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Fire and rescue services are showing progress in some areas, but the sector still needs to deal with long-running issues that continue to affect the service the public receives, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector has warned.
Speaking at the annual Chiefs and Chairs event, Sir Andy Cooke launched his third annual assessment of fire and rescue services in England. He told leaders from across the sector, including Minister for Building Safety, Fire and Democracy, Samantha Dixon, that Government now needs to push forward with long-promised reform.
Sir Andy highlighted stronger performance in protection departments and said more services are focusing on workforce wellbeing and productivity. He also noted continued movement on recommendations stemming from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
But he said leadership and culture remain persistent weak spots. He also flagged concerns in protection, where teams face competing priorities and services are still struggling to recruit and retain experienced staff.
Better use of technology, he said, is another area where leading services are already proving the case for investment and better internal governance frameworks.
Sir Andy urged government to be more decisive, including considering stronger powers for the inspectorate to drive accountability.
“Fire and rescue services have continued to deliver in the face of rising demand, increasing complexity, and constrained resources. The HMICFRS report reinforces what we have been saying for some time – that sustainable improvement requires sustainable investment.
“We want to see a sector where every service can demonstrate the standards delivered by the very best. To achieve that, government must ensure the right structures, funding and skills strategies are in place to support our people and protect the public. Investment in the College of Fire and in our workforce is not optional – it is essential if we are to meet the changing and growing demands faced by fire and rescue services.”
Phil Garrigan, Chair, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
He also repeated seven national recommendations that he says need to be acted on, including:
- clarifying the core role of fire and rescue services and staff
- reforming pay and conditions systems
- granting chief fire officers operational independence
“Fire and rescue services have a crucial role in protecting the public. It was encouraging to see improvements in this latest round of inspections – particularly in protection and in productivity.
“But persistent issues remain around values, culture, behaviour and leadership. Until outstanding recommendations are addressed, the sector won’t be able to give the public the best service.
“Reform, including extending our powers and establishing a College of Fire and Rescue, will be key to building a consistent, professional and accountable service.”
Sir Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services.
Read the HMICFRS report, State of Fire and Rescue: The Annual Assessment of Fire and Rescue Services in England 2024–25, published on 5 November.
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