According to a recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has demonstrated significant improvement since its last inspection.
However, specific areas still require attention to further enhance operations.
Assessment Highlights
The HMICFRS report categorized the service as 'requiring improvement' in effectively ensuring public safety from fires and other risks.
Conversely, the service achieved a 'good' rating in efficiently safeguarding people from similar dangers. Nevertheless, room for improvement lies in the service's efforts to look after its personnel.
Investments in Prevention and Protection
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Matt Parr, expressed satisfaction with the service’s progress since 2018
Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Matt Parr, expressed satisfaction with the service’s progress since 2018.
"I’m pleased to see that West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has improved since its 2018 inspection. It has used increased funding to expand its prevention and protection teams. We had previously been concerned about these teams but now we are satisfied with their performance," Matt Parr noted.
Operational Enhancements
The report also noted advancements in how the service responds to calls, particularly in incident command and the timely arrival of fire engines.
Improvements in workforce planning processes have also been highlighted, ensuring the right personnel with appropriate skills are in place.
Areas for Continued Improvement
Nonetheless, some challenges remain. Ensuring that firefighters engage in sufficient preventive activities and reducing incidents of unwanted fire signals are areas needing attention. Additionally, aligning staff behavior with the service's organizational values remains a priority.
"There are still areas where the service needs to improve, however – these include making sure firefighters carry out enough prevention activity, doing more to reduce unwanted fire signals, and continuing to make sure staff behavior aligns with organizational values. We will continue to monitor the service closely to follow its progress," added Matt Parr.
