Bucks Fire out of special measures
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services has confirmed that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is no longer in enhanced monitoring following progress in key areas
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has been removed from the Engage monitoring phase, returning to the standard Scan process after addressing concerns raised in previous inspections.
The service was placed under enhanced monitoring in November 2023 due to issues with equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and how it identified and prioritised fire risks.
Inspectors also highlighted concerns about its ability to make necessary improvements.
Following a series of reviews, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, Sir Andy Cooke, confirmed that these concerns have now been addressed.
“The service has taken action to address the protection cause of concern. The result of this is that it now prioritises premises most at risk of fire for a fire safety audit,” the inspectorate stated.
Inspectors noted that the service had implemented measures to improve workplace culture, introduced staff networks, and recruited new personnel to support EDI efforts. Changes to how fire risk assessments are prioritised and recorded were also recognised as key improvements.
“We are pleased with the progress the service has made in addressing our recommendations on equality, diversity and inclusion,” the inspectorate added. “We are confident that staff accept the improvements and that these will be sustained.”
Chief Fire Officer Louise Harrison expressed pride in the service’s progress, saying, “I am very proud of this service... Together, we have worked to protect and safeguard people and places, ensuring that our service is stronger, safer, and more effective than ever before.”
Fire Authority Chairman Simon Rouse also praised the service, stating, “The service has demonstrated strong leadership and determination in driving meaningful change... The Fire Authority remains fully committed to supporting this progress."
Looking ahead, BFRS will continue to focus on further improvements through its Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for 2025-2030. This plan prioritises fire protection and prevention, workforce development, emergency response, and the use of technology to enhance operational efficiency and public safety. The service is committed to ongoing progress to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.
HMICFRS will continue to monitor the service’s progress through standard inspection processes to ensure that these improvements are sustained.
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will continue to be monitored under the standard inspection process to ensure ongoing progress.