Kent fire service praised for outstanding public protection
Iain Hoey
Share this content
HMICFRS awards outstanding grades to Kent
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has reported that Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) achieved three ‘outstanding’ ratings in its latest inspection.
The results, published on 14 August, assessed effectiveness, efficiency and how the service looks after its people.
According to HMICFRS, KFRS is among the first fire and rescue services in England to be graded ‘outstanding’ for protecting the public through fire regulation.
The other two ‘outstanding’ ratings were for understanding community risk and future financial affordability.
The inspection also recorded five ‘good’ ratings and three ‘adequate’ ratings.
Protecting the public through regulation
Inspectors said KFRS takes appropriate enforcement action against businesses that fail to comply with fire safety legislation.
The report added that the service completes building fire safety audits to a high standard.
It found that KFRS uses a risk-based inspection programme that focuses on the highest-risk buildings in the county.
The inspectorate also highlighted investment in 3D cameras to scan high-risk premises and create digital models.
HMICFRS stated that this technology supports firefighter safety and improves awareness during incidents.
Financial planning and use of resources
The report graded KFRS as ‘outstanding’ for its approach to ensuring future affordability.
HMICFRS said the service makes good use of public money.
It added that detailed project planning and monitoring are used to maintain value for money.
Inspectors noted that KFRS plans for financial challenges and invests in innovative practices.
The service was commended for integrating technology into operational planning.
Performance in other areas
KFRS was graded ‘good’ for responding to major and multi-agency incidents.
Inspectors praised its collaborative work with partners and across the organisation.
The report also stated that the service promotes the right values and culture, with a positive working environment.
Three areas were graded ‘adequate’, including on-call fire engine availability.
HMICFRS recommended more robust quality assurance for prevention activity such as home fire safety visits.
It also advised improvements to promotion and recruitment processes.
Statements from leadership
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said: “I congratulate Kent Fire and Rescue Service on its performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.
“I was particularly pleased to see that the service has maintained its high performance in some areas since our last inspection, and made progress in others.
“For example, the service has improved how it protects the public through fire regulation and maintained its outstanding performance in understanding risk and managing future affordability of the service.
“However, further changes are needed in some areas. It should improve the availability of its on-call crewed fire engines to respond to incidents and it needs to quality assure prevention activity more robustly, as well as manage promotion and recruitment processes better.
“I commend the service on its strong performance. We have highlighted some areas for improvement and look forward to seeing the service make progress in these areas.”
KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington said: “I’m incredibly proud of this independent inspection, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our fantastic teams, who are all committed to helping people across the county to stay safe.
“As always, we recognise the importance of consistently reviewing and adapting our services to ensure we’re meeting the ever-changing needs of the people we serve.
“We know there’s more we can do, and we will continue to look at new and innovative ways we can deliver a service to the people of Kent and Medway expect and deserve.”
Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority Chairman Brian Black said: “I’m extremely pleased KFRS has been recognised as one of the country’s top performing fire services following its most recent inspection by HMICFRS.
“This comes as a result of hard work and dedication from the team across Kent and Medway, who together help save lives and deliver a fire and rescue service to be proud of.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The inspection demonstrates how targeted enforcement and risk-based planning can deliver high inspection ratings.
It also shows the operational benefits of using technology such as 3D site mapping.
The report provides examples of how detailed financial planning supports both current service delivery and future resilience.
Fire and safety professionals can draw on these findings when reviewing their own regulatory, operational and financial strategies.
Kent fire service praised for outstanding public protection: Summary
HMICFRS reported that Kent Fire and Rescue Service achieved three ‘outstanding’ ratings in its 2023–2025 inspection.
The service was rated ‘outstanding’ for protecting the public through fire regulation, understanding risk and future affordability.
It received ‘good’ grades in five areas and ‘adequate’ in three.
The inspection recognised enforcement work against non-compliant businesses and high-quality fire safety audits.
KFRS uses 3D cameras to assess and model high-risk premises.
HMICFRS recommended improving on-call fire engine availability and prevention quality assurance.
The report commended detailed project planning and collaboration with partners.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it would continue adapting to meet community needs.