Dorset's fire service rated among country's top performing
DWFRS is 'outstanding' in one area, according to inspectors
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has been rated as among the country's top performing services, according to His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary & Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Our local brigade's been judged 'outstanding' for efficiency - and improvement on their 'good' rating from 2019.
They've also been described as 'good' for effectiveness at keeping people safe and for the way it looks after its people.
Inspectors also commended DWFRS for its improvements since the 2019 inspection, its performance during the coronavirus pandemic, and the major incidents it has dealt with.
This is the second full inspection that the service has received since it was formed in 2017.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said:
“I am absolutely delighted that the Service has once again been independently recognised by the Inspectorate for the excellent work that takes places across Dorset & Wiltshire to keep our communities safe from fire and other emergencies. Despite the significant financial challenges we face, the grading of ‘Outstanding’ in efficiency shows just how well our teams are using scarce resources to deliver our services in a highly effective and innovative way.
"These results are a credit to our fantastic staff that work really hard in all areas of our organisation to give the best possible service we can, to all those who need our help or work alongside us.”
Within the report, HMICFRS praised DWFRS for its partnership working both inside and outside the public sector, its approach to providing value for money and monitoring performance, as well as its new effective one-to-one performance management process.
Some areas for further improvements were also highlighted by the inspectors - and the service say these areas are 'already being considered and progressed, as part of internal improvement plans'.
Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox said:
“This is another great outcome for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. It is extremely reassuring that we have such an efficient and effective fire and rescue service. On behalf of the Fire Authority and the residents we represent, I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism and hard work in delivering this highly skilled service to the communities across Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.”