Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service rated as Good in several categories but can improve consistency

Findings released by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) today, show that the service was graded as Good in six of 10 categories.

It received Adequate marks for the other areas of inspection, the watchdog revealed. Inspectors noted that this was an improvement on the previous official assessment which took place in 2023.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service scored well for its internal governance model, and is described as providing appropriate, timely and accurate oversight and scrutiny.

HMICFRS says assessors were consistently told by staff that the new chief fire officer and restructuring of the senior leadership team had helped improve the service’s culture. Inspectors also found senior leaders are more visible and they act as role models, and that financial and workforce plans are consistent with risks and priorities identified in the new community risk management plan, the watchdog revealed.

The fire service scored good marks for its understanding of the risks of fire, its ability to prevent fires, its efficient use of resources, its values and culture, its ability to train staff, and its leadership.

In four areas it received a lower Adequate grade, they were: its response to major incidents, its ability to protect the public through fire regulation, its response to emergencies, and its promotion of fairness and diversity.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service noted that the number of areas for improvement across the wider report has dropped from 26 to eight. It also notes that in several areas the service has moved Requires Improvement scores into Good grades.

Louise Harrison, chief fire officer, said: “I am delighted that this HMICFRS report reflects the commitment and concerted efforts the service has made on our improvement journey, and I am incredibly proud of everyone across the Service who has helped us get here. The progress recognised in this report has taken a huge collective effort often alongside demanding day-to-day roles and at a time when we have been asking a great deal of our teams.

“We will take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together and recognise we are in a much stronger position than we were two years ago. However, we remain committed to delivering our vision of an excellent, modern, and agile Service. Our communities continue to be at the centre of everything we do. Strong leadership, intelligent use of data and robust governance enable us to understand local risks, deploy resources effectively and continuously improve the service we provide.”

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was placed under special provisions prior to Ms Harrison’s appointment. She has been praised for her leadership in the 2026 report less than three years after her appointment was criticised by a union.

His Majesty’s Inspector of fire and rescue services Roy Wilsher said: “The service has worked hard to make progress since our inspection in 2023 and shows clear improvement. This has been underpinned by a robust governance structure, stable and self-aware leadership, and improved data and intelligence to support decision-making at all levels.

“However, the service needs to improve further in some areas to provide a consistently good service. For example, it should gather learning from all operational incidents and complete debriefs consistently.”