Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service faces serious concerns

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has identified serious concerns in Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s performance following its latest inspection.

The inspection graded the service across 11 areas, rating two as ‘good’, two as ‘adequate’, six as ‘requires improvement’, and one as ‘inadequate’.

HMICFRS stated that senior leaders are not managing effectively in some areas, and that oversight and response to staff concerns require improvement.

The report found that some senior leaders failed to act as role models, and the organisation’s culture and behaviours were inconsistent.

The service’s IT infrastructure was also highlighted as a problem, with inspectors stating that identified risks had not been effectively addressed.

Governance and oversight processes were found to be ineffective.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Lee Freeman said: “Several areas have deteriorated, particularly in relation to efficiency and how it looks after its people.

“In particular, I have serious concerns that staff have reported that there isn’t a consistently positive and inclusive culture in the service.”

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service commended for good performance

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service received strong ratings in its latest HMICFRS inspection, being graded ‘outstanding’ in two areas, ‘good’ in eight, and ‘adequate’ in one.

The service was praised for its understanding of risk and its prevention strategies.

The report noted that Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has an improvement plan in place that has helped it progress from ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ in risk assessment and fire prevention.

Inspectors found that the service uses a thorough community risk management planning process and effective technology to deliver prevention, protection, and response services.

However, HMICFRS stated that improvements were needed in leadership visibility and the service’s feedback processes.

Some staff expressed a lack of confidence in the feedback mechanisms and in their ability to challenge leadership.

The inspectorate also recommended the service implement a fair and open process to identify and support high-potential staff.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Michelle Skeer said: “The service is outstanding at understanding risk and preventing fires.

“It clearly identifies areas of risk and is aware of emerging issues and changes that affect risk.

“However, staff still lack confidence in using the service feedback systems, and leaders at middle and senior levels could be more visible.”

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service must improve fire prevention

HMICFRS found that Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has made some progress since its previous inspection, but there are serious concerns about its ability to prevent fires and other risks.

The inspection graded the service ‘good’ in three areas, ‘adequate’ in three, ‘requires improvement’ in four, and ‘inadequate’ in one.

The inspectorate stated that fire prevention is not a high enough priority for the service and that there is a lack of clear strategy in its prevention processes.

Inspectors noted that fire crews are focusing on meeting numerical targets rather than directing activities towards those most at risk.

The report did acknowledge improvements in risk assessment and engagement with communities, as well as better access to risk information for staff.

It also highlighted cultural improvements, with senior leaders being described as visible and acting as role models.

However, HMICFRS found evidence of poor behaviours, including bullying, which do not align with service values.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Lee Freeman said: “I have serious concerns about how effective the service is at preventing fires and other risks, which I issued as an accelerated cause of concern in October 2024. This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”

HMICFRS reports highlight performance issues in UK fire services: Summary

HMICFRS has released its latest inspection findings for three fire and rescue services, identifying strengths and areas requiring improvement.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service received low ratings in multiple categories, with concerns over leadership, IT infrastructure, and workplace culture.

Inspectors found that some senior leaders failed to act as role models and that IT risks remained unresolved.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service was praised for its outstanding risk assessment and fire prevention strategies.

However, the report recommended improvements in leadership visibility and staff confidence in feedback mechanisms.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was found to have made progress in some areas but was criticised for its approach to fire prevention.

Inspectors found that prevention strategies lacked a clear focus and that crews were prioritising numerical targets over targeting those most at risk.

Cultural improvements were noted, but there were still concerns about poor behaviours, including bullying.

HMICFRS stated that it would continue to monitor all three services to ensure improvements are made.