Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has been rated as 'Requires Improvement'.

The service was assessed in three areas - efficiency, effectiveness and people - during an inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) in December last year.

HMICFRS inspectors graded all three areas as requiring improvement.

A report of the inspection, which included looking into all areas of fire and rescue service work carried out by firefighters and staff at every level, has been published this week.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service says it welcomes the report and said that, even though it is graded overall as 'Requires Improvement', the service is 'Good' in the following areas:

• Understanding the risk of fire and other emergencies
• Preventing fires and other risks
• Responding to national risks
• Making the fire and rescue service affordable now and in the future

It also highlighted that the report positively identifies that the service:

• Has a good understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
• Is the National lead for Virtual Reality
• Prioritises high risk premises for inspections and takes effective action against those that do not comply with fire safety regulations
• Is engaged with mental health training for staff to help recognise those with difficulties
• Supports its staff with good equipment and personal protective clothing

Rick Taylor, Chief Fire Officer at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I welcome this report which highlights good practice and identifies areas for us to focus on in order for us to improve as a service.

"We deliver a cost effective, efficient service to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and this has been tested to good effect by a number of very serious and tragic incidents including the Hinckley Road explosion and the LCFC helicopter crash.

"We now look forward to addressing the areas requiring improvement over the coming months and I know our staff will continue to work hard to deliver the service's purpose of 'Safer people, Safer places' within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland."

The service is now in the process of reviewing the report and looking at how it can address the findings of HMICFRS in the best way to enable it to continue to give the most effective and efficient service.

To view the report click on the red button below.

Photo courtesy of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service