'More Help Needed' For West Sussex Fire And Rescue Service

Wednesday, 27 July 2022 06:00

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has improved markedly since its previous inspection, but there are still areas that need attention, according to a new report.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) judged that the service:

‘requires improvement’ at effectively keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks;
is ‘good’ at efficiently keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks; and
‘requires improvement’ at looking after its people.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Matt Parr said:

“The service is improving how it responds to calls, with better command of incidents, and fire engines arriving within the expected timeframe.

"It also has good workforce planning processes and is better at having the right people with the right skills in place.

“There are still areas where the service needs to improve, however – these include making sure firefighters carry out enough prevention activity, doing more to reduce unwanted fire signals, and continuing to make sure staff behaviour aligns with organisational values."

More from Sussex News

Funding Available For Tree Planting In Chichester District as National Tree Week Begins

Chichester District Council is reminding landowners that funding is available to support tree planting projects across the Chichester District as part of its ‘Tree Chichester District’ initiative.
West Sussex Firefighters And Emergency Services Carry Out Training Exercise In Chichester Harbour

Firefighters have completed a joint training exercise with HM Coastguard, RNLI, and Chichester Harbour Masters Team to test their procedures in the event of a serious boat fire in Itchenor.
Shoreham Lifeboat’s Festive Look Boosted By Family-Run Business

A Brighton garden centre has declared itself 'delighted' to have been able to spread some festive cheer with a donation to Shoreham Lifeboat station.
Final Touches Being Made To £2m Sussex Wastewater Site Upgrade

A major improvement scheme at a West Sussex wastewater treatment works is being finalised to protect and enhance the local environment.
AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City

AllSaints Founder Stuart Trevor to host sustainable fashion show on Brighton i360 to raise money for homelessness in city
Chichester Community Warden Helping Fight Against Fraud This Christmas

A community warden at Chichester District Council is helping residents and businesses fight against fraud this Christmas.
Wealden Council Calls For Government Rethink On Winter Fuel Payment

Wealden councillors have called on the government to reconsider its decision surrounding the Winter Fuel Payment.
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment

Residents of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove braved snow and near-zero temperatures this morning (Thursday) to stage a 90-minute 'Divest for climate justice!' protest outside County Hall in Lewes.
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.