Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (BFRS) is pleased to announce that all previously identified causes of concern by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) have been successfully addressed, and the Service has been removed from an enhanced level of monitoring (known as ‘Engage’). This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery and community safety.
A Timeline of Our Progress
October 2023 – HMICFRS full inspection report identified three causes of concern in:
- Preventing fires and other risks (Prevention)
- Protecting the public through fire regulation (Protection)
- Ensuring fairness and promoting diversity (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion)
July 2024 – First revisit report acknowledged the significant steps the service had taken in response to the causes of concern issued.
November 2024 – Second revisit report acknowledged that:
- Significant improvements had been made.
- The Prevention Cause of Concern was officially closed.
- Further performance data was required in Protection & Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). (Read the November 2024 revisit letter here).
March 7 2025 – Final revisit confirms all remaining Concerns for Concern are closed and the Service is removed from an enhanced level of monitoring (Read the latest revisit letter here).
- Protecting the public through fire regulation fully addressed through a new risk-based inspection programme.
- Ensuring fairness and promoting diversity are successfully embedded, creating a more transparent and accountable leadership structure.
What’s Changed & How It Benefits the Public
Protecting the public through fire regulation:
- New risk-based inspection Programme prioritises the highest-risk premises for regular audits.
- Better data tracking and enforcement measures ensure compliance with fire safety laws.
- New staff recruitment & training programmes have strengthened fire safety services.
Ensuring fairness and promoting diversity
- New leadership roles (People & Culture Officer, Director of People & Organisational Development) have enhanced workplace inclusivity.
- Staff networks & behavioural frameworks encourage a positive working culture.
- Increased diversity in firefighter recruitment, making the service more reflective of the communities it serves.
HMICFRS Acknowledgement
HM Inspector Roy Wilsher has responsibility for Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service. He said:
“I am pleased with the progress that Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has made so far. Whilst there is still more to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.”
“I am reassured by the plans Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has in place to continue making improvements. This decision is supported by the fact we have been able to close its causes of concern. We will continue to assess their progress to make sure the people of Buckinghamshire are getting the service they deserve from their fire and rescue service.”
Leadership Reflections
Chief Fire Officer, Louise Harrison
“I am very proud of this service and this recognition from HMICFRS is a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of every single person in our organisation. Everyone has played a vital role in focusing our collective efforts to address, at pace, our CFCs and ensuring that these improvements are sustained and embedded.”
“Together, we have worked to protect and safeguard people and places, ensuring that our service is stronger, safer, and more effective than ever before. We have embraced change, strengthened our processes, and demonstrated our commitment to being a modern and agile Fire & Rescue Service that puts our communities first.”
“I would also like to sincerely thank our partners and critical friends whose insight, challenge, and support have been invaluable in shaping our approach and driving these improvements forward.”
“Our journey does not stop here. While this is a moment to celebrate, we remain committed to continuous improvement so that we can provide the very best service to the people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, now and in the future.”
Fire Authority Chairman, Simon Rouse
“The service has demonstrated strong leadership and determination in driving meaningful change. We are not only meeting expectations but laying the foundation for a modern and agile Fire & Rescue Service that can continue adapting to future challenges.
The Fire Authority remains fully committed to supporting this progress, ensuring that the people of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes continue to receive the highest standard of service.
On behalf of the Fire Authority, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this success. Your dedication makes a real difference to the safety of our communities.”
What’s Next?
While closing all causes of concern marks a significant milestone, our commitment to improvement continues. The October 2023 HMICFRS inspection identified areas where we can further strengthen our service, and we remain focused on driving progress.
Our Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030 and 2025/2026 Annual Delivery Plan will ensure we continue this focus by prioritising:
- Fire Protection & Prevention – Expanding fire safety education, strengthening risk-based inspections, improving fire safety enforcement, and enhancing community engagement to reduce risks before incidents occur.
- People & Culture – Investing in workforce development, leadership, and inclusivity to ensure we have the right people, at the right time, with the right skills.
- Emergency Response & Resilience – Enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring our resources are deployed efficiently to meet evolving risks.
- Digital, Data & Technology – Maximising technology and data to enhance operational efficiency, improve cyber security, and modernise frontline systems.
- Finance & Assets – Maintaining financial sustainability through efficient resource management, modernising our estate, fleet, and equipment, and investing in new training facilities.
- Community Engagement & Public Safety Initiatives – Ensuring our services remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.
- Governance & Accountability – Strengthening oversight and internal processes to maintain sustainable, long-term improvements.
Through our CRMP and Annual Plan, we will continue adapting, evolving, and improving to keep Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes safe while remaining a modern and agile Fire & Rescue Service.
Stay Engaged: How You Can Support Fire Safety
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