Report praise for fire service’s 999 response but tragedy highlights the progress needed

PEOPLE who dial 999 and ask for the fire service in Devon and Somerset, receive a good response according to the Service's latest inspection report - but serious concerns remain.

- LEWIS CLARKE [e-mail]

But while the fire inspectorate has said that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has made improvements in some areas, it needs to make prevention a higher priority.

“Senior leaders continue to model poor behaviour while failing to support firefighters who have experienced harassment, discrimination or bullying at work,” an inspection report has found in a damning assessment of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (D&SFRS).

The report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has raised deep concerns about the culture, leadership and resourcing of the service, which covers one of the largest fire service areas in the country, serving over 1.8 million residents.

In a comprehensive inspection, the watchdog noted that “the service hasn’t made the progress we expected since our 2021 inspection” and was failing in several key areas, particularly in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), supporting victims of bullying, and prioritising fire prevention for those most at risk.

The report highlights areas that the service is doing well in, such as responding to emergencies, understanding risks within communities, and responding to major incidents, while also recommending areas for improvement.

The Inspectorate has removed a previous cause of concern for culture noting the hard work over the last three years to improve culture and introduce reporting lines for people to raise concerns.

HM Inspector Roy Wilsher acknowledged that some work had been done since the last inspection, particularly around cultural improvement, but warned that more was required.

“Although we are pleased to close this cause of concern [from 2021], there is still more work to do. The service still needs to make sure that all staff are trained and supported to identify and challenge inappropriate behaviour,” he said.