HMICFRS releases updated inspection programme and framework for all fire and rescue services in England

The document outlines the inspection programme and framework for all 44 fire and rescue services (FRSs) in England, set to commence in June 2025.

The inspections focus on the operational service provided by each FRS to the public. A comprehensive assessment is conducted for every FRS, covering its effectiveness, efficiency, and how it looks after its personnel. The assessments include:

• The operational service provided to the public (including prevention, protection, and response)
• The efficiency of the service (evaluating value for money, resource allocation to match risk, and collaboration with other emergency services)
• The care for personnel (examining the promotion of values and culture, training, skill development, fairness and diversity in the workforce, and leadership and service capability development)

These assessments are designed to provide the public with insight into the performance of each FRS, including changes over time and comparisons with other services. Performance is graded by HMICFRS as part of these assessments.

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Fire and rescue services inspection programme and framework commencing June 2025 (HTML)

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Fire and rescue services inspection programme and framework commencing June 2025 (PDF document)

Consultation

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HMICFRS consulted on this framework between 19 August and 15 September 2024.

Proposed fire and rescue services inspection programme and framework 2025–27: For consultation

Read the HMICFRS response to consultation

HMICFRS response to consultation on ‘Fire and rescue services draft inspection programme and framework commencing June 2025’

Read previous fire and rescue inspection programmes

Fire and rescue inspection programmes

HMIFRS

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