Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) received a glowing recommendation from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).
Having spent the last year analysing data and documents and visiting the service to assess effectiveness, efficiency and how well the service looks after people, the Inspectorate found that the service was ‘Outstanding’ in the efficiency pillar which was an improvement from the assessment of ‘Good’ received in 2019.
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Chief fire officer Ben Ansell said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Service has once again been independently recognised by the Inspectorate for the excellent work that takes place across Dorset & Wiltshire to keep our communities safe from fire and other emergencies.
“Despite the significant financial challenges we face, the grading of ‘Outstanding’ in efficiency shows just how well our teams are using scarce resources to deliver our services in a highly effective and innovative way."
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The service of ‘Good’ was maintained across all other areas which makes it one of the highest-performing fire and rescue services in the UK.
He added: “These results are a credit to our fantastic staff that work really hard in all areas of our organisation to give the best possible service we can, to all those who need our help or work alongside us.”
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An Inspector from the HMICFRS said: “We are pleased with the progress the Service has made in the way it looks after its people. There are many positive findings during the inspection, and we found that all areas for improvements identified in our last inspection have been addressed.
“We have identified two areas of outstanding practice and are sure the service will wish to build on this achievement. We look forward to working with the Service as it continues to improve.”
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The report also highlights areas of improvement which are already being considered and progressed as part of internal improvement plans.
Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “This is another great outcome for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. It is extremely reassuring that we have such an efficient and effective fire and rescue service.
“On behalf of the Fire Authority and the residents we represent, I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism and hard work in delivering this highly skilled service to the communities across Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.”
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