Gloucester fire service removed from enhanced monitoring by HMICFRS

Return to default monitoring phase for Gloucester fire service

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has reported that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been returned to the default Scan phase of monitoring after more than three years in the enhanced Engage stage.

The inspectorate said the decision followed improvements in workplace culture, equality and diversity awareness, grievance processes and equality impact assessments.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service was placed in the Engage process on 12 July 2022 after HMICFRS identified concerns about its progress in improving organisational culture and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

In March 2025, HMICFRS closed two causes of concern related to values and culture and protection activity.

The remaining EDI-related cause of concern has now also been closed, prompting the service’s return to default monitoring.

Improvements to equality, diversity and inclusion

HMICFRS stated that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service had worked with staff to redesign its EDI objectives, resulting in increased awareness and discussion of their importance across the organisation.

The service has included these objectives in its appraisal process, prompting formal discussion among staff.

Positive action training has been delivered to watch managers to support recruitment of a more diverse workforce.

An initiative called “the big conversation” has been introduced, creating monthly in-person discussions on designated topics, starting with EDI.

Staff interviewed during the latest revisit demonstrated awareness of the benefits of recruiting a diverse workforce.

Strengthening grievance procedures

HMICFRS said the service had appointed a professional standards officer to lead on discipline and grievance processes, aiming for consistency and timely investigations.

A tracker has been introduced to monitor the timelines and actions for complaints, supported by fortnightly review meetings.

Staff now have access to a grievance process booklet, How my voice is heard, which explains the process, complaint submission routes, independent reporting contacts and feedback channels.

The inspectorate found that these measures had improved staff understanding and confidence in the grievance process.

Improving equality impact assessments

The service has revised its equality impact assessment (EqIA) process, introducing both internal and external quality assurance reviews.

Completed EqIAs are assessed by an internal panel and a selection is also reviewed quarterly by an external company.

Actions arising from EqIAs are tracked and monitored for progress.

HMICFRS said its sample review found EqIAs were of good standard and helped ensure policies and practices were accessible to both staff and the public.

The service has also sought feedback on EqIAs from external organisations, trade unions and groups such as Women in the Fire Service.

Governance and monitoring of progress

HMICFRS found governance arrangements to be robust, with progress monitored through regular improvement board meetings chaired by the chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council.

Monthly reports are sent to the fire leadership team and bi-monthly meetings are held with the fire scrutiny panel.

The service’s improvement plan and supporting nine-point plan detail the actions taken, responsibilities assigned, and deadlines for each task.

Staff receive updates on the progress of these plans.

Inspector’s statement

HM Inspector Roy Wilsher said: “It has been quite a journey, but I am pleased with the good progress that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has made so far.

“While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.

“The service has carried out further work to educate and communicate with staff on the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

“We found evidence that staff have a better understanding of the service’s objectives in this area because of this.

“Some further progress is needed in its grievance and equality impact assessment processes, but the service has made sufficient efforts to increase staff confidence and completes assessments to a high standard.

“We will continue to monitor its progress to make sure the people of Gloucestershire are getting the service they deserve.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This update demonstrates how structured monitoring by HMICFRS can lead to measurable improvements in organisational culture, staff engagement and procedural compliance.

It highlights how targeted action plans, supported by governance and oversight, can resolve specific causes of concern identified in inspections.

For other fire and rescue services, the case offers a reference point for embedding equality and diversity objectives, refining grievance processes and strengthening equality impact assessment procedures.

Gloucester fire service removed from enhanced monitoring by HMICFRS: Summary

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has confirmed that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been returned to the default Scan phase of monitoring.

The service had been in the enhanced Engage phase since July 2022.

The decision follows the closure of the final outstanding cause of concern relating to equality, diversity and inclusion.

In March 2025, HMICFRS had already closed causes of concern relating to values and culture and protection activity.

The service has redesigned EDI objectives, delivered positive action training, and introduced monthly “big conversation” sessions.

It has appointed a professional standards officer, implemented a grievance tracker, and issued a grievance process guide to staff.

Equality impact assessments are now subject to internal and external quality assurance processes.

Governance includes regular improvement board meetings chaired by the chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council.

HMICFRS said it will continue to monitor the service’s progress as part of its routine assessments.