Fire service no longer needs special monitoring

Louise Harrison was appointed chief fire officer just after the service was placed under an enhanced level of monitoring

Government inspectors have said a fire service now no longer needs special supervision after making "good progress" in two key areas.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue had been subject to extra monitoring by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) over its approach to safety and diversity.

HMICFRS said the organisation "has made improvements", although "there is still more to do".

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said the steps made "were positive", while Buckinghamshire's Chief Fire Officer, Louise Harrison, said "everyone has played a vital role" in "ensuring these improvements are sustained and embedded".

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was told by HMICFRS in October 2023 it needed to make "urgent improvements".

The watchdog said the service relied too heavily on other counties, failed to identify those most at risk from fire, and needed to improve equality.

In November 2024, HMICFRS said "significant steps" had since been taken.

On Friday, it said the service "now prioritises premises most at risk of fire" for audits and there had been "an increase in the diversity of its latest firefighter recruitment".

HM Inspector Roy Wilsher said: "Whilst there is still more to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring."

The Fire Brigades Union says there needs to be "sustained and serious investment" in the service

Ms Harrison said: "While this is a moment to celebrate, we remain committed to continuous improvement so that we can provide the very best service to the people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, now and in the future."

Mitchell Wallace, acting FBU brigade secretary for Buckinghamshire, said the union had contributed towards "a wave of positive changes, including establishing staff networks for under-represented groups".

"These are positive first steps, but Buckinghamshire still faces a crisis, with more than 1 in 3 firefighters lost to cuts since 2010.

"The service needs sustained and serious investment for the future," he added.