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KFRS recognised for delivering ‘outstanding’ protection to the public
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has today (14 August) published its most recent assessment of Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS).
The report focuses on KFRS’ effectiveness, efficiency and how well it looks after its people, with most areas being judged as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.
Out of the 11 elements assessed earlier this year, KFRS became one of the first fire and rescue services in the country to be rated as ‘outstanding’ for protecting the public through fire regulation.
Inspectors noted that KFRS takes appropriate enforcement against businesses failing to comply with fire safety legislation and completes building fire safety audits to a high standard.
Other areas graded as ‘outstanding’ included:
• Understanding risks (identifying and assessing foreseeable risks that could affect our communities)
• Future affordability (planning for financial challenges)
Assessors commended the service for “making good use of public money” and its investment in innovative practice and technology to better understand risk, such as using 3D cameras to scan and create models and images of high-risk premises to improve firefighters’ safety and awareness.
Inspectors recognised KFRS is ‘good’ at responding to major and multi-agency incidents and praised its positive approach to collaborative working across the organisation and with partners.
The need to increase the availability of on-call fire engines during daytime hours was highlighted in the report, but HMICFRS noted the service had already taken steps to improve this.
Inspectors added the service is ‘good’ at promoting the right values and culture within its workforce, commenting on a “positive working culture”.
Ann Millington, KFRS Chief Executive, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of this independent inspection, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our fantastic teams, who are all committed to helping people across the county to stay safe.
“As always, we recognise the importance of consistently reviewing and adapting our services to ensure we’re meeting the ever-changing needs of the people we serve.
“We know there’s more we can do, and we will continue to look at new and innovative ways we can deliver a service to the people of Kent and Medway expect and deserve.”
Brian Black, Chairman of the Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA), said:
“I’m extremely pleased KFRS has been recognised as one of the country’s top performing fire services following its most recent inspection by HMICFRS.
“This comes as a result of hard work and dedication from the team across Kent and Medway, who together help save lives and deliver a fire and rescue service to be proud of.”
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said:
“I congratulate Kent Fire and Rescue Service on its performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks. I was particularly pleased to see that the service has maintained its high performance in some areas since our last inspection, and made progress in others.
“For example, the service has improved how it protects the public through fire regulation and maintained its outstanding performance in understanding risk and managing future affordability of the service.
“However, further changes are needed in some areas. It should improve the availability of its on-call crewed fire engines to respond to incidents and it needs to quality assure prevention activity more robustly, as well as manage promotion and recruitment processes better.
“I commend the service on its strong performance. We have highlighted some areas for improvement and look forward to seeing the service make progress in these areas.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) plays a crucial role in fire safety regulation by enforcing fire safety laws and promoting fire safety awareness. The service inspects buildings, assesses fire risks, and ensure that responsible persons comply with fire safety regulations and legislation.
