Report finds 'lack of progress' in fire service

A county's fire chief said she was "disappointed" after an inspection noted a "lack of progress" within the service.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) across 11 areas.

Inspector Roy Wilsher noted "some good and some not so good" areas, adding "much of this was down to the recent constant changes in leadership [of the NFRS].

Nikki Watson became Northamptonshire's new fire chief in May following a sexism row which led to Stephen Mold not seeking re-election as Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

She said of the report: "I am disappointed we haven't made enough progress in creating an inclusive culture."

Mr Wilsher added that, "things stood still while those changes were going on.

"I don't think people wanted to make the decisions they needed to make sure the changes they needed were implemented. Cultural change takes a long time.

"Some middle managers were really good role models, while others had values and behaviours that weren't quite where they needed to be."

The report found that NFRS "requires improvement" in preventing fire and risk, promoting values and culture and promoting fairness and diversity within the service.

Its response to fires and emergencies, use of resources and development of leaders were among the points marked as adequate.

Mr Wilsher said the service was "very good at multi-agency responses with police" and added that budgets were well managed.

He continued: "I'm pretty sure now that there is settled leadership in both the chief fire officer and the police, fire and crime commissioner, so those changes we wanted to see we will start to see them."

The HMICFRS inspection, which took place between March and April, concluded that there were "some good foundations in place".

Responding to the report, Ms Watson said: "Cultural change is a long journey, and I will provide the leadership this service needs to carry on with our improvement plans.

"I want to thank all our firefighters and staff for what they do. I know they will work hard to make the improvements needed to become a truly outstanding fire and rescue service."

Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said she would "support" Ms Watson to "push on" with improvements to the fire service.

She added: "I will also keep fighting for better funding for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service as we work towards providing an even better service to the public."

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