Fire service learns about cyber incidents the hard way; IOPC publishes guidance on ending victim blaming

Every weekday morning we bring you the sector’s freshest news stories, starting today with some valuable insights from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service into how it was able to deal with a ransomware attack and still keep its fire engines on the road.

There’s also news from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which has just published guidance to help change attitudes and behaviors in policing, and the police complaints system to better support victim-survivors.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily to stay abreast of the latest goings on in the emergency services sector.

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Fire service learns about cyber incidents the hard way

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service found itself the victim of a cyber-attack in May 2023. ACFO Matthew Sutcliffe and Daniela Thorpe, Head of Digital Service at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS), shared at a recent event how the service was able to deal with the ransomware attack and still keep its fire engines on the road. More via Emergency Services Times

Praise for detention officer who created custody library

A detention officer with a passion for reading has started a specially curated library to help boost the mental health of custody detainees.

Alex Klaar, who works for Avon and Somerset Police, came up with the novel idea five years ago as part of a wider plan to reduce the frustration and anxiety of those in the cells as well as help boost adult literacy. More via National Police Chiefs’ Council

PFNI says officers feel they are at the back of pay queue

Police officers are becoming increasing exasperated and have been left feeling that they are at the back of the queue when it comes to getting their long overdue pay award, acording to the Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), Liam Kelly. More via PFNI

London Ambulance Service staff report record improvements to their working lives

The latest annual NHS Staff Survey reveals significant improvements in working conditions at the London Ambulance Service (LAS) over the past year.

With a 68% response rate from over 5,000 staff, the survey indicates increased support for career development, stronger teamwork, and positive responses in 92% of questions, with improved positivity in 90 of 97 question areas especially relating to teamwork and learning and development. More via Emergency Services Times

Counter Terrorism Policing’s senior leaders praise police staff for their role in keeping the UK safe

The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Matt Jukes and Director General Richard Westlake, have penned a joint open letter to recognise and thank police staff for their vital contributions to the counter terrorism mission. More via Counter Terrorism Policing

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service praised for good performance

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is performing well and has been congratulated for its performance, the fire inspectorate has said.

Among its praise, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is good at understanding the risk of fire and other emergencies, and that it considers a wide range of learning to support its ability to do so. More via HMICFRS

IOPC publishes guidance on ending victim blaming

Yesterday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published its guide, Ending victim blaming: violence against women and girls: Why language, attitudes, and behaviours matter.

The guidance forms part of the IOPC’s programme of work on violence against women and girls which has been prioritised in response to increasing public concern about the policing response to violence against women and girls and cultural attitudes in policing about women and girls. More via IOPC

Fire service secures government grant to accelerate sustainability upgrades

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has secured £927,845 from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) to significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

Building on a previous successful grant bid in 2023 and with additional support from the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA), the service plans to invest £1.77m in sustainability improvements over the next two years for five energy-inefficient buildings. More via Emergency Services Times