Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service receives updated inspection grading

HMICFRS has published its latest assessment of Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, evaluating its effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management.

This marks the third inspection of the service, with assessments covering ten key performance areas.

The review applied the updated five-tier grading system, which replaces the previous four-tier system.

The changes provide a more precise evaluation of performance but mean that direct comparisons to previous years are not possible.

Progress noted, but areas for improvement remain

The report highlights several areas where Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service has improved.

HMICFRS noted enhancements in how the service monitors its agreement with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and improvements in firefighter training.

The introduction of a structured training dashboard has enabled better skills management, and communication across the service has strengthened with the appointment of a part-time temporary chief fire officer.

However, the report identifies key areas requiring attention.

The service has been advised to improve its approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion and to develop a clearer prevention strategy.

The current strategy relies on support from the Isles of Scilly Airport Fire and Rescue Service but lacks formal direction for targeting at-risk individuals.

Risk management and response strategies evaluated

The inspection assessed how the service manages risk and responds to emergencies.

The report acknowledges the unique challenges of providing fire and rescue services across the islands, with an on-call workforce and limited resources.

Despite these factors, Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service is considered adequate in understanding fire and emergency risks and has demonstrated improvements in information-sharing processes.

HMICFRS noted that while the service gathers risk information effectively, it does not have a formal process for sharing critical protection-related data.

Fire crews rely on word-of-mouth communication rather than a structured recording system, leading to an identified area for improvement.

Financial management and collaboration with other agencies

The service was found to be managing its financial resources effectively.

The 2024/25 budget of £622,558 represents a 2% increase from the previous year.

HMICFRS recognised improvements in oversight of agreements with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and other partners.

The service collaborates with emergency partners, including South Western Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard.

The report highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen multi-agency response planning through the local resilience forum.

Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service: HMICFRS publishes latest inspection findings – Summary

HMICFRS has released its latest inspection report on Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service, assessing its effectiveness, efficiency, and workforce management.

The report acknowledges improvements in firefighter training, risk monitoring, and service agreements but highlights areas requiring further development.

Key findings include the need for a clearer prevention strategy, improved processes for sharing risk information, and stronger efforts in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The service’s financial management and collaboration with emergency partners were recognised as strengths.

The next inspection will assess progress in addressing the identified areas for improvement.