West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has improved, but more work is needed
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has improved markedly since its previous inspection, but there are still areas that need attention, according to a new report.
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Effectiveness, efficiency and people 2021/22 – West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) judged that the service:
- ‘requires improvement’ at effectively keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks;
- is ‘good’ at efficiently keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks; and
- ‘requires improvement’ at looking after its people.
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Matt Parr said:
“I’m pleased to see that West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has improved since its 2018 inspection. It has used increased funding to expand its prevention and protection teams. We had previously been concerned about these teams but now we are satisfied with their performance.
“The service is improving how it responds to calls, with better command of incidents, and fire engines arriving within the expected timeframe. It also has good workforce planning processes and is better at having the right people with the right skills in place.
“There are still areas where the service needs to improve, however – these include making sure firefighters carry out enough prevention activity, doing more to reduce unwanted fire signals, and continuing to make sure staff behaviour aligns with organisational values.
“We will continue to monitor the service closely to follow its progress.”
Get the report
Effectiveness, efficiency and people 2021/22 – West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
Notes
- In its last inspection, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was rated as requiring improvement at effectively keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks; requiring improvement at efficiently keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks; and ‘inadequate’ at looking after its people.
- For further information, please email the HMICFRS Press Office at HMICPressOffice@hmicfrs.gov.uk or call us on 07836 217 729.