Following the publication of the annual State of Fire report, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has responded to its findings. Published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), it looks at the fire and rescue service’s effectiveness, efficiency and how they focus on their staff.
In the report, HMICFRS’ Chief Inspector - Andy Cooke said: “I am continually struck by the dedication of firefighters and other staff, and I know the public feels the same – they are enormous assets to our communities.”
Annual State of Fire report
I am also pleased to see the role of NFCC, and our national work highlighted"
Responding to the report, NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) Chair, Mark Hardingham commented: “There is a lot to be proud of in this year’s annual report. To see the dedication of professional staff highlighted is no surprise, with 84 per cent of the public valuing the work carried out by fire and rescue services.”
Mark Hardingham adds, “I am also pleased to see the role of NFCC, and our national work highlighted. Our programs provide all fire and rescue services with the tools to build on the excellent work taking place, while making improvements in areas we know need to be better.”
NFCC’s work on developing national fire and rescue policy
The NFCC - National Fire Chiefs Council’s work on developing national fire and rescue policy - including in areas of Leadership and the Core Code of Ethics is highlighted.
Also in focus is the partnership between the NFCC and the National Employers and the Local Government Association on the Fit for the Future initiative, which sets out the future role of the fire and rescue service; the continued development and publication of National Fire Standards, and improvements in the regulatory fire safety role of fire services.
After one of the hottest and longest summers on record, firefighters and fire and rescue services were also praised for dealing with the significant increase in the number and scale of wildfires last year, linked to the increasing impact of climate change on the sector.
Call for urgent reform of the fire and rescue service
Prevention work is an area that has been highlighted as requiring improvement
However, Mr. Cooke has also continued the HMICFRS call for urgent reform of the fire and rescue service, and for the government to act on recommendations set out in this and previous reports.
Prevention work is an area that has been highlighted as requiring improvement, to continue to drive down deaths and injuries from fires and other incidents, targeted especially at the most vulnerable people in communities.
Concerns about the culture and inclusion in some fire services
Concerns about the culture and inclusion in some fire and rescue services stands out as an area which requires improvement, referencing unacceptable levels of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. HMICFRS will be producing a spotlight report on values and culture later this year, drawing from inspections already undertaken across every fire service in England.
Mark Hardingham stated, “We know there is a lot to do in areas such as culture, diversity, and wider reform. As set out in the report, this is more than just having a representative workforce, it is about creating the right inclusive environment to ensure all staff feel valued, safe, and able to realize their full potential at work.”
He adds, “Whilst there is much that every fire service can do, and some are, to maximize the potential benefits for staff and the public it needs all those working across the fire sector to continue to work together to address areas where there are clear issues.”
Wide range of well-developed national work underway
NFCC has a wide range of well-developed national work underway with a focus on people and culture"
Mark Hardingham continues, “NFCC has a wide range of well-developed national work underway with a focus on people and culture. We believe this will make a difference and deliver improvements across all fire services. However, the journey of culture change is rarely a ‘quick fix’ and requires sustained investment, and I welcome the forthcoming HMI spotlight report focusing on values and culture.”
He adds, “I look forward to working with Government on the next stage of fire service reform and the publication in the coming months of the response to the White Paper consultation from 2022.”
Reform requires continued investment in fire services
Mark Hardingham continues, “Reform will need continued investment in fire services and their national bodies, and we welcome the opportunity to continue the engagement that has been established to this point."
He adds, "This must provide further opportunities to improve and build on the confidence the public clearly have in their fire and rescue services.”