Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) has been highly commended for its strong understanding and prevention of fires and other risks, alongside its innovative initiatives that benefit both the community and its staff. Including its partnership with local health bodies, including a falls response team, which has reduced demand on local health services over the past 10 years. The Service has also been recognised for its adaptability to local needs, its commitment to staff wellbeing and mental health, and its ongoing efforts to evolve and improve for the benefit of all.
The recognition comes from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) who carried out a detailed inspection of the Service in October 2024, and judged it as:
- Outstanding at Understanding fires and other risks
- Outstanding at Preventing fires and other risks
In addition to the two ‘Outstanding’ judgements across the eleven sub-themes for its understanding and preventing of fires and other risks, HFRS gained an impressive eight ‘Good’ judgements and one ‘Adequate’ rating.
In response to the report, Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Phil Shillito said: “Our grading of ‘Outstanding’ in understanding and preventing fires and risks is a testament to our staff's commitment to providing the best possible service to everyone who lives, works, and visits the Humber region. I am incredibly proud of their dedication to the Service and to the communities we serve. They are part of the community, and our community is at the heart of everything we do and always will be. Our communities can be confident that we are prepared and respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, while managing our resources efficiently.”
“I am delighted with the excellent results from our latest inspection. They highlight our sustained improvement and show that we listen to feedback and use it to make meaningful changes that enhance the safety of everyone across the Humber region.
“Fire staff across the Service work as one team, ensuring the safety of each other and everyone across the Humber region every day. Their passion, dedication and professionalism are truly inspiring, and this report stands as a testament to them.
“I have never been prouder to serve as Chief Fire Officer of our remarkable fire and rescue service. We will continue to embrace new ideas to strengthen the trust the community places in us and overcome any challenges to ensure people’s safety. While there is always room for improvement, we will build on this report’s outcomes to keep our communities safe.”
The principal findings from the latest inspection are:
The Service has a Service Improvement Plan (SIP) which is used to record, manage, monitor and assess the delivery of actions aligned to the areas for improvement. The plan is reported at strategic performance meetings and is also subject to independent scrutiny through Internal Audit and the Governance Assurance and Scrutiny (GAS) Committee.
These arrangements have contributed to the Service moving from good to outstanding in both understanding the risk from fire and other emergencies and preventing fires and other risks.
- The Service analyses a range of data to develop the Community Risk Management Plan which clearly identifies areas of risk. There is awareness of emerging issues and changes that affect risk.
- The Service has a clear prevention plan which links to the risks identified in the Community Risk Management Plan. Prevention services are aligned to the respective level of risk.
Chair of Humberside Fire Authority, Councillor Nigel Sherwood said: “This is an outstanding outcome that reflects the hard work, dedication, and long-term commitment of everyone across the Service, demonstrating consistent performance at the highest level.
“This report reinforces that Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is a vital asset to the communities it serves, local businesses and visitors to the region. We remain committed to continually enhancing the value and services we provide across the Humber region.”
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Michelle Skeer said: “I congratulate Humberside Fire and Rescue Service on its performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks. I am grateful to the way staff engaged with the inspection and I was pleased to see progress made since its previous inspection.
“The service is outstanding at understanding risk and preventing fires. It clearly identifies areas of risk and is aware of emerging issues and changes that affect risk.
“The service is also working well with local health organisations to provide an on-call falls response team, helping more people live in their homes for longer, reducing demand on other services.
“However, it must improve in some areas to provide a consistently good service. For example, staff still lack confidence in using the service feedback systems, and leaders at middle and senior levels could be more visible.
“I acknowledge that the service is undergoing a period of change, which is affecting some areas of work. But I commend them for the changes it has made and will keep in close contact to monitor progress.”
Read the report on the HMICFRS website.