Independent inspectors have officially rated Cleveland Fire Brigade as one of the top-performing fire and rescue services in the country by reporting they are officially GOOD in all areas of work.
The high acclaim comes in a report published today by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The Brigade came under intense scrutiny from the inspection team in July. Inspectors looked at how effectively and efficiently the service prevents fires, protects the public and responds to all emergencies. The inspectors also examined how well Brigade staff are looked after.
In all these three key areas of efficiency, effectiveness and people – the Brigade has been rated as GOOD.
HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Phil Gormley said: “I am pleased to report that Cleveland Fire Brigade performed well in each of the main areas of our inspection. This is also impressive given that the brigade has faced some of the largest cuts to its government funding. This is an excellent performance from the brigade – the people of Cleveland can be confident that they are being well-served.”
Chief Fire Officer Hayton said: “To be independently recognised as one of the best performing fire and rescue services in the country is a fantastic achievement. I am immensely proud to lead an organisation with such a dedicated and professional workforce who make a real difference to the safety and lives of people in our communities.
“The Brigade’s effectiveness rating was achieved through our good understanding of local and national risks, our targeted approach to prevention that delivers three times more Safer Homes visits per head of population than the national average, and our support to business safety. The report also highlights our excellent emergency response times, specifically to primary fires, which are the fastest overall in the country”.
“The good rating for efficiency means that we have managed our budget and spent our money properly and appropriately through good financial planning, positive partnership working and good use of external funding.
“The rating of good for people shows the Brigade is committed to putting staff first. Health, Safety and wellbeing of our staff is a top priority along with training and development. But like many other fire and rescue services, we need to increase the diversity of our workforce to better reflect our community”.
“As a self-aware organisation, our approach to inspection was one of ‘no surprises’. We are pleased that the results show this to be the case. The inspection has confirmed both what we do well and where we want to improve. We have already started to build upon our good work through our continuous improvement programme.
“I would like to pay tribute to the tremendous support we get from our communities, businesses, partner agencies and other organisations right across the area. Most importantly I would like to sincerely thank everyone who works for Cleveland Fire Brigade for their professionalism, dedication and hard work and making a positive difference to the safety and lives of the people in Cleveland”.
The Chair of Cleveland Fire Authority, Cllr Paul Kirton, added: “This is a great outcome for Cleveland Fire Brigade and gives assurance to our communities that we have such an effective and efficient fire service.”
To view a full copy of the report visit www.clevelandfire.gov.uk/hmicfrs-inspection
