Update notice for existing article: This article was updated to include the latest inspection findings for Cleveland Fire Brigade.

HMICFRS outlines performance strengths and improvement areas for three English fire services

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published inspection findings for Royal Berkshire and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services.

The two services were assessed under the 2023–2025 inspection cycle.

Each was graded across 11 categories relating to effectiveness, efficiency and workforce management.

Both services were found to be providing core functions to the public, but HMICFRS identified areas requiring further attention, including leadership oversight, staff support processes and the allocation of resources.

Royal Berkshire rated ‘good’ overall with recommendation to improve resource planning

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service received ‘good’ ratings in eight categories and ‘adequate’ in three.

Inspectors noted the service works effectively with other agencies and continues to deliver its prevention, protection and response responsibilities.

However, HMICFRS said the service should better explain how it allocates resources across these functions, ensuring alignment with the priorities outlined in its community risk management plan.

The report acknowledged improvements in estate transformation, technology use and workforce productivity.

Staff were described as empowered and willing to challenge inappropriate behaviours, with some having completed active bystander training.

HMICFRS also advised the service to develop a fair process to support aspiring leaders.

Roy Wilsher, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, said: “It is providing a good service to the public, and it is particularly effective in preventing fires and responding to incidents.”

He added: “It needs to review whether it is allocating the right resources to its prevention, protection and response functions to provide the best service to the public.”

Leicestershire sees operational progress but faces leadership and wellbeing concerns

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service was graded ‘good’ in six areas, ‘adequate’ in one and ‘requires improvement’ in four.

The service was commended for improvements in incident response and the use of a performance dashboard linked to its community risk management plan.

HMICFRS identified its road safety intervention programme with the Youth and Justice Service as innovative practice.

Despite these strengths, the report raised concerns about leadership behaviour and staff confidence in internal reporting systems.

Some staff reported a fear of reprisals when raising issues, and a high proportion of support staff absences were attributed to stress, mental health challenges and workload pressures.

Equality, diversity and inclusion were also highlighted as requiring more senior leadership commitment and visibility.

Lee Freeman, His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, said: “There are areas in which the service still needs to improve.”

He added: “I am disappointed to see that, since our 2022 inspection, the service hasn’t made the overall progress we expected.”

Cleveland Fire Brigade praised for progress but advised to strengthen training and culture alignment

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has also published its inspection findings for Cleveland Fire Brigade as part of the 2023–2025 inspection programme.

The service was assessed across 11 areas, with the report highlighting both improvements since the previous inspection and areas requiring further attention.

Inspectors noted that Cleveland Fire Brigade has made progress in how it monitors and evaluates the impact of collaborative activity.

HMICFRS found that senior leaders actively encourage feedback from across the workforce, with evidence of regular engagement through staff forums, network groups and reporting systems.

However, the report also identified several areas in need of improvement.

These include ensuring all staff are appropriately trained for their roles and improving the accuracy of risk information used by operational staff and fire control.

The inspection found that debriefs after incidents were not always completed according to policy, which limited learning opportunities.

Additionally, concerns were raised about inconsistencies between the organisation’s stated values and some of the behaviours observed or reported within the workforce.

The report stated that while there is a strong commitment to improvement across the service, cultural alignment and leadership behaviour remain areas requiring attention.

His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services said: “I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Cleveland Fire Brigade in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks, but there are areas in which the brigade needs to improve.”

HMICFRS reports on Royal Berkshire, Leicestershire and Cleveland fire and rescue services: Summary

HMICFRS has released inspection reports for Royal Berkshire, Leicestershire and Cleveland Fire and Rescue Services.

Royal Berkshire was rated ‘good’ in eight areas and ‘adequate’ in three.

The service continues to deliver prevention and response functions but was advised to improve how it allocates resources in line with its risk management plan.

Leicestershire was graded ‘good’ in six areas, ‘adequate’ in one and ‘requires improvement’ in four.

While operational improvements were noted, the service was advised to address leadership behaviour, internal reporting processes and staff wellbeing.

Cleveland was found to have made progress since its last inspection, particularly in monitoring collaborative work and encouraging workforce feedback.

However, inspectors said that improvements are needed in training, the accuracy of risk information and consistency in leadership behaviour and organisational culture.

HMICFRS said all three services must focus on leadership engagement, staff development and aligning resources to identified risks.