Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue report finds three areas rated 'requires improvement'
The service was rated across 11 areas of performance, with some areas good but three rated requires improvement.
The latest inspection on Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue has provided mixed results.
His majesty’s inspectorate assessed the service across 11 areas of performance.
The Northants service was found to have picked up a good rating for the way it protects the public and adheres to fire regulations and responds to incidents.
It was adequate in areas like managing staff development and its use of resources.
But, it requires improvement in promoting fairness, diversity and culture.
Speaking in response, Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson thanked inspectors for the way they praised the “clear commitment of staff and leaders to improve”, but said that the Service needs to push on with planned improvements more quickly.
“One of my absolute priorities since I joined Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is to ensure our staff feel safe, valued, respected and equal. I am disappointed that we haven’t made enough progress in creating an inclusive culture.
“HMICFRS acknowledges we have a great programme, called Serving with Pride, which is making a difference to our culture. We have put training in place for managers at all levels to strengthen their skills, so they play their part in making this Service a better place to work. We have independent, confidential lines to report inappropriate behaviour and we are more transparent in the way we deal with misconduct, to give staff confidence to come forward.
“Cultural change is a long journey, and I will provide the leadership this Service needs to carry on with our improvement plans.”
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said: “The commitment of Northamptonshire’s firefighters and staff has endlessly impressed me: they keep the county safe from a full range of risks and I am pleased the HMICFRS have recognised the excellent work they do.
“I expect to see even more emphasis on work to create a better culture – everyone must feel safe and included.
“I will support the Chief Fire Officer and her leadership team to give the Service the stability it needs to push on with the improvements that I expect to see as I put together my first public safety plan for Northamptonshire. The skills of our firefighters and staff will be at the heart of that plan to make the public feel safer in their communities and help protect them from risk.
“I will also keep on fighting for better funding for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service to support us as we work towards providing an even better service to the public.”