Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service praised for strong progress
Inspectors say significant improvements have been made, but some areas still need attention
Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service has made strong progress and shown clear improvement, according to the latest inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Inspectors assessed the service across 10 areas, grading it as good in six and adequate in four. The report found the service had made progress in all areas identified for improvement during its previous inspection.
HMICFRS said 21 of the 26 areas for improvement highlighted previously have now been closed, with eight performance grades improving.
Inspectors praised changes to the service’s internal governance, saying they were helping to support better decision-making.
The report also highlighted how the service is using data to identify vulnerable people in its communities, allowing prevention work to be targeted more effectively.
Inspectors found leaders are benefiting from greater access to nationally recognised training programmes, helping to strengthen the organisation’s culture and project work.
Changes to the service’s response model were also welcomed, with inspectors noting they were already having a positive impact.
However, HMICFRS said further work is needed in some areas. Inspectors called for stronger quality assurance processes, improvements in how fire survival information is shared with multiple callers, better fleet and estate management, and more effective debriefing processes to ensure lessons are learned from incidents and training.
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Kathryn Stone OBE said: “I am pleased with Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service’s performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.
“It has made strong progress against all the areas for improvement we found at our last inspection, which is thanks to the work of dedicated staff at all levels, effective internal governance and the service's monitoring processes.
“It still needs to do more work in some areas, yet the service is aware of this and has clear plans in place.”
Chief Fire Officer at Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Brook, said: “We welcome the results from the recent HMICFRS report, both positive and areas for improvement.
"They reflect the significant improvements made across the service and the dedication of our people throughout Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.
"This is all part of our journey of continuous improvement. We will be fully considering all aspects of the report, and this is an opportunity to build on our strengths, address areas for improvement with purpose, and keep the service moving forward for our people and our communities.”