'Good progress' in areas of concerns at Avon Fire and Rescue
Inspectors have published a letter today (19 January) into two areas of concern flagged last year - saying 'good progress' has since been made
Last updated 8th Aug 2024
Avon Fire and Rescue are making good progress in both 'areas of concerns' spotted last year by inspectors.
A letter's been published today by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to recognise the work being done at the service - with the chief fire officer saying he's 'pleased' at the new findings.
Simon Shilton says he's determined they'll make the continued improvements they need to now HMICFRS have revisited the service.
The letter reads: “…We are pleased to see that the service has started to make good progress in relation to both accelerated causes of concern. We recognise that the service has invested time and resources to develop its action plan and has established appropriate and clear governance arrangements, which are being further strengthened following the publication of our full report…”
The Service was inspected back in May 2023 are were required to develop action plans to address each of the two causes of concern and the recommendations made to them relating to the Service mobilising system and the Service’s site specific risk information.
AF&RS Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “Staff have worked hard in response to the recent findings of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service inspection of the Service.
“I welcome the acknowledgement of these efforts in the Inspectorate’s revisit letter, and I am pleased they have recognised the plans made to address their findings, the work that’s been undertaken and the progress we have made so far.
“We still have work to do but I am determined that as a Service we will make the continued improvements that we have set out to achieve and build upon what we have already put into place.
“Furthermore, I hope these findings offer further assurances to our local communities that we are continuing to work hard to provide an efficient, effective and value for money fire and rescue service that the public have come to expect.”
Chair of Avon Fire Authority, Councillor Brenda Massey, said: “On behalf of the Fire Authority, I am pleased to see the commendable and swift actions made by the Service have been recognised by the Inspectorate.
"Although work remains to be done, I have confidence that the Service will persist in making the necessary improvements to ensure pace of positive change; we will work together to ensure the necessary improvements and progress are made and reported on.
“I trust these findings provide reassurance to local communities, affirming the Services commitment to local people.”
Following the publication of this letter to outline the HMICFRS’ findings since their inspection, they will visit the Service again at a date yet to be agreed and will continue to work with AF&RS against the recommendations made.
As part of the monitoring process, the Chief Fire Officer will report back on Service improvements to the Fire Performance Oversight Group (FPOG), made up of representatives from HMICFRS, the Home Office, Local Government Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council.
The action plan for the Service and implementation against this, in response to the HMICFRS inspection report can be found on the Service’s website.
You can read the full letter here.