Inspection report shows progress in fire service

The latest inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has highlighted areas of good practice, and improvements since last inspection.

The independent assessment helps to ensure police and fire and rescue services across the country are serving communities as effectively and efficiently as possible.

In the latest report recognises signs of strong progress made across the service since the last report in 2023.

In particular, the inspectors noted big improvements in the areas of fire prevention support for communities, promoting the right values and culture within the service, understanding risks, managing performance and developing leaders.

However the service is still said to require improvement in the area of ensuring fairness and diversity – for which it had been singled out for criticism in the past.

Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “It’s been really pleasing to read through the latest inspection report from HMICFRS and see how our progress over the last few years has been recognised.

“There’s lots of good practice that we can be proud of here. The strong embedding of our Community Risk Management Plan throughout our strategies and policies, the delivery of community emergency response teams, and the recognition of our national role on caravan safety to name just a few.

“We do recognise that there is still more to do. The inspector identified some opportunities for improvement, and in many of these areas we already have projects and programmes running that are looking at these.

“It shows that we’re on the right track, building on our strong foundations for our core service, and committed to continuous improvement to be the best fire service we can for our communities.”

Coun Alex McGonigle, Executive Councillor for Community Safety, said: “Since entering this role last year the work, dedication and improvements within the fire and rescue service have been impressive.

“There are still some areas where improvements are needed, but I’m confident that we have the right people in place to deliver the improvements needed and our council will fully support the service to achieve this.”

The HMICFRS inspection report gave the following ratings for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue:

Good

• Understanding the risk of fire and other emergencies

• Preventing fires and other risks

• Training and developing the right people with the right skills

Adequate

• Protecting the public through fire regulation

• Responding to fires and other emergencies

• Responding to major and multi-agency incidents

• Making best use of resources to provide an efficient and affordable service

• Promoting, embedding and improving values and culture

• Leading people effectively

Requires improvement

• Ensuring fairness and diversity

You can read the full inspection report on: https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/fire-and-rescue-services/lincolnshire