THE region’s fire service has made major improvements in its latest inspection, according the inspectorate of fire and police services.
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has been ranked ‘Good’ or ‘Adequate’ in all 11 areas of its effectiveness, efficiency, and people management – following an inspection in July.
The report compiled by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) was published on November 29 and showcased large improvements from the fire services 2021 inspection, which gave a ‘Requires improvement’ grading in nine areas.
November’s report highlights areas of good performance, such as protecting the public through fire regulation, getting the right people with the right skills into the service, ensuring fairness and promoting diversity and managing performance and developing leaders within the organisation.
In the report, HM inspector, Wendy Williams wrote:
“Overall, I am pleased with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s performance and the improvements it has made since our last inspection.
“I encourage it to continue to improve in the areas we have highlighted.”
Areas for improvement noted in the report included properly updating risk information, better evaluation of prevention work, responding to major and multi-agency incidents, and assuring the workforce that promotion and progression processes are fair.
Chief Fire Officer Jon Pryce said: “The Inspectors were pleased with the performance of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and this is reflected in the report, alongside the significant improvements we have made since their last inspection.
“This report truly reflects a high quality and high performing Fire and Rescue Service, and how much hard work all our professional staff put into protecting our communities every day.”
