Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service shows progress on HMICFRS improvement plan

Background of HMICFRS findings

Between May and June 2023, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, identifying outstanding issues related to prevention and equality, diversity, and inclusion from a 2021 inspection.

The report also raised a new concern regarding the service’s protection activities.

According to HMICFRS, while some advancements were observed, further action was necessary to fully address the inspectorate’s recommendations.

HMICFRS issued its specific recommendations in October 2023, outlining expectations for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s preventive and protective measures and emphasising the need to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the organisation.

Chief Fire Officer Louise Harrison submitted an action plan on 15 November 2023 in response to these concerns, detailing steps to address each area.

Governance and monitoring efforts

HMICFRS reported that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service established appropriate governance structures to oversee the implementation of its action plan.

These measures include regular strategic improvement board meetings chaired by the chief fire officer, which have been in place since December 2023.

Each meeting evaluates progress in addressing causes of concern and improving the service’s operational and organisational standards.

The service has assigned senior officers to manage specific tasks within the action plan.

This includes setting deadlines and maintaining regular updates on progress against recommendations.

The HMICFRS noted these governance structures as key in ensuring accountability and consistent monitoring of the service’s improvements.

Progress in addressing preventive and protective concerns

In terms of prevention, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has strengthened its approach to identifying and prioritising high-risk individuals.

Now, referrals are triaged and prioritised based on assessed risk levels rather than order of receipt.

All related recommendations for prevention have been addressed, leading HMICFRS to close this cause of concern.

Staff training for firefighters and referral handlers has been implemented, along with a system of key performance indicators to assess ongoing improvements.

For protection, the service has introduced a risk-based inspection programme with targeted audits for very high-risk premises, achieving a 95% audit rate of such sites by September 2024.

A new role within the protection team was created to standardise training and policies, aiming for a consistent approach to risk assessment.

Although HMICFRS acknowledges the improvements, it plans a virtual follow-up visit in January 2025 to evaluate the sustainability and internal acceptance of these changes.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion efforts

The inspectorate noted progress in Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.

The addition of a people and culture officer, along with a director of HR and organisational development, has strengthened the service’s approach to addressing equality and diversity matters across its departments.

These efforts align with the service’s broader strategy to promote a diverse workforce reflective of the communities it serves, and HMICFRS is monitoring the ongoing impact of these roles.

HMICFRS highlighted that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service continues to prioritise this area, with further improvements anticipated.

The inspectorate will maintain oversight through regular meetings and updates to ensure sustained development.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service shows progress on HMICFRS improvement plan: Summary

HMICFRS identified ongoing concerns with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service during a 2023 inspection, including gaps in prevention, protection, and equality initiatives.

An action plan submitted in response was supported by a robust governance structure to monitor progress.

Significant advancements in preventive measures led to the closure of this cause of concern, with high-risk referrals now prioritised based on urgency.

For protection, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service implemented a risk-based inspection programme and has achieved a 95% audit rate for high-risk premises.

Additionally, the service appointed key personnel to improve its approach to equality and diversity, enhancing its ability to address under-represented groups.

HMICFRS will conduct a virtual revisit in January 2025 to assess the effectiveness and longevity of these changes.