More work needed to embed improvements in fire and rescue service as HMICFRS report published.

Chief Fire Officer, Mark Preece and Cabinet Member, Dave Norman are pleased to see progress recognised in discharging a number of the recommendations from previous causes of concern in workplace culture and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). With strong foundations now in place, GFRS are well positioned to address the remaining concerns raised by HMICRS by continuing to deliver their improvement plans and embed the outcomes.

Improvements in staff engagement, a new workplace charter and signs of staff being increasingly confident to provide feedback to senior leaders were recognised as addressing previous recommendations made by inspectors.

A further cause of concern has been identified, which relates to arrangements for inspecting certain buildings, such as high-rise buildings, and when necessary, requiring building owners to comply with fire safety legislation. Steps towards addressing this are already underway including recruiting additional roles to increase capacity in this area. 

It was recognised that the Service is effective within our communities at preventing fire risks and improving community safety. Most importantly, it was noted that the service responds well in emergencies and provides updates about emergency incidents to the public to ensure they can take any necessary action. 

Cllr Dave Norman, cabinet member with responsibility for fire, said: “I am pleased that it has been recognised that the Service has made progress since the last inspection and has laid important foundations that it must continue to build upon.

“Inspectors acknowledged progress in the areas of concern in relation culture, as well as equality, diversity and inclusion and actions are in place to address the additional cause of concern for how we use fire regulations to protect the public.

“Gloucestershire County Council has also committed £10.9million of funding over the next three years to support the work of the service, making sure crews have the best possible fire engines and lifesaving equipment. We remain committed to making sure the service improves in line with the report’s findings and that firefighters have what they need to protect local communities.”

Mark Preece, Chief Fire Officer for GFRS, said: “I welcome the encouragement and improvements acknowledged by HMICFRS and

accept the findings of the report. We are making progress but it will take time for all of the positive work we are doing to bed in fully.

“It was positive to see recognition within the report in the improvements in staff engagement, new workplace charter, people plan and evolved vision for the Service.

“The HMICFRS survey of our workforce showed increasing confidence to provide feedback to senior leaders and over 90% of the workforce felt that they were treated with dignity and respect at work.

“Whilst there is still much to do, communities can remain confident that if they ever need our fire and rescue service in an emergency, we will be there for them.

“I am proud of the hard work and commitment our firefighters, staff and volunteers have shown towards improving our Service. This important groundwork will now support and drive our continuing improvement journey.”