“We are outstanding at responding to major incidents” – Staffordshire FRS

The latest His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report has been published today and inspectors have graded Staffordshire FRS as outstanding at responding to major and multi-agency incidents.

The report follows a full inspection during Spring this year in which inspectors graded Staffordshire FRS against 11 areas, the majority of which were graded as good. The inspectors state they have made progress since the last report and highlight ten areas where they have seen improvements.

Two areas of promising practice were highlighted, one was the area in which they received their outstanding grading, and this was how they work well with the Civil Contingencies Unit (CCU) to provide a preventative and a reactive response to multi-agency or major incidents. The second was their work with the NHS for their falls response and home from hospital service.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: “We are very pleased to receive such a positive report and to receive an outstanding grading for our response to major incidents is fantastic. Our staff work tirelessly to work towards our vision of making Staffordshire the safest place to be, and to see that hard work recognised in this report is very encouraging.

“It is important to us that the inspectorate stated that we are good at promoting the right values and culture, this is really key to us as our people sit at the heart of our organisation and everything we do. It will also be welcome news to our communities that the report states we represent value for money for the public.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “I am delighted that the improvements I have seen in Staffordshire Fire & Rescue through my regular performance monitoring have been recognised by His Majesty’s inspectorate. 

“Performing at this high standard is down to the hard work and dedication of our firefighters, staff and senior leaders.”

“A key priority in my refreshed Fire & Rescue Plan is for the service to use its expertise to support other areas of demand, such as health, so it is particularly pleasing to see the falls trial highlighted as best practice.”

“Today’s report is a significant step forward by the service. I will continue to monitor their performance on behalf of our communities to ensure this momentum is maintained.”

The full report can be found here: https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/what-we-do/hmicfrs-report-2024/

Staffordshire FRS are currently consulting on their next four-year plan. The Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) is a document all fire and rescue services are required to produce which details their priorities and their approach to ensuring local communities are protected.

A draft version of the CRMP has been produced and a survey invites people to give them their views. Those who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Consultation will take place over a 12-week period and will end on Bonfire Night, 5 November. Visit their website www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk to see their draft plan and complete the survey.

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