West Mids Fire Authority Best Value Inspection begins

The government has confirmed the start of a ‘Best Value Inspection’ of West Midlands Fire Authority, naming Fenella Morris KC as lead inspector to look at governance concerns, whether the Fire Authority addressed a ‘culture of fear’ and how whistleblowing, grievance and disciplinary processes were used.

The Fire Minister announced in a written statement to Parliament last week that the inspection would go ahead and named the inspection team which includes lead Kings Counsel Fenella Morris, barristers Anna Bicarregui and Gethin Thomas from the same law firm as Morris along with Tasnim Shawkat, Director of Corporate Resources in the London Borough of Bromley.

Morris was the author of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s damning culture review, published in January 2024, that led to the departure of the then fire chief, the removal of the fire authority and imposition of four Commissioners who are still in place.

Using powers in the Local Government Act 1999, the Best Value Inspection will look at whether the Fire Authority complies with its Best Value duties ‘to secure continuous improvement in the way its functions are exercised.’ In reality this means does the Authority do the job it should when it comes to its governance, leadership, and having a positive culture.

Two major areas set out in the appointment letters include governance – whether the Authority complied with the Nolan Princples of standards in public life and culture. It asks if there was a culture of fear and what was done to address it, including how whistleblowing processes were used. It asks for a ‘specific focus on bullying, harassment and discrimination.’

This is the latest development of a turbulent period for the service in the West Midlands which was left reeling after the sudden death of Chief Fire Officer Wayne Brown in January 2024.

The former Chair of the Authority Cllr Greg Brackenridge quit in October after a very public spat with the interim chief Oliver Lee who joined the service shortly after the death of Wayne Brown. Lee resigned from the service shortly before this, saying that he ‘fought hard for the soul’ of the service. In January 2025, the Fire Authority appointed Simon Tuhill as Chief Fire Officer.

Sir Andy Cooke, Chief HMI called for a review of governance back in October and just last month HMICFRS published its inspection of the WMFS noting that the service had not made as much progress as it should since its previous inspection. HMI Lee Freeman acknowledged that WMFS had been through a ‘turbulent time’ over the preceding 12 months.

In August 2024, the Fire Authority commissioned a review of its recruitment and appointment processes and found ‘significant failings.’ This led to the Local Government Association appointing former HMI Zoe Billingham to chair a Corporate Governance Improvement Board to address the findings and prepare the Authority for what emerges from the anticipated Best Value Inspection.

Commenting on the statement from the Fire Minister, West Midlands Fire Authority Chair, Councillor Cathryn Bayton said: “The inspection will build on the work of our Corporate Governance Improvement Board. It’s a valuable opportunity to take stock of the changes we’ve already made, and to ensure we are making sustained progress. I’m confident that the inspection will support our commitment to strong governance, openness and continuous improvement.”

“This is welcome additional scrutiny. It is an opportunity to show the service’s strengths, to learn, and keep improving.

“Our people do exceptional work every day. We’re open to challenge, reflective about the past, and always focused on delivering for our communities.”

Simon Tuhill, Chief Fire Officer, WMFS.

To carry out their work, the inspectors will analyse documentation, conduct interviews with current and former Fire Authority and WMFS members, and engage other stakeholders, including members of the public.

The Inspection team is inviting representations from current and former serving members since November 2022 of the West Midlands Fire Authority and West Midlands Fire Service and from other interested parties. Written representations or requests to speak with the inspection team can be sent in strict confidence to: WestMidlandsFRABVI@communities.gov.uk.

The Inspection team is expected to report at the end of March 2026.

---

To read similar articles, check out our Leadership channel