NIFRS Welcomes Recommendations Of Independent Inspection Report

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has welcomed and accepted the recommendations made by an Independent Inspection report, examining the challenges and issues facing the service.

The report, commissioned by the Department of Health (DoH), was carried out by His Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate (Scotland) (HMFSI).

It recognises the extremely challenging budgetary environment that the organisation has been operating within for a number of years. It states that 'NIFRS provides an invaluable service to the community it protects' and acknowledges the dedication, commitment and loyalty of its employees.

The recommendations will be used as a point of direction for strengthening improvement over the next 5 years. However the report acknowledges that 'the level of improvement required will take time, financial investment and significant political support if they are to be successful'.

NIFRS Interim Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Andy Hearn said: "I welcome and fully support the recommendations of the Inspection in supporting change and continuous improvement in NIFRS.

"As the report outlines, with the right strategic direction, political support and financial commitment the challenges are in no way insurmountable.

"I'm encouraged that the report acknowledges that the recently appointed Executive Leadership Team is well aware of the issues and that progress in many of the areas highlighted is already underway. It is essential that we continue this work guided by the Inspection findings.

"I continue to work closely with our colleagues in DOH and NIFRS Board to consider the recommendations in line with much needed investment in areas such as training, information technology and our workforce capacity to help us strengthen and improve our service.

"The report also acknowledges that many of the issues highlighted are not unique to NIFRS with recent fire sector reports highlighting the need for improvement in modernising reform, training and development, governance, community risk profiling, workforce planning and cultural change. We will use the report's recommendations and also incorporate relevant national recommendations within the fire sector to create a 5 year NIFRS action plan, which aligned to the required financial support, will help us move forward with a renewed focus and pace.

"I would like to thank our employees for their honesty and candour throughout the Inspection, and for their genuine passion and collective pride in the organisation which was clearly highlighted within the report.

"Thanks also to the DOH for the investment in this Inspection which is also an investment in public and Firefighter safety. Thank you to the Inspection Team, led by HMFSI (Scotland) Chief Inspector Robert Scott and our Board for their support.

"Collectively we want to provide a more efficient and effective fire and rescue service for the people of Northern Ireland, whilst ensuring we support the needs of all of our employees who go above and beyond every day in keeping people safe."

Chairperson of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Board Mr Jay Colville, said: "On behalf of the NIFRS Board I welcome the recommendations within the report. The recommendations, coupled with other recommendations from various reports within the wider UK fire sector, will provide the blueprint for the future.

"I have joined the organisations at an important and challenging time. In this short period, I have full confidence in the Executive Leadership Team and its ability and commitment to continuous improvement. Working in partnership with the DOH, NIFRS Board remains committed to providing the appropriate leadership and governance to help ensure that NIFRS is fit for purpose now and into the future.

"With the right financial support, collaboratively we continue to strive to deliver a fire and rescue service that is valued by the public, its people and partners to help make Northern Ireland a safer place and improve community wellbeing."

"I would like to thank the DOH for this investment, NIFRS Executive Leadership Team and employees for their constructive engagement with the Inspection Team, and the HMFSI (Scotland) Chief Inspector Robert Scott and his team for its expert examination and analysis of the organisation."