Fire service has more work to do, say inspectors

A watchdog says it remains concerned about the culture and values of a fire service, and there is "still much more work to do" for it to improve.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was assessed by HM Inspectorate of Fire and Rescue Services in August and September 2024. It found "numerous examples" of senior leaders not acting as role models nor demonstrating the behaviours expected.

Inspectors who returned in October this year noted some progress but said they still had concerns.

Jon Lacey, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer, said: "Our focus now is on continuing to embed change, strengthening leadership behaviours, and ensuring improvements become sustainable and consistent."

In the latest report, senior inspector Lee Freeman said: "Overall, I am satisfied with the service's current progress, but there is still much more work to do to improve the culture of the organisation."

After the initial visit, the service was told to improve communication between staff and senior leaders and ensure staff were confident about raising issues.

Senior leaders were told to ensure values and behaviour were upheld by all employees and that internal governance arrangements were effective.

The service developed a 37-goal action plan to address the issues and Suffolk County Council pledged to invest an additional £1.6m over two years to help.

The money has so far been used to recruit an additional nine employees, with a further eight roles still to be filled to help alleviate pressure on staff.

According to the latest report, the service has since established a new governance structure but it is "too early to determine" if it will result in "tangible benefits".

It has also introduced an e-learning package about values but, "disappointingly", inspectors continued to find that some staff did not demonstrate the necessary values.

One member of staff, for example, used inappropriate language while complaining that training in values and culture was a waste of time, the report said.

"While it is evident that work has started, this remains work in progress," it added.

Senior leaders have completed team building and leadership and culture workshops, but some staff still felt some were not fully taking responsibility for resolving issues.

While inspectors found most staff felt most leaders acted as role models, some said, on occasion, that they can use "clumsy" language, leading to some employees not feeling valued.

The report said the way in which the service communicated with staff needed to be improved, but the service said it had increased staff engagement.

It also said it had delivered leadership development, training and "360-degree feedback" programmes, and external peer support had been established.

Mr Lacey, the chief fire officer, said: "While we are encouraged by this feedback, we know we are only partway through our improvement journey."

Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "Strong foundations have now been put in place, and we will continue supporting the service as it delivers the high standards our communities expect."

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