HMICFRS report identifies performance concerns at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

HMICFRS finds shortfalls in risk management and protection strategy

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its first inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

According to the report, the inspection was carried out at the request of commissioners appointed by the Welsh Government and focused on effectiveness, efficiency and people-related functions.

The inspection highlighted a series of performance concerns, particularly in how the service identifies and manages fire risks, and in its approach to protection activities.

HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said: “Sadly, I have concerns about the service’s performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.”

Wilsher continued: “In particular, I have concerns about the effectiveness of its strategies for making sure its activities consistently identify, prioritise and mitigate risks for the public.”

He added: “I am also concerned that it doesn’t have effective systems and processes in place to gather and record relevant and up to date risk information to help protect firefighters, the public and property during emergencies.”

Issues raised around non-domestic premises fire safety enforcement

The HMICFRS report identified further issues within the protection department of the service.

The inspectorate said that although some strengths were evident, the department lacks a systematic approach to prioritising activity based on risk.

It also highlighted a need for improved fire safety compliance checks in non-domestic premises.

The report concluded that the service should ensure appropriate resourcing is in place to carry out these duties.

Wilsher said: “The service’s protection department has some positive aspects, but I also have concerns about the way in which it operates.”

He added: “Specifically, how it prioritises activity based on risk, and using a systematic approach to reviewing fire safety compliance in non-domestic premises.”

Commissioners say progress has already been made

The Commissioners for South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority welcomed the HMICFRS inspection and stated that the findings build on previous independent reviews.

In a statement, they said: “This report provides a solid assessment of performance against a comprehensive range of factors that are commonly assessed against in the rest of the UK Fire and Rescue Services.”

They added: “We are pleased that, since the inspection in late 2024, a considerable amount of progress has been made in addressing the recommendations in the report.”

Commissioner Carl Foulkes currently chairs the service improvement board.

The board continues to meet every six weeks to monitor delivery and performance progress.

The Commissioners confirmed that HMICFRS is expected to revisit the service within 12 to 18 months.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service outlines ongoing reforms

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service released a public response following the report’s publication.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan acknowledged the gravity of the report and said: “The report is a hard read.”

He added: “The main areas for us to improve in the report are understanding the risk of fire and other emergencies and protecting the public through fire regulations.”

Monahan said the inspection took place before his arrival and that the service has already acted on many of the findings.

He said: “Let’s remember a lot of time has elapsed since the inspection. It began before my arrival and concluded during my second week in the Service; it is a snapshot in time from six months ago.”

New strategy includes 60 work strands and transformation programme

The service outlined several measures underway to implement the report’s recommendations.

It said it has developed a new overarching strategy with 60 defined work strands that now inform the strategic plan and all ongoing activity.

A key initiative is the development of a service-wide Community Risk Management Plan.

This is designed to assess all risks across the service area, including risks to firefighters and the wider community.

The plan is intended to improve the service’s capacity for prevention, protection and response.

The organisation has also launched a new Academy for Leadership and Personal Development.

This is part of a broader transformation programme that includes nine specific areas of work linked to cultural reform.

Fire Brigades Union highlights wider concerns across Welsh services

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) also responded to the HMICFRS report.

FBU Executive Council Member for Wales Gareth Tovey said: “Fire and rescue services in Wales are in a state of emergency due to years of underfunding.”

He added: “Today’s report by the inspectorate comes as no surprise.”

Tovey said the report highlighted clear issues with public safety and the conditions faced by the workforce.

He also pointed to similar findings from a recent Welsh Government report on North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

He said: “Bringing the service up to scratch, to adequately protect the public and look after the workforce, requires investment. This cannot be avoided.”

Context of governance changes and inspection request

The inspection was requested by commissioners appointed by the Welsh Government following an earlier culture review.

The review led to the removal of elected members from the governance structure of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority.

Commissioners were appointed to oversee operations, and in July 2024 they requested HMICFRS to conduct a full inspection.

HMICFRS said it adapted its inspection methodology, originally developed for English fire services, to suit the South Wales context.

The inspection covered prevention, protection, emergency response, efficiency, staff training, leadership and organisational culture.

Planned reinspection expected in 2026

HMICFRS has confirmed that a follow-up inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is planned.

This is expected to take place within the next 12 to 18 months.

The Commissioners said they are confident in the pace of current reforms.

They stated that ongoing oversight mechanisms will remain in place through the improvement board.

HMICFRS said it will use the same methodology in the next visit to assess whether necessary changes have been embedded.

HMICFRS report identifies performance concerns at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service: Summary

HMICFRS published its first inspection of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 22 May 2025.

The inspection was requested by Welsh Government-appointed commissioners in July 2024.

Key findings included concerns over risk identification, protection enforcement and resource allocation.

His Majesty’s Inspector Roy Wilsher stated the service lacks effective systems to manage risk information and public safety.

The report highlighted shortcomings in reviewing fire safety in non-domestic premises.

The Commissioners welcomed the report and said progress has been made since the inspection.

They confirmed that an improvement board meets every six weeks to monitor reforms.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan said the service has launched a new strategy with 60 work strands.

He said the strategy includes a new Community Risk Management Plan and leadership academy.

The Fire Brigades Union said years of underfunding have contributed to the current challenges.

A reinspection by HMICFRS is expected between mid-2026 and early 2027.