Contents
Legal
The legal framework governing fire and rescue services will continue to evolve.
The Building Safety Act and recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry will drive stricter compliance requirements, while data protection and AI governance will become increasingly complex. As employment rights evolve, we may see changes that impact on our finance and governance arrangements. Employment rights may be fundamentally reshaped by the integration of AI and the rise of a flexible, globalised workforce. Ethical standards will be strengthened, with statutory codes of conduct and fire service oaths reinforcing accountability and integrity. For HFRS, this means continuous investment in training and policy development to ensure compliance and uphold public trust. Our CRMP will incorporate these requirements, ensuring that prevention and protection activities meet legal standards and that our workforce understands its responsibilities. By embedding ethical governance into our organisational culture, we will maintain the confidence of the communities we serve and the partners we work with.
Risks:
Stricter compliance requirements under the Building Safety Act may increase operational complexity and resource needs. Increasing complexity of data protection and AI governance may require continuous investment in systems and training. Greater scrutiny of ethical standards and accountability frameworks may expose gaps in governance.
Opportunities:
Leadership in building safety compliance and fire risk enforcement may position HFRS as a trusted authority. Development of robust governance frameworks for AI and data ethics may ensure responsible innovation. Embedding the Fire Service Oath and Code of Ethics may strengthen public trust and organisational culture.
CRMP Link:
Our CRMP will ensure compliance with statutory obligations and regulatory frameworks by embedding legal requirements into risk-based planning. Building safety legislation, data protection standards, and ethical governance will inform prevention and protection activities. This alignment will maintain public trust and ensure that our service meets national standards while addressing local risk priorities. Legal compliance will remain central to prevention and protection activities as well as recruitment, training, competence and operational response arrangements.