Office
100 Southgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffuck
IP33 2AQ
Phone: 01284 762171
Fax: 01284 706064

SubO X
Lowestoft
Our ref: 1502020/98/VM
19th February 1999

Dear Sir
THE EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS RULES OF PROCEDURE 1993 (AS AMENDED)
SUBO X v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL

Thank you for your letter dated 13th February 1999. It has been referred to a Chairman of the Tribunals (Mr D R Crome) who has directed me to tell you that a directions hearing will immediately follow the pre-hearing review on 31 March 1999 and your application for an order for further particulars can be considered then.

Our exchange of correspondence has been copied as indicated below.

Yours faithfully

VJ Marsh
For regional secretary

cc: K W Stevens Suffuck County Council
cc: Acas

IMPORTANT – IF YOU FAX YOUR REPLY PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE HARD COPY.
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY REPLY TO THE REGIONAL SECRETARY

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 471 Hythe Firefighter

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 19th February 1999


Sir,
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Approximately two years ago I made a request to be transferred from my present position and onto a watch at Lowestoft. As a reminder I re-submit that request. I would also remind you that I have now served 4.5 years in the training department. More importantly the move is congruent with the brigades fairness at work and equality of opportunity policies.

Quite clearly a transfer to the watch at Lowestoft will enable my internal and external development. For some reason this seems to have been denied to date.

Having regard to the issues I raise I would ask for a prompt reply to this request.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 470 Hythe Fire Station

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Suffuck County Council

Secretary and Solicitor

SubO X

Your ref
Our ref 20123/AJG/MW
Ask for Mr Gillespie Tel(01473) 584113

18th February 1999

Dear SubO X,

Thank you for your letter of 12 February 1999.

With regard to the documents requested. At this moment I myself am not aware of there existence. I shall take this matter up with brigade management and ascertain their existence and relevance.

Accordingly if I deem them relevant to the case I may, in good time, and if the matter proceeds to a full hearing, service you with copies. However, as I understand it documents are not relevant at the Pre-hearing review stage which is to take place on 31 March 1999.


Yours sincerely

Alan Gillespie
For K W Stevens
County Secretary and Solicitor

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 469 Retired Senior Suffolk Fire Officer Denies Sexual Act with a Saxaphone

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SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

Memorandum

Operations command


From: DO Hodge

To: SubO X

Normanshurst

Date: 15th February 1999


Reference: Your letter to me dated 12th February 1999

As requested by you, I will not provide you with a copy of the FBU workplace inspection health and safety report as signed by you, and which was attached to the quality audit return submitted in mid 1998 by ADO E Smith, for the Normanshurst Fire Safety office.

I would advise you that this decision not to release the document was taken by ACFO Kenneth Seager


CF Hodge
Divisional Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 468 Free electric Blanket Testing Lowestoft Fire Station 2007

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SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

Memorandum

Operations command


From: DO Hodge

To: Ff Y

Normanshurst

Date: 15th February 1999


Reference: Your Grievance heard by me on Friday 12th February 1999

I write to confirm the outcome of my hearing of your grievance on the above date. Specifically that I uphold ADO Saward’s decision made, following his hearing your grievance at Normanshurst on Friday 5th February 1999.

You expressed to ADO Saward that you were aggrieved at his decision to revert you to your substantive rank of Firefighter on Monday 1st February 1999. This being because when you were initially temporarily promoted to Leading Firefighter with effect the 27th September 1998, by ADO Fuller, you were informed this would be “until the return to full duties of Leading Firefighter Paul Brown”. L Ff P Brown has still not returned to work full duties and you were therefore aggrieved at the decision.

ADO Saward clearly stated in his memorandum to you his decision was based “on the grounds of equality and fairness to all”. As you have now carried out the role of Temporary Leading firefighter for in excess of 4 months, and as ADO Saward had recognised that there are other personnel on the station who would benefit from such an opportunity, I fully support his decision.

Further, my understanding of the situation is that the circumstances that ADO Fuller felt appertained, at the time of the sickness of L Ff P Brown, have now changed. Specifically he believed that the period of sickness would be relatively short. Indeed it was partly for this reason that he did not wish to make any temporary watch changes involving a firefighter who had already passed the appropriate assessment, and had been found to be suitable for promotion to the rank of Leading Firefighter.

With the prolonged and continuing absence of L Ff P Brown, ADO Saward felt it necessary to take the action he did to allow a firefighter so qualified the opportunity to gain appropriate experience. Indeed ADO Saward is actually implementing Brigade Policy in so far as general Order OP 25 paragraph 3.1 states that “wherever possible recommendations for temporary promotion will be planned and linked to the promotions list and appraisal system.”

You also indicated to me that you felt aggrieved that the status quo arrangements in Paragraph B (1) 12 of the Local Grievance and Disputes Procedures (Uniformed Employees Excluding Officer ranks) had not been invoked. Specifically you stated that ADO Saward’s idea of what the status quo entailed, differed to everyone else’s view. ADO Saward’s hearing of your grievance was NOT about the arrangements that do or do not exist whilst a grievance is being heard, but specifically to do with the issue of his reverting you to your substantive rank of firefighter.

ADO Saward took advice prior to implementing the decision that you would not remain a Temporary Leading Firefighter whilst the grievance was heard. His subsequent decisions were based partly on this advice, and as such your accusation that his subsequent order to you was not lawful, is not in my view correct.

During my hearing of your grievance, you raised the issue of the status quo. Having taken further advice on this matter I can confirm that the decision of the Brigade remains that you will not hold the temporary rank pending the outcome of your grievance.

I therefore confirm that I support the decision of ADO Saward to revert you to firefighter with effect from the 1st February 1999.

I would also wish to make clear that the decision in no way reflects upon the duties that you performed during your period of temporary promotion.

Should you wish to discuss this matter any further with me, please contact me at BHQ on x 8914



CF Hodge
Divisional Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 467 Arson Attack at Aldeburgh Fire Station

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Station Officer Jims Post it 12th Feb 1999

As usual just left tenuously stuck by the 1 centimetre adhesive strip to X’s desk and reads:

X
Can you ride for red watch next Monday 15th?
JP

The Suffolk Fire experience - Doc 466 Paul Woolstenholmes Statement for Re-Election as FBU National Officer

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 12th February 1999


Sir,
LEAVE

I request I am granted PH leave on Monday 15th February 1999. I have no engagements to attend to on that day.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 465 Windsor Fire Station Cuts

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 12th February 1999


Sir,
LEAVE

I request I am granted PH leave on Wednesday 17th February 1999. I have no engagements to attend to on that day.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 464 bent Suffolk County Council Solicitor

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Alan Gillespie
Suffuck County Council Solicitor
County Hall
Ipswich

SubO X

12th February 1999

Dear Mr Gillespie,


On 12th February 1999 I made a reasonable request in person to Divisional Officer Colin Hodge for the return of a FBU health and safety document given to him some months earlier. The document is required for matters concerned with 1502020/1998. The relevant document being a safety audit carried on Lowestoft fire safety accommodation on or around 2nd June 1998.

As you are no doubt aware the document is signed by the employees safety representative. ADO Eric Smith JP. Furthermore and again as you are no doubt aware the content is in complete contradiction to your legally stated position re the democratically appointed trade union safety representative for Lowestoft fire station.

Returning to the request made to Divisional Officer Colin Hodge. He was his usual foul and abusive type in reply. Adding that he could not comply because he ‘no longer has access to the document and copies are in the hands of yourself and the brigade prosecuting officer’. Further adding that if he could be bothered he would take it up with the brigade prosecuting officer. Of course I have already made 8 other reasonable requests for disclosure with the brigade prosecuting officer on another matter. Indeed he seems to have serious propensity toward ignoring normal legal protocol and procedure.

In consequence, If you don’t mind, I would like to be furnished with the aforementioned articles without delay.


Yours sincerely


SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 463 Beccles Fire Station Commander

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By the 12th February 1999 SubO J Tiffen*, the Blue Watch Officer was becoming twitchy and concerned as to how the reversion of Y was being handled. In particular, he was most concerned about where blame for the situation might be placed. In an effort to palm blame away from himself/ provide objective explanation? he compiled the following rough hand chronological notes on or, shortly after 12th February 1999.

29-1-1999 - Grievance invoked. 0900

29 - loite litl mlet day (note added 1999 suggests
that this insertion refers to the
acknowledgement letter from T/ADO Saward).

0900 TUES 2nd FEB - Status Quo - grievance invoked.

1400 – ISH THURS 4th FEB – SAYWARD RANG MY HOME + told me to order Firefighter Y to remove his bars on nights.

1800 – ordered Firefighter Y

1801 – went to inspect Hippodrome left mick behind

- ON RETURN Firefighter Y had rang bill - to advice grievance invoked status quo mick to stay at LF or Brigade in dispute

1800 Fri 5th FEB – 0900 SAYWARD ASKED ABOUT Firefighter Y.

- Firefighter Y + GILLY SEE ERIC + SAYWARD

- confronted Sayward felt watch were being picked on.

1800 FRI 12th FEB - Firefighter Y + SubO X see HODGE + SAYWARD.


WEDS Jan 19th Day – Me on course
SAYWARD TOLD ME HE WOULD see Firefighter Y about reverting.

Tues 2nd FEB – firefighter Y spoke to Hodge about grievance AM


* SubO. J. Tiffen, the same person who made a formal complaint against CFO Tony Baker’s alcohol consumption at Lowestoft Fire Stations Christmas dinner. See doc 3.

The Suffuck Fire Experience - Doc 462 Norfolk Firefighter Recruitment 2007

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Spare

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 461 Felixstowe Fire Station Surplus Equipment Sale

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Conclusion of Grievance hearing Officers Mess Lowestoft 12th February 1999 1800 hrs .


The hearing was about 30 minutes in length during which Y stated his case and was asked questions by DO. C. Hodge. This included specification of the legal status of the contract made between Y and ADO Fuller 25th September 1998.

DO. C Hodge told Y that he did not believe he had a proper formal contract that could be applied to the temporary promotion situation.

He also told Y that his legal status document was invalid and not relevant.

After discussion of Y’s grievance DO. C. Hodge asked Y and his representative to leave the Officers Mess so that he and T/ADO Saward could come to a decision.

On leaving the Officers Mess Y and his representative slithered off through the Station Canteen to the Officers Mess back door to listen to what DO. C. Hodge and T/ADO Saward were discussing.

It quickly became apparent that DO. C. Hodge would not be upholding Y’s grievance. This was despite the fact that he acknowledged that it should be, as a result of ADO Fullers contract and the rights expressed by Y during the grievance. DO. C. Hodge made several references to the Deputy and inferred that he was ordered to reject Y’s grievance out of support for T/ADO Saward and to remove Firefighter Y from the position of Temporary promotion. Whilst not particularly keen to do this he said that the grievance could be moved up the command and somebody else could sort it out. Asked by T/ADO Saward as to what he was going to tell Y he said, “I’ll just say I uphold your original decision and will give reasons later, after I have had chance to brief the Dep and he has told me what to write.”

And so it was when Y was called back into the Officers Mess.

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 460 Lowestoft Fire Station Annual Charity Bonfire

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Attachment- Re Legal Status
Given to DO. Colin Hodge by Y, 12th February 1999 1800 hrs Grievance meeting Officers Mess Lowestoft.

The agreement made between ADO Fuller and Ff Y constituted a CONTRACT and a legally binding agreement.

AGREEMENT arises as the result of an OFFER and ACCEPTANCE.


OFFER
ADO Fuller offered acting/temporary to Ff Y for the duration of LFf Browns sickness?

ACCEPTANCE
Ff Y accepted ADO Fuller’s offer to act/temp for the duration of LFf Brown’s absence.

There must be CONSIDERATION
The PRICE for which the PROMISE is bought.
ADO Fuller Ff Y

E.G.
Ff Y promised to act up on the understanding that it would be for LFf Brown’s entire sickness duration.

CONSIDERATION DOCTRINE
4 Principles

1. The promise must have economic value E.G. Ff Y undertook Junior officer duties. GOOD CONSIDERATION did not apply.

2. It was no Ff Y’s normal duties.

3. The promisee’s have not changed. ADO Fuller was the CFO’s agent.

4. Ff Y has executed the consideration entirely.

LEAGAL RELATIONS WERE CREATED = CONTRACT.

When the agreement was made between ADO Fuller and Ff Y both parties intended the agreement would be honoured.

CAPACITY TO EXERCISE CONTRACT EXISTED.
Ff Y is capable of LFf duties, ADO Fuller was Station Commander.

CONTACT COMPLIED WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
In writing.
Oral understanding.
Implied.

CONTRACT IS LEGAL.
Agreement made was not prohibited by statute.

2 STRANDS TO Ff Y's LOSS.
1. Economic
Wages from now till return of LFf Brown.

2. Insult
Failure to consult, failure to honour contract, stress of grievance procedure and detriment from non-application of status quo.
Failure of normal civilised behaviour to negotiate proper notice.
False grounds to terminate contract.
Victimisation.
Breach of contract (repudiation by words and action)
Repudiation entitles the injured party to sue for damages and losses sustained.

AFFIRM.
To treat contract as still in existence, therefore continue to wear bars. Lapse of time without seeking a remedy may be treated as affirmation

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 459 Martlesham Heath Brass Band Concerts 2007

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Notes made by SubO X


1800hrs Feb 12th 1999
Firefighter Y’s Grievance meeting Officers Mess Lowestoft

Those present

FF Y
SubO X
G Saward
C Hodge

CH
Mr Saward is here because he dealt with the decision last week and can assist me with the background.
To Y can you for my benefit outline your grievance and the reasons behind it.

Y
Gives a general outline in relation to his temporary promotion which began in Sept 98 to provide cover for PB.
Basically I was asked if I would do the job to which I replied, I would be prepared to be temporary if it was for the duration of PB’s sickness.

CH
Asked by whom

Y
ADO Fuller, as you can see from the memo which is a contractual obligation and T/ADO Saward has decided not to honour by suggesting I revert to FF without proper notice. Essentially he is acting in bad faith as it is quite clear that the agreement between me and ADO fuller constitutes a contract, (reading from prepared notes – doc 4?).

CH
Puzzled look in response to contract, takes notes but refrains from comment.

Y
As a result of T/ADO Saward not recognising the agreement I invoked the grievance procedure in good faith and the reasonable expectation that the status quo would be honoured as specified in paragraph 12 page 4.
Unfortunately this has not been the case and T/ADO Saward is misguided/clearly wrong.

CH
Did ADO Saward discuss your reversion beforehand.

Y
The actual letter from ADO Saward confirmed a previous discussion during which I informed ADO Saward his action was wrong.
As I said I had a clear agreement, myself and ADO Fuller in the form of a contract (refer to notes)

CH
Mr Saward what were your reasons for your decision last Friday, to uphold your position.

GS
Basically it was done in the interests of promoting equality of opportunity and fairness at work.
Also I needed to give FF English the opportunity to act up so I could assess him for the forthcoming LFF assessments. So my action created the right environment for me to assess him properly.

CH
To GS so having made these arguments on 19 Jan has anything changed.

GS
I am still of the same opinion.

CH
Why

GS
The same arguments hold as I said it was to promote equality of opportunity, also when PB became sick nobody foresaw the length of his sickness.

CH
As Mr Saward said the circumstances of FF English’s temporary promotion were clear, as he said the need to assess him was paramount. I also commend the equality of opportunity that Mr Saward strives for.

Y
I must point out that T/ADO Saward asked me to revert without the thought of a need to preserve the status quo inherent in the grievance procedure.

ADJOURNMENT
While CH considers his decision with GS approx 2 mins.

CH
I can confirm that I am upholding ADO Saward’s decision.

Y
I refer you back to T/ADO Saward’s reasons and misleading evidence. His need to assess FF English for the forthcoming assessments, FF English is already assessed (see doc 41).

Ch
Errrrr………..Even so I uphold ADO Saward’s decision and I will give extended reasons to you on Monday.

Y
If you have made your decision then you must have reasons and I ask you for them now.

CH
Para 5 says the reply will be in writing. That is all I have to say.

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 558 North Eastern Regional Fire Control Belmont Business Park Durham

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Allcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 10th February 1999


Sir,
IFE – CPD

I would like to join the local IFE branch on their visit to the Channel tunnel 12th February 1999. I request I am granted leave to attend and enhance my CPD

SubO X


Due to programme commitments I am unable to agree to this request

R Wilson Training School Commandant

TJ Tinley 11. 02. 99

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 557 Beccles Fire Station Charity Auction

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Allcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 10th February 1999


Sir,
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT – IIP – EDUCATION

I have been approached by the Suffolk FBU education officer, with a view to me attending a union residential school course entitled fairness in the workplace. The course duration is 2.5 days and scheduled to run 1st – 3rd march 1999. Attendance would provide me with a element of personal development that is not available by Brigade means.

SubO X


Following perusal of the department commitments for the period 1st – 3rd march I am unable to agree to the above leave. I would suggest that a future course is identified giving more notice, the chances of fulfilling the requirement would then be enhanced.

R Wilson training School Commandant

TJ Tinley 11. 02. 99

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 456 Bungay Fire Station Charity Auction

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Ken Seager

From: J Campbell PER/SD/JC/SS

Date: 11th February 1999


Ken,

DUMMIES RE X’s ACCIDENT AND MALCOLMS ADVICE TO ENTERING IT INTO THE DISCIPLINE HEARING TO BLACKEN X

Following the meeting we had with the chief and the elected members about how we can legitimise the hearing, and your instructions in the memo 4th Feb, I got in touch with the suppliers to see if we could obtain a copy. They told me that the dummies are disposable and constantly being changed. As such I cannot guarantee we would get an exact replica as used by X. Can you let me know whether you still want me to order one for the hearing.



J Campbell Personnel Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 455 Eye Fire Station Surplus Equipment Sale

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 10th February 1999


Sir,
IFE – CPD

I would like to join the local IFE branch on their visit to the Channel tunnel 12th February 1999. I request I am granted leave to attend and enhance my CPD

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 454 garstang Fireman

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 10th February 1999


Sir,
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT – IIP – EDUCATION

I have been approached by the Suffolk FBU education officer, with a view to me attending a union residential school course entitled fairness in the workplace. The course duration is 2.5 days and scheduled to run 1st – 3rd march 1999. Attendance would provide me with a element of personal development that is not available by Brigade means.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 453 Garstang Firefighter

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SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

Memorandum

Operations command


From: DO Hodge

To: Ff Y
Normanshurst

Date: 10th February 1999


Reference: Grievance Procedure

I refer to your memorandum to me dated the 5th February 1999, relating to your grievance over the termination of your period of temporary promotion as a temporary leading firefighter.

I understand you saw ADO Saward at 1800 hours on Friday 5th February to discuss your grievance and that subsequently you have forwarded the grievance to me as the next stage of the procedure. I received your memorandum at BHQ on Monday 7th February.

In your absence today, I have arranged to interview you at Normanshurst at 18.00 hours on Friday 12th February. If this time is not suitable, then, in my absence on Thursday 11th February, please notify ADO Saward accordingly, and I will rearrange the date with you at a mutually convenient time

CF Hodge
Divisional Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 452 Garstang Fire Station

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Regional Office
100 Southgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffuck
IP33 2AQ
Phone: 01284 762171
Fax: 01284 706064

SubO X
Lowestoft
Our ref: 1502020/98/VM

Case Number 1502020/1998
SUBO X (Applicant) v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL (Respondent)

1. The tribunal has ordered a pre-hearing review to consider the Originating Application/Notice of Appearance in this case. This will take place at
Southgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on Wednesday, 31 March 1999 at 10:00 am or as soon thereafter on that day as the tribunal can hear it.

2. Unless there are wholly exceptional circumstances, no application for postponement will be entertained if it is received more than 14 days after the date of this notice. Any such application must be made in writing and state the full grounds and any other unavailable dates in the six weeks following the above hearing.

3. All representatives must inform those they represent of the date, time and place of the pre hearing review.

4. Please see the attached Guidance Notes about attendance at the hearing and other matters.

5. You may submit your representations in writing and advance oral argument at the hearing if you wish. The Tribunal will not hear the evidence of any witness at this hearing.

Signed
Mr N Farthing
For Regional Secretary of the Tribunals
Dated 09 February 1999

cc ACAS/Secretary of State for Trade and Industry* (Delete as appropriate)
Form IT4 PHR E&W 8/98


6. Thank you for your letter dated 19th January 1999. It has been referred to a Chairman of the Tribunals (Mr C R Ash) who has directed me to tell you that this case is going to be listed for a pre-hearing review, as requested by the respondent in their notice of appearance. He has said that the disciplinary procedures are not relevant to the pre-hearing review and so he does not agree to the proceedings being stayed.

Our exchange of correspondence has been copied as indicated below.

Yours faithfully

VJ Marsh
For regional secretary

cc: K W Stevens Suffuck County Council

IMPORTANT – IF YOU FAX YOUR REPLY PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE HARD COPY.
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY REPLY TO THE REGIONAL SECRETARY

The Suffolk Fire Experience - doc 451 Clare Fire Station Charity Auction

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Sub Officer X

From: T J Tinley (ACFO Operations)

Date: 8th February 1999


Health and Safety Leave/Union Leave

I refer to your request dated 21st January 1999, for leave to attend a meeting in Felixstowe on the 10th February 1999 and confirm that the request is granted. It has been granted on the understanding that you are attending a Fire Brigades Union Brigade Committee meeting, it is not clear from your memo. Would you advise me if that assumption is wrong.

I must comment on your statement that you need to attend because there is no other forum where you can be updated with regard to carrying out your representative functions. The brigade Health & Safety Committee has a constitution that is set out in HS06 and clearly benefits from the support of all personnel, the Fire Brigades Union has 2 representatives on the Committee. It has been my experience that the Fire Brigades Union representatives are pro-active in the Health and safety fields, indeed, Sub Officer Davey has served not only on the Brigade, but the County Committee and has updated Fire brigades Union members where appropriate. Our Health and Safety Committee surely represents an excellent method for you to be updated and conversely for you to share your thoughts and ideas that you fell are within your remit as a safety representative.

T J Tinley
ACFO (Operations)

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 450 Clifton Road Fire Station Closure Sale of Fire Equipment

Note this document was not provided to Y until on or around 12th April 1999. Therefore, its creation as dated cannot be independently verified.


SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer

From: ADO Saward

Date: 6 February 1999


Grievance Firefighter Y

As a result of leading Firefighter Brown’s sickness, ADO Fuller promoted Firefighter Y to the rank of Temporary Leading Firefighter with effect from Sunday 27 September 1998. This appointment was confirmed in a memorandum dated 25 September which also stated that the temporary promotion would continue “until the return to full duties of LFf Brown”

My understanding is that it was envisaged that LFf Brown would be sick for approximately 4 weeks. It has now become evident that the sickness will continue for many months.

I assessed the impact of this long term absence, taking into account the representations of the watch officer, together with the personal development needs of station personnel.

There are two firefighters on station Normanshurst who have been assessed as suitable for promotion to the rank of Leading Firefighter. Firefighter Y has not.

Having held the rank for four months and in an attempt to employ the principle of fairness and equality, I took the decision to revert Firefighter Y to his substantive rank, having previously taken advise on the position regarding the wording of ADO Fuller’s memorandum, and temporarily promote another Firefighter to Temporary Leading Firefighter.

I spoke to Ff Y on the evening of 19 January and informed him of my decision. He was not pleased with the decision and I told him that I would confirm the details to him in writing, which I did in a memorandum the following day.

When I arrived at my office on the morning of 29 January, there was an envelope on my desk which contained a memorandum from Ff Hyde in which he gave notice of his wish to invoke the grievance procedure.

I wrote to him the same day, and delivered the letter by hand to his home address, acknowledging receipt of his request and informing him that I would be available to hear his grievance at 0900hours on Thursday 4 February, which was the next time I would be in Lowestoft.

On Wednesday 3 February Ff Y spoke to me on the telephone and said that this time would not be convenient to him and we agreed to meet at 1800hours on Friday 85th February.

At the first stage meeting Ff Y was accompanied by Firefighter Gilbert as his union representative and Assistant Divisional Officer smith was present as a witness and took contemporaneous notes.

The main substance of the grievance was the memorandum from ADO fuller. It soon became clear that I would not be in a position to satisfy his grievance and he indicated that he wished the matter to be referred to the second stage.

G. E. Saward
Assistant Divisional Officer

The Suffuck Fire Experience - Doc 449 Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service Firefighter Recruitment 2007

Z/GEN/Revised

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: D.O. HODGE
BHQ

From: T L/FF Y

Station: 016

Date: 05-02-99


Grievance Procedure

Sir,

On the 29th January 1999 I invoked the Grievance Procedure with regards to having my Temporary Promotion taken away from me.

Today 5.2.99 I met T/ADO Saward for the first stage of my Grievance and I am not happy with his decisions. Therefore I wish to go to the next stage.

Submitted

Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 448 Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Roadkill Officer Contacts

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Operations Department, Normanston Drive, Lowestoft
Facsimile Transmission Covering Letter

To: NAME Chris Hayward
COMPANY F. B. U. Secretary
FAX NO. 01473 ******

FROM: NAME Firefighter Y
DATE 05-022-99
FAX NO. 01502 ******

Instructions

Tonight I have been ordered to revert back to Firefighter and T/ADO Saward does not recognise the status quo procedure that goes in hand with the Grievance procedure. I trust that you will be able to help me in this matter


Regards

Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 447 Framlingham Fire Station Charity Auction

5/2/99
Eric Smith
Witness at
Grievance
Hearing

Meeting between FF Hyde and ADO Saward

FF Y was reduced in rank to FF from L/Ff, which was confirmed in a memo received by FF Y on 25/1/99

29/1/99 Grievance + memo from ADO Fuller with letter of acknowledgement receipt of letter.

5/2/99 FF Y invoked Grievance procedure
FF Y doesn’t think the decision was taken by ADO Saward and wanted him to speak to the person who told him to do this.

ADO Saward explained that long term absence acting up should be shared around.

FF Y then asked why he was still an ADO.

ADO Saward considered the 3 month period was a reasonable time to act up, there was a similar situation at Beccles.
There are other people on station who are suitable to have temporary promotion.

ADO Saward had decided to change FF Y after 4 months and temporary promote someone else. ADO Fullers memo was written known to him and was written in good faith and this sickness appears to be long term at least for another 3 months.

ADO Saward then said he was aware of the grievance procedure and this should be invoked through the line manager who was ADO Saward, and the memo of 29/1/99 is in force and FF Y will revert to FF on 1/2/99.

FF Y then queried the grievance procedure and when invoked is now status quo.

ADO Saward explained the grievance was put in on 29/1/99 and the conditions prior to the letter issued on 20/1/99 revert FF Y back to FF.

Both parties discussed the grievance procedure and FF Y confirmed his grievance concerns the memo from ADO Fuller and his temporary promotion.

ADO Saward stated his memo of the 20th is in force.

FF Hyde stated ADO Fullers intentions were quite clear and the acting up was on behalf of the CFO and cannot see what authority ADO Saward has to change this.

ADO Saward then confirmed that FF Y will revert back to FF with effect from 1/2/99, which is an order.

FF Y then removed his rank markings and said they may well be back on after a phone call.

FF Y said that the memo from ADO Fuller and the grievance procedure should now be a status quo from ADO Fullers memo and not ADO Sawards.

ADO Saward then said it was not a personal vendetta and it could happen to anybody else on the station.

ADO Saward then said he hoped they would not fall out over this

FF Y then explained he did particularly like anybody *

FF Y’s demean was abrupt, sharp and confrontational which could be expected under the circumstances ***.

* Believed that this should have read ‘did not particularly like T/ADO Saward.’

*** It was common knowledge that T/ADO Saward asked ADO Smith to sex up this element of the notes. ADO Smith refused to do so.

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 445 Fleetwood Fireman

Suffolk Fire Service

Note for Case


Date 4 February 1999

Subject Accident to Ff Farr, 3 February 1999

Officer ADO Campion

Observations

Whilst in attendance at an incident at the Hippodrome Bingo Hall on 3 February 1999, I was made aware of an accident injury to Ff Farr.

The nature of the event was that Ff Farr had been instructed to disconnect a length of Hosereel tubing from Normanshurst 01 Appliance & reconnect it to Normanshurst 02. The reason for this was to ensure the utilisation of only one set of Hosereel tubing for the production of Foam.

As the Hosereel coupling was disconnected, Ff Farr received a discharge of liquid into his eyes. First Aid measures were administered by Ff Petitt, on my instructions. Following this Ff Farr stated that his eyes were stinging but that he would remain at the incident.

I instructed SubO Tiffen (Oic of the Incident) to ensure that the Accident was reported to Fire Service control in accordance with Brigade procedures & that the required reports were completed on his return to Station.

It became obvious, upon investigation, that the Hosereel tubing was still pressurised from Firefighting operations when the coupling was separated, thus a discharge occurred. T/LFf Y who was the Driver/Pump operator of Normanshurst 01, seemed unaware that this state of affairs (although the gauges on the Appliance should have indicated it ). On questioning him regarding the remaining pressure in the Hosereel he stated that, “I would have thought that someone would have released it by opening the Branch.”

It appeared when the accident occurred, that a number of personnel (including the T/LFf) treated it with some amusement. This resulted in momentary bad feeling between Ff Farr & T/LFf Y, but this was resolved quickly by pointing out to them all that such events were dangerous & required more careful handling in the future.

A check on the status of T/LFf Y’s uniform on 4 February 1999, in company with T/ADO Saward, shows that his helmet continues to carry LFf rank markings. I marked this helmet later with a small black dot on its rear skirt area.

A.D. Campion

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 445 Martlesham Heath Brass Band Parent Rep Admits Sexual Offence With a Trumpet

Lowestoft
NR 33


31st January 1999
DO. C Hodge
Suffolk Fire Service
BHQ
Ipswich IP4 4SS
Complaint

Dear Sir,

On the evening of 29th January 1999 I was at home off duty at the above address with my wife Gail and my daughter Laura. I was in the back of the house at the time and my wife and daughter were in the front of the house in our sitting room. It was dark so they had a light on and the curtains of the room were partially open.

My wife sensed being watched and looked towards the window and saw a figure looking through the window, this startled her and caused my daughter to look at the same time. I heard my wife shout my name, she sounded alarmed. I quickly went to the room and she pointed at the window and said someone was looking through the window at us. I immediately went to the front door and opened it and saw a figure running out of my garden. I noticed that the person was in uniform and I called out “what do you want?” as he was moving away. He then stopped in the road and looked around and by the light of a street lamp outside my house I recognised the person as being Mr Saward.

I was angry and called out to him “too scared to knock on the door then?” He said that he did not want to disturb me. I then said, “what do you think you are playing at skulking around here in the dark?”

He said that he was delivering a letter.

“Where is the letter I demanded”? “Oh! Here it is”, it was in his hand. I then went up to him and noticed he was nervous, he then held out a letter to me, which I took.

“What’s this then?” I asked. He said it was notification of your grievance hearing from me. I then asked who is coming to see me on Thursday? He said “what do you mean?” I said “you know what I mean, I am expecting someone to come and see me to hear my grievance”. He said that he was hearing my grievance and offering me an appointment. I was disgusted and wanted to get back to my wife and daughter to see if they were OK. This was an unwanted intrusion of my family. Why a Fire Service Officer had to come to my house and behave improperly is beyond me.

Submitted

Firefighter Y

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 444 retired GMC Fire Officer

1. Who is ADO Campion?

Halesworth who were under his supervision for some time called him the “Pie Man.” This phrase was brought about by his appearance which was as the Halesworth crew said similar to that of the type of person who used to have a Mothers Pride round and sell Pies, Cakes and Bread from the back of a Ford Transit. To this there is also the “Pilsbury Dough Man” term uncovered by Bungay Fire station. Apparently Bungay fell on this description when dealing with a RTA. It seems that a passing firefighter from GMC struck up a conversation with the crew. A crew member then said that their station ADO was ex GMC. Asked who, the answer was Alan Campion. To which the GMC firefighter said words to the effect, Oh you mean the Pilsbury Dough Man!

2. Sub title Note for Case. The author writes the account with the knowledge of some ongoing process?

3. The report is made the day after the incident.

4. ADO Campion confirms that SubO Tiffen was present for the day shift 3rd February 1999. The presence of T/LFf Hyde is also registered. In consequence, it seems that Y is performing the LFF rank under the full knowledge of SubO Tiffen. The 3rd February was the second day shift for blue watch. Later T/ADO Saward says he cc SubO Tiffen the January instruction for Y to revert from 1st February. Yet 2 days later Y is still T/LFf. Has SubO Tiffen forgot or has he not been cc the January instruction, or is it something else?

5. A check on the status of T/LFf Hydes uniform on 4 February 1999, in company with T/ADO Saward, shows that his helmet continues to carry LFf rank markings. I marked this helmet later with a small black dot on its rear skirt area. Hmmm very interesting and valuable insight into how the mind of a fire Officer operates. However, it should be pointed out that the helmet did not belong to Y. It was the helmet of another officer. Reason being that Y never added rank markings to his own helmet. He simply borrowed the helmet of the LFf for whom he was covering through out the period of T/LFf.

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 443 Fleetwood Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Firefighter Y
Lowestoft
Suffolk

OPS/GES/SH
A.D.O. Saward
01502-403426
29th January, 1999

Dear Firefighter Y,

I acknowledge receipt of your request to invoke the Grievance Procedure in respect of my notification to you that you will revert to your substantive rank of Fire-fighter on 1st February 1999.

I will be available to hear your grievance at 0900 hours on Thursday 4th February 1999 at Normanshurst Fire Station.

If you have any queries regarding these arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

G. E. Saward
Assistant Divisional Officer

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 442 Fleetwood Fire Station

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” athttp://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/

Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 21st January 1999


Sir,
HEALTH AND SAFETY LEAVE/UNION LEAVE

I request I am granted leave to attend the union committee at Felixstowe 10th February 1999. This will enable me to be updated on health and safety issues and allow me to carry out my representative role effectively. Secondly, I will also be representing the Lowestoft branch of the Fire Brigades Union as the voting delegate on other matters that are listed on the agenda.


SubO X

The Suffuck Fire Experience - Doc 441 Elmswell Fire Station Surpluse Equipment Sale

Z/GEN/Revised

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: T.A.D.O. SAWARD
016

From: T L/Firefighter Y

Station: 016

Date: 29-1-99


Temporary Promotion

I wish to invoke the grievance procedure regarding your letter dated 20th January 1999 which I received on 25th January 1999*.

I refer to letter **dated 25-09.98 from ADO Fuller which clearly defines my situation.

Submitted

Firefighter Y

* Y was on rota until 25th January

** doc 2 in the Suffolk Hyde Series

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 440 Brandon Fire Station Charity Auction

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Firefighter Y Esq
Lowestoft Fire Station

PERS/SD/KMD
Miss S Davies
Tel 1473 588872

28th January 1999

Dear Firefighter Y,

Thank you for your letter dated 19th January, 1999. Mr. Seager has asked me to reply on his behalf.

The answers to your questions are:

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

I hope my response is sufficiently prompt for your needs. If you have any further queries please telephone me.


Yours sincerely



S. Davies,
Personnel Manager

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 439 Preston Fireman

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Regional Office
100 Southgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffuck
IP33 2AQ
Phone: 01284 762171
Fax: 01284 706064

SubO X
Lowestoft
Our ref: 1502020/98/VM

Dear Sir
THE EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS RULES OF PROCEDURE 1993 (AS AMENDED)
SUBO X v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL

Thank you for your letter dated 19th January 1999. It has been referred to a Chairman of the Tribunals (Mr C R Ash) who has directed me to tell you that this case is going to be listed for a pre-hearing review, as requested by the respondent in their notice of appearance. He has said that the disciplinary procedures are not relevant to the pre-hearing review and so he does not agree to the proceedings being stayed.

Our exchange of correspondence has been copied as indicated below.

Yours faithfully

VJ Marsh
For regional secretary

cc: K W Stevens Suffuck County Council

IMPORTANT – IF YOU FAX YOUR REPLY PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE HARD COPY.
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY REPLY TO THE REGIONAL SECRETARY

The Suffuck Fire Experience - Doc 438 Preston Firefighter

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS

Regional Office
100 Southgate Street
Bury St Edmunds
Suffuck
IP33 2AQ
Phone: 01284 762171
Fax: 01284 706064

K W Stevens
County Secretray & Solicitor
Suffuck County Council
County Hall
Ipswich
Suffuck
IP4 2JS
Our ref: 1502020/98/VM
Your ref: 20123/AJG/MW

Dear Sir
THE EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS RULES OF PROCEDURE 1993 (AS AMENDED)
SUBO X v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL

Please find enclosed a copy of correspondence between the applicant and this office. This case would normally be listed for hearing in Norwich, but you will note in the last paragraph of his letter that the applicant asks for the case to be heard in Bury St Edmunds.

I would be grateful if you would let me know, within 7 days of this letter, whether you agree to this case being listed in Bury.

This letter has been copied as indicated below.

Yours faithfully

VJ Marsh
For regional secretary

cc: SubO X

IMPORTANT – IF YOU FAX YOUR REPLY PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE HARD COPY.
PLEASE ADDRESS ANY REPLY TO THE REGIONAL SECRETARY

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 437 Preston Fire Station

The Fire Brigades Union

Established 1918

GENERAL SECRETARY: KEN CAMERON

BRADLEY HOUSE, 68 COOMBE ROAD, KINGSTON UPON THAMES, SURREY KT2 7AE

Tel 0181-541 1765
Fax 0181-546 5187

Please quote this reference on all replies
99 LR 10/14642 HH

26th January, 1999

Legal Assistance : SubO X

Brigade : Suffolk

Branch : Lowestoft


DISTRIBUTION

Mr C Jones
Thompsons Solicitors
Congress House
Gt Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LW

Member:

Your claim has now been forwarded to our Solicitors. They will forward it to one of their branches who will contact you in due course.

Regional Secretary: S Brinkley

Brigade Secretary : C Hayward

File

Hilary Hewitt
Legal Department

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 436 Elmswell fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” at http://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/

Spare

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 435 Fulwood Fireman

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” at http://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/

Doc 430 Attachment 2

Station Officer Assessments Timetable
17th February 1999

1000hrs Conference Room

Verbal and Numerical Critical Reasoning
Psychometric Tests/16PF Personality Profile (administered by Sarah Davies (now Meelan) & Jo Campbell)

Candidates required to attend for tests are:
Kieron Davey, Gary Smith, Barry Kent, Paul Taylor, Robert Marris & John Tiffen (same Tiffen who organised the removal of Chief Fire Officer Tony Hic Baker).

Interviews for the following candidates will also take place on this day – interview panel DCFO., ACFO (Ops) DO Smith.

Karl Rolfe (Ralph) 10:00
Chris Wallis 10:30

Lunch – Please make your own arrangements with the Kitchen staff if you require lunch.

Discussion groups
14:00 – 15:00 Conference Room Discussion group 1

Candidates Robert marries, Geoff Pyke, Paul Taylor, John Tiffen & SubO X.

15:30 – 16:30 Conference room Discussion group 2
Candidates Kieron Davey, Barry Kent, Peter Redbourn, Stephen Rhind & Gary Smith.

You will be required to actively participate in your designated discussion group. A chairperson will not be selected as this is not an assessment of chairperson skills.

18th February 1999

Interviews
Interviewing panel: DCFO, ACFO (Ops), DO Smith.
09:30 Kieron Davey
10:00 Gary Smith
11:00 Paul Taylor
11:30 Peter Redbourn
14:00 Robert Marris
14:30 John Tiffen
15:30 SubO X
16:00 Stephen Rhind
16:30 Barry Kent

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 434 Fulwood Firefighter

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” at http://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/



Doc 430 Attachment 1

Report Topic (800-1000 words)


What improvements in the provision of breathing apparatus sets would you wish to see in Suffolk over the next 10 years?

Discussion Group Subject

Competency based training – an absolute necessity or an unrealistic fad?

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 433 Fulwood Fire Station

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” at http://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/



Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

SubO X

Your ref
Our ref PER9/JC/BM/AMH
Ask for Mrs. B. Mealey
Tel (01473) 588874

25th January 1999

Dear Sub Officer X

Assessment for Promotion to the Rank of Station Officer

Further to your recent application, I am pleased to invite you to take part in the assessments for promotion to the rank of Station Officer which will take place at Brigade Headquarters on 17th and 18th February 1999. Please check carefully whether or not you are required to attend on this day.

A timetable for each of the days is enclosed, together with topics for the report and discussion.

Your report must be received by the Personnel Department no later than 1700 hours on Wednesday 10th February 1999.


Should you have any queries about the arrangements for the assessments, please do not hesitate to contact the Personnel Department.


Yours sincerely

B Mealey
Personnel Assistant

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 432 Corrupt Suffolk County Councillors

Whos Who in Doc 27?

Roger Belham, Peter Monk and Selwyn Pryor were County Councillors. As of 5th May 2005 at the local government elections Peter Monk was ousted.


Roger Belham Esq Labour Lowestoft
Peter Monk Esq Liberal Dem Wilford (Sth Suffolk)
Selwyn Prior Esq Conservative Stour Valley

These three formed the panel of elected members chosen to judge SubO X. It is unclear who made the choice. That said it is known that they had served as previous panel members. Indeed it is believed they were the panel in the Eddie Brown appeal hearing which had taken place some months earlier. The full details of that case are not to hand. Notwithstanding, it was another controversial case which received local press coverage when Ff Brown was reinstated following dismissal by CFO Malcolm Alcock.

Going back to doc 19 and the have sought advice……..and members, logic and the balance of probabilities might suggest it was the three above who were consulted. Most certainly as Peter Monk is/was responsible for County Fire service matters he might be the principal contact. After all he is in almost daily contact with senior Fire officers. Of course the only individual who could confirm this is the now DCFO K Seager. In consequence, as to whom the members are, that were consulted cannot be established with certainty.

DO Hodge (Chief Fire officer)?
Certainly not the Chief Fire Officer as bracketed by Mr Morgan. His role was as the assistant to Brigade Investigating Officer ACFO K Seager. DO Hodge is now retired.

A J Gillespie Esq., (County Secretary & Solicitor)
Fairly straightforward and as specified. He is still in post and may even now be termed a Senior Solicitor.
SubO A D Wigglesworth
The accused also know as X, courtesy of Professor Roy Lewis’s ACAS report. Retired as of 6th November 2004.

C D Jones Esq (Thompsons Solicitors)
Representative of X, instructed by FBU. Left Thompsons in 2000/2001? and well known for conducting some good legal work on behalf of FBU.

Ff M Hyde.,
Enough said already?

C L Jackson Esq., (County Secretary & Solicitor)
Colleague of A J Gillespie and appointed to act as secretary/clerk to the panel of members. Still with Suffolk County? Note that Suffolk Police now have a C Jackson employed as clerk to the Authority in place of former Suffolk County Council Senior Solicitor Mr Keith Stevens.

R Croft., (Lowestoft Fire Station)
Civilian Audio Visual technician. Responsible for audio tape recording of prosecution hearing.

Lizzie Reynolds
Suffolk County Council administrative officer at County Hall. Responsible for assisting with prosecution arrangements and liaising between parties.


Re par 3 doc 27 and the inference in the statement made By Mr D Morgan. The facts are that X had leave approved by T/ADO Saward granted for 12th April 1999. That was communicated to Miss Reynolds. The reason for the leave was to enable X to attend his Masters Graduation ceremony at Cambridge.

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 431 Debenham Fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” athttp://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/

Suffuck County Council

County Presonnel Department

Roger Belham Esq.,
Peter Monk Esq.,
Selwyn Pryor Esq.,

DO Colin Hodge (Chief Fire Officer)
Alan Gillespie Esq., (County Secretary & Solicitor

SubO X
Craig Jones (Thompsons , Solicitors)
Firefighter Y

Your ref
Our ref Pers Personal File DJM
Ask for Mr D J Morgan Tel(01473) 584102

25th January 1999

Dear Sir/Madam

FIRE SERVICES (DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1985 – THREE CAHARGES (1) INSUBORDINATION (2) DISOBEDIENCE TO ORDERS (3) ABSENCE FROM DUTY

I am able to confirm my colleague, Lizzie Reynolds’, telephone call that this hearing has been arranged fro 9.30am on the 12th and 13th April 1999 in the Committee Room, St Helen Court, here at County Hall.

Rooms in close proximity have also been reserved for witnesses and final details on those and other arrangements will be notified later.

Sub Officer X raised some doubt with Miss Reynolds on the first of these two dates owing t5o him attending a graduation ceremony at one of the Cambridge Universities. I instructed her to disregard this on account that the hearing has already been delayed and the problems that would ensue in further mutually acceptable dates. I would ask that Mr Jones takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the hearing can take place on the 12th April 1999.

In accordance with the regulations I am obliged to confirm arrangements with the witnesses and, so far as Sub Officer X’s requirements are concerned, I look forward to Mr Jones responding to my earlier letter of the 20th January 1999.

I will prepare a case file that will be circulated as soon as possible. Should anyone have any queries at this stage please do not hesitate to contact either Chris Jackson (01473 584114) or me (01473 584102).

Yours sincerely

Dave Morgan
Employee Relations Manager

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 430 Galashiels Fireman

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” athttp://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/


Thompsons
Solicitors
CONGRESS HOUSE
GREAT RUSSELL STREET
LONDOM
WC1B 3LW
DX 35722 BLOOMSBURY
TEL 0171 637 9761
FAX 0171 637 0000
Fax 0181-546 5187

CDJ/SUBOX/L98/60166

SubO X
Lowestoft

By Post only

18 January, 1999

Dear SubO X,

DISCIPLINE CHARGES

Thank you for your letter dated 20 January 1999.

No doubt you have heard that the disciplinary prosecution hearing has been listed for 12th and 13th April 1999. Please arrange to attend on these dates. I am waiting for details of time and venue.

Yours sincerely


Craig Jones
For THOMPSONS

The Suffolk Fire Society - Doc 429 Galashiels Firefighter

Interested in other Suffolk Firefighter tales then check out “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” athttp://thesuffolkhydeaffair.blogspot.com/

Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 21st January 1999

Leave

Sir,

May I respectfully request I am granted leave on 12th April 1999. This will be taken as long service leave.

SubO X


In the absence of Training Centre Officers this leave is granted as it is to attend SubO X’s Graduation ceremony at Anglia Polytechnic
G Saward ADO 21-1-99

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 428 Galashiels Fire Station

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 21st January 1999

Leave

Sir,

May I respectfully request I am granted leave on 12th April 1999. This will be taken as long service leave.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 427 Clare fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

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Suffuck County Council

County Presonnel Department

Thompsons solicitors
Congress House
Great Russell Street
LONDON
WC1B 3LW

Your ref
Our ref PersFile/l/djm2.doc
Ask for Mr D J Morgan Tel(01473) 584102

20th January 1999

Dear Sir/Madam

FIRE SERVICES (DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1985 – THREE CAHARGES (1) INSUBORDINATION (2) DISOBEDIENCE TO ORDERS (3) ABSENCE FROM DUTY

Thank you for your letter of the 18th January 1999.

The reference you quote relates to my letter to Sub Officer X of the 3oth December 1998 and, of course, covers largely the question of witnesses for charge 1 above. For your help I enclose:-

(1) copy of a subsequent letter dated 11th January 1999 covering, particularly, the question of witnesses for charges 2 and 3 above and
(2) copies of two letters both dated 18th January 1999 warning witnesses of the impending hearing.
You will note from the letter of the 11th January that my colleague Chris Jackson (Assistant County Solicitor), will now act as secretary to the Disciplinary Tribunal but I will continue (effectively as assistant secretary) to make arrangements for the hearing. However, please feel free to contact him on (01473)584114 and to whom a copy of this letter is being passed.

Now that SubO X s to be legally represented, in accordance with normal County council practice, it is likely that the Chief Fire Officer will be seeking similar representation. At this stage it is not possible for me to advise you as to who will fill that capacity but the first point of contact is Alan Gillespie (Senior Assistant County Solicitor) on 584113.

My support services colleague, Lizzie Reynolds (01473) 584097, has noted the availability dates from your letter and will be looking for two (successive) days, more likely now in march.

On your side I would appreciate details of who, in person, will be representing Sub Officer X. Further, you will see from the copy letters the exchanges on his listing of 44 and 40 witnesses in respect of charges 1 and 2 and 3 respectively and my responses culminating in the (potential) witnesses listed in the two letters of the 18th January. I would appreciate your early views on the witnesses you feel are needed. On this point, please bear in mind his two listings included (virtually) all the management witnesses (see below) and, of course, they will be available for your cross examination. Copies of their statements are already with Sub Officer X:-

1st charge
D.O. G. Smith
S.O J. Parsons
SubO. K. Davey
Miss s. Davies (Personnel Manager)
D.O. P. Hayden

2nd and 3rd charge
D.O. P. Hayden
D.O. G. Smith
SubO. R. Marris
S.O. J. Parsons
D.O. P Hayden
D.O. G. Smith
ACFO K. Seager
(temp) ADO G. Saward

I would also like to emphasise a point made to Sub Officer X – the disciplinary Tribunal will consist of three (lay) Elected Members drawn from the County Council’s Protection Committee and for their assistance and proper process they will anticipate in the case file, where at all possible from both sides, written witness statements and submissions etc. setting out the opposing submissions on the three charges. I look forward to your response on this point, as well.

Finally, if at this stage I can be of any further assistance to you please let me know.



Yours sincerely

Dave Morgan
Employee Relations Manager

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 426 Craigavon Fireman

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Suffuck County Council

County Presonnel Department

SubO X

Your ref
Our ref PersFile/l/djm2.doc
Ask for Mr D J Morgan Tel(01473) 584102

20th January 1999

Dear Sub Officer X

FIRE SERVICES (DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1985 – THREE CAHARGES (1) INSUBORDINATION (2) DISOBEDIENCE TO ORDERS (3) ABSENCE FROM DUTY

By letter dated 18th January 1999, Thompsons, solicitors have now confirmed that they will be representing you before the Disciplinary Tribunal.

Please find enclosed my reply to Thompsons.


Yours sincerely

Dave Morgan
Employee Relations Manager

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 425 Craigavon Firefighter

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Craig Jones
Thompsons Solicitors
Congress House
London
WC1B 3LW

SubO X

20th January 1999

Dear Mr Jones,


Thank you for your letter dated 18 January 1999.

I attach all the relevant documents as specified in your letter for your perusal.

Yours sincerely


SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 424 Craigavon Fire Station

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Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA
Tel 01502 403842

Your ref

19-01-99

Dear ACFO Seager,

Thank you for your letter dated 15th Jan 1999, in respect of the sickness, accident and Health & Safety records of SubO X.

Once more your response fails to provide me with the specific information I seek. To avert further delay and ensure a clear undisputed clarification is drawn to the matter I will simplify my request to the point of precision.

To achieve this I ask you to consult once more with the Personnel Manager to provide a simple confirmation, i.e. yes or no to the following:

1. Between 06.09.93 and 31.04.98 SubO X’s sickness absence equates to a grand total of 0 days.

2. Between 06.09.93 and 31.04.98 Sub O X has registered a grand total of 0 accidents.

3. In the 12 months preceding 04.08.98 the total Health and Safety leave taken by SubO X equates to a grand total of 0.

Your co-operation in resolving these matters promptly would be greatly appreciated.



Yours sincerely


M Hyde

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 423 Bungay Fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

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Thompsons
Solicitors
CONGRESS HOUSE
GREAT RUSSELL STREET
LONDOM
WC1B 3LW
DX 35722 BLOOMSBURY
TEL 0171 637 9761
FAX 0171 637 0000
Fax 0181-546 5187

CDJ/SUBOX/L98/60166

SubO X
Lowestoft

By Post only

18 January, 1999

Dear SubO X,

DISCIPLINE CHARGES

Thank you for your letter. I have written to the Brigade. Do you have the rest of the correspondence that you had with the Industrial Tribunal. Have you received a Notice of Appearance from the other side? If so, may I have a copy of it please? In addition, have you completed the full IT1 form or have you simply lodged the grounds of complaint?

I will write to you again when I have anything further to report.

Yours sincerely


Craig Jones
For THOMPSONS

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 422 Manston Fireman

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Suffuck County Council

County Presonnel Department

D Matthews Esq.,
Health and Safety Officer
FBU
Bradley House
68 Coombe Road
Kingston-Upon-Thames
KT2 7AE

Your ref
Our ref PersFile/l/djm2.doc
Ask for Mr D J Morgan Tel(01473) 584102

18th January 1999

Dear Mr Matthews,

FIRE SERVICES (DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1985 – THREE CAHARGES (1) INSUBORDINATION (2) DISOBEDIENCE TO ORDERS (3)AND ABSENCE FROM DUTY

I am writing to advise you that you have agreed with Sub Officer X that, at his request, you should attend, the disciplinary Tribunal to give evidence in respect of one or more of the above charges. This request, therefore, is made in pursuance of para 7b at page 13 of the guidance notes to the Regulations.

As part of the preparation of his case, Sub Officer X may seek to interview you and take a statement and you will, no doubt, wish to collaborate with him on this.

My colleague, Lizzie Reynolds (01473 584097), is seeking to set down two days in early-mid February for the hearing with a third day in reserve, and you will be advised of these arrangements as soon as possible.
In Suffolk, the Disciplinary Tribunal (which, of course, is a forum set-up under the above regulations) is made up of three Elected Members drawn from the County Council’s Protection Committee. Almost invariably it meets at County Hall.

I will write to you again as soon as possible but, if you have any queries at this stage, please do not hesitate to contact either the brigade’s Personnel Manager, Sarah Davies (01473 – 588888) or me (01473 584102)


Yours sincerely

Dave Morgan
Employee Relations Manager

Cc Sub O X
Miss Sarah S Davies, Personnel Manager, Suffolk Fire Service.

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Dopc 421 Manston Firefighter

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Spare

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 420 Manston Fire Station

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: SubO X and whomsoever it may concern

From: SubO Kieron Peter Davey
Station: 055

Date: 15th January 1999

Events August 1998

SubO X,

I can confirm it was my intention to have the flashover demonstrators on show and working for F.B.U. brigade officials during the month of August 1998.

In discussions with ADO Paul Hayden he made the suggestion to me that I take the unit to the brigade committee meeting 5th August 1998 that was already due to attend. I agreed with him and thought it was an excellent idea. I told him that I would refer the matter to the FBU chair for his approval. I did that immediately and returned to ADO Paul Hayden a short time later informing that I had obtained approval.

I then informed ADO Paul Hayden that I would need some assistance to get the equipment in and out of the transport vehicle and that as no courses were running during August another instructor would be helpful. He also agreed with my concern saying that he did not want any unqualified people fiddling with the equipment and that as SubO X was a local FBU official I should take him with me. ADO Paul Hayden was quite clear on that instruction and it was a case of taking SubO X to the meeting in his capacity as an employee of Suffolk Fire Service.

I told SubO X that ADO Paul Hayden had instructed me to take him to the FBU meeting on 5th August 1998. SubO X confirmed he had no other commitments on that day and would support me by attending on that day. ADO Paul Hayden’s were clear and precise. It was he who told me to take SubO X to the FBU meeting on 5th August 1998. Of that I have absolutely no doubt.

Kieron Peter Davey SubO

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 419

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Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Firefighter Y
Lowestoft Fire Station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 2QA

KES/DISC/X2
ACFO Seager
01473 588939
15th January 1999

Dear Firefighter Y,

PROVISION OF INFORMATION FROM SUB OFFICER X’S PERSONAL RECORD FILE

Thank you for your letter dated 11th January 1999.

Having checked with the Personnel Manager, Miss Sarah Davies, I can confirm that her letter to you dated 29th December 1998 does contain all the relevant information which you seek.

Unfortunately, there is a typographical error in the letter next to the heading: “Accident Record”. The first date shown should read 6.9.93 and not 6.998 as shown. This may have misled you into thinking that the information was incomplete.

I trust this reassures you. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me at these Headquarters by telephoning 01473 588939

Yours sincerely


K E Seager
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (Technical)
Brigade Investigating Officer

Enc. Acknowledgement copy letter

he Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 418 Brandon Fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 15th January 1999

Summer Leave

Sir,

I request 1 weeks summer leave 29th May to 4th June 1999.

SubO X

Granted James Parsons station Officer
15.01.99

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 417 Winsford Fireman

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Alcock

From: SubO X
Station: 055

Date: 15th January 1999

Summer Leave

Sir,

I request 1 weeks summer leave 29th May to 4th June 1999.

SubO X

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 416 Winsford Firefighter

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ACAS
Advisory, Concilliation and Arbitration Service
London, Eastern and Southern Area
39 King Street, Thetford Norfolk IP24 2AU
Business Line: Tel/Fax: 01379 890532
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

SUBO X
LOWESTOFT
SUFFOLK

14th January 1999

Dear SubO X

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL CLAIM – CASE NO 1502020/1998

SUBO X v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL

In our recent letter we stated that the conciliation officer dealing with the above case would be David Prince, however this has unfortunately been changed. Rob Deeks will be dealing with this matter and will contact you shortly, his direct telephone number is 01842-827763. May I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this necessary change of conciliation officer. In the meantime you wish to discuss any urgent matters related to the case, please contact me on the above telephone number.


Yours sincerely


David Prince
Conciliator

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 415 Winsford Fire Station

GA
14th January 1999

THE FIRE BRIGADES
UNION
Bradley House
68 Coombe Road
Kingston Upon Thames
Surrey KT2 7AE
Telephone 081 541 1765

APPLICATION FOR LEGAL AID
IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 25 (3)
Use this form to apply for Legal Aid for ANY matter connected with your employment OTHER than an accident or illness.

This form should be read carefully and the fullest possible information given in the spaces provided. It should then be handed to your Branch Secretary or Chairperson to complete Part II. It is then his/her responsibility to forward it to Head office for action. If Legal Aid is granted the solicitor will be in touch with you direct to advise you of the next steps to be taken in the matter.
Do not delay in returning this form if you are unable to answer some of the questions.

PART I

1. Full Name (in capitals).
SubO X
2. Address.
LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK, UK.
3. Telephone.
4. Branch.
LOWESTOFT FIRE STATION.
5. Employing Authority.
SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE.
LOWESTOFT FIRE STATION.
6. Date of joining service.
3RD OCTOBER 1978.
7. Your rank and how long held.
SUBO 4 YEARS 6 MONTHS
8. Details of matter for which legal aid is required. Full details must be given and relevant documents attached to this form.

On or 1st May 1998 I was involved in an accident at work. Later I was indicted with a disciplinary offence from matters arising from the facts related to the accident. Since the indictment I and my FBU colleagues have made numerous reasonable requests to obtain a copy of the relevant accident investigation report. These reasonable requests have been met with obstruction and a refusal by ACFO Kenneth Seager to hand over a copy of the report without the attachment of a disclaimer to liability.

I ask for assistance to apply the relevant legal instrument to ensure I am provided with a copy of the accident report which is required for my defence against the malicious charges filed by ACFO Kenneth Seager.


I wish to apply for legal assistance on the basis of the particulars given above. I have no solicitor acting for me in relation to this matter and hereby authorise you to instruct a Solicitor to act on my behalf if legal aid is granted. I confirm that I am and was a member of the F.B.U. on the date of the accident/incident/contracted illness as stated above. I understand that I am obliged to give the full facts to the Union and the unions nominated Solicitors, and that if I fail to do so or give false misleading facts, legal assistance will be withdrawn and I shall be responsible for the costs incurred by the Union and any party to litigation in which the Union has supported me. I understand that a report of my case upon its conclusion may be published by the Union.

Signed SubO X
Date 12th January 1999

PART II

To be completed by the Branch Secretary or Chairperson who is responsible for passing the form to the Brigade Secretary or chairperson for endorsement and forwarding to Head Office.

Branch Secretary signature Firefighter Y

PART III

Endorsed by Brigade Chairperson C. Hayward

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 414 Emergency Plans Sizewell Nuclear Power Station

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Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA

Tel 01502 403842
Your ref

11th January 1999

Dear ACFO Seager,

I refer to the letter sent to me by the Personnel Manager 29th December 1998 under your instructions in regard to the sickness, accident and health and safety records of SubO X.

The information supplied by the Personnel Manager is incongruent with that requested which was specific and clearly indicated to you 12th December 1998.

To assist you to supply the correct information I enclose a further copy of the original letter dated 12th December. I trust the information requested can be made available without further delay.

For the purpose of minimising postage costs I enclose a further copy of this letter which I ask you to sign in acknowledgement of receipt and return to me.


Yours sincerely


Firefighter Y

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 413 Historic Green Goddess for Sale

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Suffuck County Council

County Presonnel Department

Your ref
Our ref PersFile/l/djm2.doc
Ask for Mr D J Morgan Tel(01473) 584102

11th January 1999

Dear Sub Officer X

FIRE SERVICES (DISCIPLINE) REGULATIONS 1985 - CASE 2 – CHARGES – DISOBEDIENCE TO ORDERS
AND ABSENCE FROM DUTY

Thank you for your letter of the 2nd January 1999 setting out a list of some 40 (potential) witnesses for case 2 and also commenting on my decision to bar some of your witnesses. I would add that some of your witnesses are already listed as management witnesses so will be available to you.

After looking at the situation I have now decided to proceed on the basis of a single hearing for all three charges before the Disciplinary Tribunal. The Chief Fire Officer has given his permission for this course of action. Apart from the simplifications this will afford, the ability in terms of dealing with the whole matter, to take a broader view on your listing for the (hitherto) case 2, is to your advantage.

Accordingly, my assistant Lizzie Reynolds will be contacting all relevant parties within the next week with a view to arranging two days in early- mid February 1999 plus a third (back up) day. In this respect, as indicated to you before, I will need to provide details of the (likely) witnesses to the Chief Fire Officer, not least so that time-off can be arranged. I undertake to keep confidential between you and me your submissions and my responses on the merits, or otherwise, of each witness proposed by you.

As also indicated in an earlier letter any submissions on your continuing perceived need for further witnesses from the lists will have to be made to the Disciplinary Tribunal.

I should confirm that the Elected Members likely to serve as the disciplinary Tribunal (County Councillors Monk, Pryor and Sargent (or Belham)) have agreed that, in accordance with the Regulations, an assessor should assist the hearing and this may well be the Norfolk Deputy Chief Fire Officer. A further development is the conclusion at this end that my involvement has become increasingly partisan and, although I shall continue to deal with the arrangements leading up to the hearing to be fair to you the secretary to the Disciplinary Tribunal will now be my colleague Chris Jackson (assistant County Solicitor).

In considering your witness list I have taken advice from ACFO K Seager and paid particular attention to para 7 of Annex D of the Guidance Notes to the Regulations and set out below my responses to the 40 potential witnesses. In accordance with the powers given me under the Fire Services (discipline) Regulations 1986 I have decided the following:-
1. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Simon Smith.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

2. Divisional Officer Graham Smith.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

3. SubO Robert Marris
Already listed by management.
Witness allowed.

4. Station Officer James Parsons
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.
5. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Kenneth Seager.
Already listed by management.
Witness allowed.

6. Leading Fireman Stephen Bartram.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

7 Sub Officer Kieron Davey.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

8 Divisional Officer Robert Batchelor.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

9 Divisional Officer Colin Hodge.
Apart from the fact that he is likely to be the presenting officer he was acting under the instructions from other officers who can be questioned by you.
Witness not allowed.

10. Assistant Divisional Officer Paul Seager.
Already listed in first case
Witness allowed.

11. Assistant Divisional Officer Robert Middleton.
I find that this officer has nothing to add to likely evidence.
Witness not allowed.

12. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Trevor Tinley.
I find him not relevant to the charge.
Witness not allowed.

13. Chief Fire Officer Malcolm Alcock.
I find him not relevant to the charge; speculative request.
Witness not allowed.

14. Sub Officer George Moran.
15. SubO Henry Landis
16. SubO Roy Mitchell
17. SubO Peter Redbourne
Duplication. Accept redbourne, not least as he is listed in first case.
Other witnesses not allowed.

18. Assistant Divisional Officer Tony Fuller.
Already listed in first case.
Witness allowed.

19. Station Officer Graham Saward.
Already listed by management.
Witness allowed.

20. Sub Officer Chris Wallis.
Already listed by management.
Witness allowed.

21. SubO Keith Boyce.
22. SubO Stephen Rhind.
23. SubO Peter Raven.
24. SubO Barry Kent.
Duplication
Witnesses not allowed.

25. Robert Croft.
Will be the technician controlling recording equipment.
Witness not allowed.

26. Sheila Huggins.
Not relevant.
Witness not allowed.

27. Firefighter Mark Gilbert.
28. Firefighter Beamish.
29. Firefighter Woolstenholmes.
30. Firefighter Mayhew.
31. Firefighter Hayward.
32. Firefighter Woodard.
33. Station Officer Sanderson.
None of above relevant
Witnesses not allowed.

34. Leading Firefighter Collins
Likely to be relevant witness
Witness allowed.

35. Linda Homer (County Council Chief Executive).
Not relevant to the charge.
Witness not allowed.

36. Mr Keith. W. Steven’s (County Secretary & Solicitor)
Not relevant to the charge.
Witness not allowed.

37. Aubrey Webb (Harassment advisor)
Covered by confidentiality in harassment procedures.
Witness not allowed.

38. Keith Lynch (Head of personnel, Suffolk social services)
Covered by confidentiality in harassment procedures
Witness not allowed.

39. Heather Marsden (Acting Principal Personnel Officer Suffolk County Personnel Department)
Covered by confidentiality in harassment procedures.
Witness not allowed.

40. Derek Lay (Principal Personnel Officer Suffolk County Personnel Department)
Covered by confidentiality in harassment procedures.
Witness not allowed.


Yours sincerely

Dave Morgan
Employee Relations Manager

The Suffolk fire experience - Doc 412 Beccles Fire station Surplus Equipment Auction

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ACAS
Advisory, Concilliation and Arbitration Service
London, Eastern and Southern Area
39 King Street, Thetford Norfolk IP24 2AU
Business Line: Tel/Fax: 01379 890532
PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL

SUBO X
LOWESTOFT
SUFFOLK

8th January 1999

Dear SubO X

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL CLAIM – CASE NO 1502020/1998

SUBO X v SUFFUCK COUNTY COUNCIL

I have received a copy of your tribunal application: the law which gives you the right to make a complaint also imposes a duty upon ACAS to promote a resolution of the complaint to avoid a tribunal hearing, if possible. Your case has been allocated to me.

ACAS is an independent, impartial body which is separate from the employment Tribunals. The service ACAS provides is voluntary, confidential, and free of charge. The enclosed leaflet explains the service in more detail and you will see I am able, amongst other things, to explain tribunal procedures, give information concerning relevant legislation and case law, and discuss options available to you. I can also assist in the drawing up of an agreement if your case is settled through conciliation.

I will be in touch with you soon to discuss whether your complaint can be resolved without the need for a tribunal hearing, but often I find it helpful to see the employer’s response to a complaint ( a copy of which will be sent on to me by the Employment Tribunal Service) before attempting conciliation and this may cause some delay in my contacting you. However, if in the meantime you wish to discuss any urgent matters related to the case, please contact me on the above telephone number.


Yours sincerely


David Prince
Conciliator

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 411 Bromley Fireman

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Zedgen (revised)

Message pad attachment to post person responsible for delivery doc 408



SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


From………………………………………………………………………………Date…………………………………………


MESSAGE



Graham

Please ensure this note gets to tng in the morning

Any Q’s – please call

Paul Hayden













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Zedgen (revised)

Message pad attachment to post person responsible for delivery doc 408



SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


From………………………………………………………………………………Date…………………………………………


MESSAGE



Graham

Please ensure this note gets to tng in the morning

Any Q’s – please call

Paul Hayden

The Suffolk Fire experience - Doc 410 Bromley Firefighter

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFUCK FIRE SERVICE

To: SubO X

From: ACFO T J Tinley

Date: 08 January 1999

Health and safety leave

I am in receipt of your request for Health & Safety leave for the 13th January 1999 to attend the FBU Annual General Meeting.

The Brigade records show that Ff Gilbert is the FBU H & S representative for Lowestoft and I would be grateful if notification of any change is forwarded to me, by the FBU, so that the record can be amended.

As for your request, your line manager has indicated that he would be in agreement, after taking account of your normal duties and I would therefore have no objection in granting you permission to attend the meeting.

T J Tinley
Operations Commander

The Suffolk fire Experience - Doc 409 Bromley Fire Station

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Zedgen (revised)

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: Bob Wilson
cc Jim Parsons, Colin Hodge, Ken Seager, Simon Smith, Paul Hayden, Alan Campion, Graham Saward

From: Trevor Tinley

Date: 08 January 1999 16:31

Leave for Wigglesworth

Wigglesworth, has requested a day to attend the FBU AGM on 13th January 1999. I have decided to give him the day off as it makes us look reasonable. I am sending him a memo. Thanks to those of you who have been keeping tabs on him. Keep the good work up.
Trevor

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 208 Aldeburgh Fire Station Surplus Equipment Auction

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Observations on doc 405*

By way of the To: list there is a large number of persons involved and striving to advance the prosecution of Wiggy (X), and in opposition there be the singular firefighter Y. That said even those listed under To: are not the full prosecution crew as you may have noted in earlier documents.

Perhaps you might also notice the blatant variation in the naming of individuals. ACFO Seager describes the defendent by surname whilst a more cosy naming of his helpers is chosen. Perhaps this reveals another feature of "Command Power" through rhetorical expression. Or is it just simple hatred or contempt?

Par 1
..............and having sought the advice of Chris Jackson and members?

Wots gone wrong here?
Such personal interference and actions described in par 1 by the Brigade Investigating Officer is strictly prohibited under the Fire Discipline Regs.
Indeed, courtesy of the own writings of ACFO K Seager in April 1999 this position will be confirmed. In essence, there should be no prior contact with hearing members, CFO/FM's or councillors, by representatives until the formal hearing begins.

Par1
...............I have indicated a reluctant acceptance.

Hmm, why the reluctance?

Par 2
This is my least favoured option...........

Oh really, one wonders what the other options were?

Par 2
.................We run a risk of putting their noses out of joint if we dig in. It will make the business of presenting (Colin and Graham) that much more tricky.

Hmm?

Par 3
It isn’t clear yet whether or not any of us will end up as witnesses.

Funny? Why well the charge sheets were delivered to X & Y in August & October 1998, complete with listed prosecution witnesses. And of course it should not be forgotten that ACFO K Seager put himself down as witness to support his own charge. But that is contrary to Fire discipline regs isn't it?



* Please remember that these observations/comments are subjective, qualitative and unfactual. Like all such human comments they are possibly flawed as they are made from the perspective of a singular individual. As stated at the beginning you are encouraged to make your own judgement. Please feel free to advance your own observations. By that process we can move toward a better overall understanding and GROUNDED THEORY of the situation.