APCC response to HMICFRS State of Fire Report
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Sir Thomas Winsor has published his annual assessment of England’s fire and rescue services.
APCC Lead on Fire, Northamptonshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Stephen Mold commented:
“Those that work in Fire and Rescue Services often go above and beyond to protect people and communities and I want to pay tribute to everything they have done particularly over the past year.
“However, whilst there are signs of progress, this report returns to the need for urgent reform and modernisation of the service.
“Earlier this year the APCC joined with the Local Government Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council in publishing the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services. Successful adoption of the Code will provide existing and future employees, as well as the public, with assurance that services will continually recognise and promote the value of equality, diversity and inclusion internally and in the wider communities they serve and that, where necessary, inappropriate behaviour will be challenged.
“The need for national leadership to deliver change is once again highlighted by Sir Tom within his report. I know PFCC colleagues share my anticipation for the release of the government’s White Paper, which hopefully will serve as a catalyst for reform in addition to the response to the Inspectorate’s outstanding recommendations. The combination of both will set out the future vision and necessary reform required to deliver for the public.”