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Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been removed from special measures by the inspectorate after it made improvements against a cause of concern that was flagged during a previous inspection.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) placed Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service into the enhanced state of monitoring – known as Engage – in July 2022 due to concerns over its progress in improving workplace culture and associated behaviours, and promoting the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
A subsequent inspection in late 2023 found that the service had not made enough progress against the EDI cause of concern. Further issues surrounding the service’s protection activity also saw a new cause of concern raised.
In June 2024, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service drew up a plan outlining how it would address the areas in which it was lacking and the inspectorate’s recommendations.
A further inspection in January 2025 found that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service had made improvements against the protection activity, and values and culture causes of concern. However, the EDI cause of concern from 2023 still needed more work.
The service’s most recent inspection in July 2025 revealed it had made enough progress to address the cause of concern in relation to EDI, which has now been closed and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service moved back to the default phase of monitoring, known as Scan.
HM Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It has been quite a journey, but I am pleased with the good progress that Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has made so far. While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.
“The service has carried out further work to educate and communicate with staff on the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion. We found evidence that staff have a better understanding of the service’s objectives in this area because of this.
“Some further progress is needed in its grievance and equality impact assessment processes, but the service has made sufficient efforts to increase staff confidence and completes assessments to a high standard. We will continue to monitor its progress to make sure the people of Gloucestershire are getting the service they deserve.”
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