HMICFRS publishes inspection results for Cumbria and South Yorkshire fire services
Iain Hoey
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Cumbria and South Yorkshire show progress but must address weaknesses
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published new reports on Cumbria and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services.
The findings cover effectiveness, efficiency and workforce management during the 2023–2025 inspection cycle.
Each service was assessed across 11 performance areas.
Both were graded ‘good’ in five areas.
Cumbria received six ratings of ‘requires improvement’.
South Yorkshire received six ratings of ‘adequate’.
HMICFRS identified improvement in Cumbria’s risk awareness and South Yorkshire’s culture and response readiness.
Inspectors said both services must do more to strengthen staff planning, training and operational systems.
Cumbria’s progress in risk awareness and community partnership
HMICFRS said Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service has enhanced how it identifies risk and works with community partners.
Inspectors found that the service gathers and updates information about high-risk people, places and threats.
It was commended for engaging effectively with local organisations.
The inspection team also noted improved evaluation of operational performance.
This included active learning from other fire services and emergency partners.
Lee Freeman, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, said: “We were pleased to see the service has made good progress against several areas for improvement we identified in our last inspection.
“But we were disappointed that the service hasn’t made enough progress in other areas.”
Financial planning praised but digital systems need upgrading
HMICFRS reported that Cumbria has financial plans that align with community risk management objectives.
The plans include oversight mechanisms intended to reduce financial mismanagement.
Inspectors said these arrangements help ensure service sustainability.
However, the report stated that Cumbria’s IT infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
Although the service has made plans to improve digital capabilities, HMICFRS said progress had been slow at the time of inspection.
The inspectorate said the current IT system limits operational efficiency and oversight.
Workforce planning and recruitment process gaps
The inspection found Cumbria’s workforce and succession planning does not fully reflect the skills needed for strategic goals.
HMICFRS noted a high number of staff remain in temporary roles.
The report said the service has not provided sufficient training to ensure staff are equipped for their responsibilities.
Inspectors were also critical of Cumbria’s equality and diversity practices.
The service was told to make its recruitment process more accessible.
It was also advised to improve the collection and analysis of equality data.
South Yorkshire praised for values work and response planning
HMICFRS said South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has improved how it deploys on-call fire engines.
Inspectors reported that engines are now available more consistently and with fully trained staff.
The service’s internal culture was also recognised as an area of positive development.
South Yorkshire has introduced a workplace campaign called Not on My Watch to support inclusive values.
The initiative includes structured resources to encourage internal discussion and reflection.
Michelle Skeer, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, said: “We were pleased to see that the service has made progress since its previous inspection.
“But the service still needs to make progress in certain areas, such as how it aligns its activity to target risks, how it quality assures prevention activity, and the training provided for staff.”
Training delivery and risk targeting require further attention
Despite progress, HMICFRS said South Yorkshire has not yet resolved key issues from earlier inspections.
The way the service collects and uses risk data remains an area for improvement.
The inspectorate said the service’s activity must align more directly with risk profiles.
Concerns were also raised about the quality and consistency of training for fire control staff.
HMICFRS said the service should confirm that training matches staff responsibilities.
The report recommended better quality assurance for prevention activities.
HMICFRS publishes inspection results for Cumbria and South Yorkshire fire services: Summary
HMICFRS has published inspection reports for Cumbria and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services.
Each service was graded across 11 areas covering effectiveness, efficiency and people.
Cumbria was rated ‘good’ in five areas and ‘requires improvement’ in six.
South Yorkshire was rated ‘good’ in five areas and ‘adequate’ in six.
HMICFRS reported that Cumbria had improved how it identifies risk and works with the community.
The inspectorate said Cumbria needs to upgrade its IT systems and improve workforce planning.
South Yorkshire was praised for enhancing fire engine availability and supporting staff culture.
HMICFRS said South Yorkshire must improve training delivery and risk-based activity planning.
The reports were published as part of HMICFRS’s 2023–2025 inspection cycle.