HMICFRS welcome progress made by Avon Fire & Rescue Service

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) have today (24 October) published a letter recognising the progress made by Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS), following their third revisit to the Service since their initial inspection in May 2023.

The letter announces that HMICFRS will be closing the accelerated cause of concern relating to the Service’s mobilising system. The letter reads: “We found significant improvements have been made to the mobilisation system to make sure it is reliable and stable.”

HMICFRS are satisfied with the Service’s current progress towards the Service’s second accelerated cause of concern, relating to the Service’s site-specific risk information and two further concerns focusing on prevention and the Service’s values and culture, but recognise there is still more to do.

The Service was inspected by HMICFRS in May 2023 for seven weeks and have since carried out reinspection’s in December 2023, March 2024 and most recently, September 2024.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “Our teams have worked incredibly hard, despite tight budgets and with limited resources, to implement the ambitious action plans developed after the initial inspection from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services last year.

“I’m pleased to see the Inspectorate has acknowledged these efforts, particularly in closing the accelerated cause of concern surrounding the mobilisation system. It’s great to see them recognise the plans our teams have put in place, the work that has been done and the progress that has been made.

“While there is still more to do, I am fully committed to ensuring we continue to make the improvements needed and build on the strong foundations we have made.

“Most importantly, I hope these findings reassure local people that we’re doing everything we can to provide a fire and rescue service that is efficient, effective, and good value for money, just as they expect and deserve.”