Herts Fire and Rescue Service has been rated good by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, following an inspection early last year.

HMICFRS visited Herts between February and April 2022 to inspect the work of the service under three pillars: effectiveness, efficiency, and people, with the service improving from requires improvement rating it received in 2018, to good.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was rated:

  • Good in Effectiveness
  • Requires Improvement in Efficiency
  • Good in People

The report acknowledged the strength of the service’s emergency response arrangements, the skills and professionalism of its firefighters and incident commanders.

Herts' innovative practice in the Fire Protection department were highlighted too, noting that the service has "strong links and engages well with regulatory partners and local businesses" and that it "contributes to improving local business productivity with guidance and advice."

It recognised the high standard of training to ensure the continued delivery of a strong and effective emergency response.

HMICFRS also highlighted areas that require improvement, including some elements of the service’s fire prevention work, efficiency, and diversity of its people.

"I am extremely proud of all the hard work, dedication, and effort of our teams to strengthen the organisation and deliver improved services for our community," said Chief Fire Officer, Alex Woodman.

"The recognition of this by His Majesty’s Inspector is welcomed by the entire service and affirms our resolve to focus further improvements on the areas of recommendation."

"We are really pleased that HMICFRS judged Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to be good in two out of three areas, recognising the improvements made to the service since its first inspection in 2018," added Cllr Morris Bright, executive member for community safety at Hertfordshire County Council.

"Residents can rest assured that we are delivering a high-quality emergency response and that we are well-prepared for major incidents.

"The results of this inspection are a great encouragement as well as strong evidence that the service is heading in the right direction."

To read the full report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, visit www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmicfrs/publications/frs-assessment-2021-22-hertfordshire.