His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) recently acknowledged the advancement of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in implementing improvements since the previous inspection.
A letter received this week, following a revisit in October, notes promising developments in leadership, governance, and organizational culture, underpinned by a comprehensive action plan created with input from staff and representative bodies.
Investment and Support from Suffolk County Council
The inspectors highlighted the substantial investment and backing from the Suffolk County Council
The inspectors highlighted the substantial investment and backing from Suffolk County Council, which amounted to £1.6 million over two years.
This funding has facilitated the establishment of new positions, development programs, and organizational reforms. Despite recognizing that significant cultural improvements require time, the Inspectorate has expressed satisfaction with the service’s current progress.
Recognition by the Inspectorate
Chief Fire Officer Jon Lacey of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service remarked, "We welcome the inspectorate’s recognition of the progress made so far, which reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff and pioneers."
He emphasized their commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and values-led culture, while acknowledging that extensive work remains to further embed change and enhance leadership behaviors across the organization.
Progress Since Last Year
Additional efforts include the place of governance boards, leadership development programs
Since last year’s inspection, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has achieved several milestones, including securing £1.6 million from Suffolk County Council to support advancements, recruiting nine new positions with plans for eight more, and developing a strategic 37-goal improvement plan.
Additional efforts include the establishment of governance boards, leadership development programs, increased staff engagement, and commissioning external peer support to foster learning and transparency.
Improvements in Leadership, Communication
Steve Wiles, Councilor and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection at Suffolk County Council, expressed approval for the progress, stating, “It is reassuring to see the Inspectorate recognize the meaningful progress being made.”
He highlighted that the council’s £1.6 million investment is integral to facilitating improvements in leadership, communication, and culture, adding that, while challenges remain, strong foundations have been established to support the service’s delivery of high standards.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has confirmed it is satisfied with the progress Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is making to address improvements identified during its previous inspection.
In a letter received this week following an October revisit, inspectors recognized early positive change across leadership, governance and organizational culture, supported by a comprehensive action plan developed with staff and representative bodies.
Investment and support from Suffolk County Council
Inspectors also noted the significant investment and support from Suffolk County Council - totaling £1.6 million over two years, which has enabled new posts, development programs and organizational reforms to be put in place.
While acknowledging that meaningful cultural improvement takes time, the Inspectorate confirmed it is satisfied with the service’s progress to date.
Inspectorate’s recognition
Jon Lacey, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, said: "We welcome the inspectorate’s recognition of the progress made so far, which reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff and pioneers."
He adds, "We are building a positive, inclusive and values-led culture, and while we are encouraged by this feedback, we know we are only partway through our improvement journey."
“Our focus now is on continuing to embed change, strengthening leadership behaviors, and ensuring that improvements become sustainable and consistent across the organization.”
inspection last year
Since the inspection last year, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has:
- Secured £1.6m investment from Suffolk County Council to support improvement.
- Recruited nine new posts, with eight further roles in progress.
- Developed a comprehensive 37-goal improvement plan addressing all recommendations.
- Introduced new governance boards and improved oversight of progress.
- Delivered leadership development, training and 360-degree feedback programmes.
- Increased staff engagement through surveys, feedback processes and enhanced internal communications.
- Commissioned external peer support and challenge to promote learning and transparency.
improvements in leadership, communication, and culture
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said: “It is reassuring to see the Inspectorate recognize the meaningful progress being made. The council’s £1.6 million investment is supporting improvements in leadership, communication and culture, and it is encouraging to see positive change emerging.”
“There is more work ahead, but strong foundations have now been put in place, and we will continue supporting the service as it delivers the high standards our communities expect.”
