Bucks Fire and Rescue 'make progress' on safety and inclusion practices
HMICFRS say steps have been taken by Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to address earlier concerns raised in a 2023 inspection - but they'll check in again next year
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made progress on issues raised in an inspection from 2023, according to a letter from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
The letter, sent today (8 November 2024), reports improvements in key areas, including fire prevention, fire protection, and equality, diversity, and inclusion, though further action is still required.
Roy Wilsher, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, highlighted changes made since the initial inspection in May and June 2023.
The 2023 inspection identified three main concerns: the service’s approach to fire prevention, fire protection, and equality, diversity, and inclusion. The inspectorate issued recommendations at that time to improve these areas.
According to Wilsher, “Since our last inspection, the service has improved the way it identifies and prioritises those most at risk of fire.” Wilsher confirmed that the service is now prioritising fire safety referrals based on risk rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. He added that the service has met all recommendations in this area, closing the initial prevention concern.
The letter also outlined improvements in the service’s approach to fire protection. A new risk-based inspection programme was introduced to identify high-risk premises, prioritising them for annual safety audits. The service reported that 95 percent of these high-risk premises were audited by September 2024. Additionally, a new role was added to the protection team to ensure consistent standards in training and policy. Wilsher stated, “We want to be assured that improvements are sustainable and understood and accepted by everyone in the service.” A virtual review is scheduled for January 2025 to assess these changes.
In response to the equality, diversity, and inclusion concerns, Wilsher noted that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has appointed a people and culture officer and a director of HR and organisational development to oversee these areas. He added, “The service has ambitious plans to further promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We look forward to seeing this promising work continue.”
While the inspectorate is encouraged by the service’s efforts, HMICFRS will continue to monitor progress in fire protection and inclusion through regular meetings and a virtual review scheduled in January 2025. The letter stated, “We will assess whether Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made satisfactory progress with its action plan and if the service it provides to the public has improved.”
We have asked Buckinghamshire fire and rescue for a comment.