Fire service praised for its progress

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has made progress "in keeping people safe and secure", according to a new report.

Since its last inspection in 2023, the fire inspectorate says the service has increased the amount of prevention work it carries out in the community.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services says it has a "thorough understanding of risks across the county, and it is planning well for local government reorganisation".

However, inspectors suggested the service could monitor staff working hours more proactively and it could better support improvement in staff diversity.

SFRS had its performance graded across 10 areas by the report, which deemed it to be good in six areas and adequate in four areas.

It says SFRS "works effectively with other services and agencies to make sure it is ready to respond to major and multi-agency incidents".

The service also "allocates resources appropriately across its functions and staff are trained well, showing high levels of competence".

In addition, the inspectorate said SFRS's chief fire officer and other senior leaders were found to be "visible and approachable", while the service "manages staff performance and development through an improved performance conversation process".

His Majesty's Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said he was "pleased with the performance and progress" .

"For example, it has improved the way it identifies, assesses and addresses risk through protection activity, and continues to improve the culture across the service.

"The service also allocates resources appropriately, is preparing for local government reorganisation well and staff show high levels of competence", he says.

"Overall, I commend the service on the changes it has made and expect it to continue working to further improve in the areas we have identified," he added.

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