Inspection programme for England’s fire and rescue services starting June 2025

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has announced its inspection programme for all 44 fire and rescue services (FRSs) in England.

According to HMICFRS, the inspection round will begin in June 2025 and run until 2027. The programme will assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management of FRSs, focusing on areas such as fire prevention, response capabilities, and regulatory functions.

HMICFRS stated: “We aim to provide the public with clear, accessible reports that allow them to evaluate and compare the performance of their local FRS against others.”

Assessment to include leadership and community resilience

The programme will continue to apply methodological changes introduced during the current 2023–25 round. These include a revised grading system and an emphasis on public safety risks.

New areas of focus for the 2025–27 inspections include leadership at all levels, governance oversight by Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs), and community resilience improvements.

HMICFRS highlighted that the inspection process is designed to evaluate whether FRSs are delivering efficient services that align with their risk management plans and promote workforce well-being.

Monitoring and reporting mechanisms

The inspection framework incorporates a two-stage monitoring process, Scan and Engage, to identify and address emerging performance issues. If significant concerns arise, FRSs may receive support from external bodies like the National Fire Chiefs Council.

HMICFRS will continue to issue causes of concern promptly when public safety risks are identified. Formal recommendations will accompany these findings to ensure services address identified issues.

The Inspectorate emphasised: “Our monitoring process ensures that problems are identified early and that appropriate action is taken to resolve them.”

Integration of advisory groups and stakeholder input

The development of the inspection framework has involved consultations with external reference and technical advisory groups, including representatives from FRSs, the Home Office, and staff associations.

HMICFRS stated that these collaborations ensure the framework reflects the operational challenges faced by FRSs and incorporates relevant expertise.

Fire and rescue services inspection programme and framework: Summary

HMICFRS will launch its 2025–27 inspection programme for all 44 fire and rescue services in England in June 2025. The framework focuses on effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management, with new assessments on leadership, FRA governance, and community resilience.

The programme retains a two-stage monitoring process, enabling early identification of issues. Advisory groups will continue to support the framework’s evolution, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of FRS performance.