Fire service no longer 'cause for concern'

In a letter to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, inspectors said they were looking forward to continuing to work with the service

An under-pressure fire service that was told it was a "cause for concern" has improved but still requires improvement, according to inspectors.

In 2024 inspectors said that Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) needed to improve how it prevented fires and risk, and also how it promoted values, culture and diversity.

But after a reinspection in June this year, a report concluded it had made "significant improvements" in four out of five areas.

Chief fire officer Nikki Watson said the report was an "important milestone" but there was "still more to do".

Nikki Watson assumed the role of chief fire officer at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2024

Ms Watson became Northamptonshire's new fire chief in May 2024 following a sexism row which led to Conservative Stephen Mold not seeking re-election as Northamptonshire's police, fire and crime commissioner.

In its most recent report, released on Thursday, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said it had improved its equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) practices.

"We are pleased to see the significant steps that the service has taken in response to the cause of concern we issued," the HMICFRS said.

But the way EDI objectives were monitored and evaluated could still be improved, a spokesperson added.

The "cause of concern" notice had been removed, inspectors said.

Ms Watson said: "This is a really important milestone for our service and while there is still more to do, it shows that we are making progress in creating a fairer, more inclusive workplace.

"That shows that we are, by working together, building a workplace where people feel motivated and supported to do what they joined to do, which is deliver a great service that keeps the people of Northamptonshire safe."

Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner Danielle Stone said the update was "good news"

Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner Danielle Stone, Labour, said: "My safe and sound Plan for the county sets out the ambition to improve professionalism and standards, and to improve HMIC inspection ratings, so it is good to see that the service is on the right path.

"The chief fire officer has a clear improvement plan, and I will hold her to account to ensure it is delivered."