His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carried out a routine inspection of the Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service in the autumn of 2024. The inspection report is now available on the HMICFRS website.
Grades are given on a scale of Outstanding > Good > Adequate > Requires improvement > Inadequate. The inspection measured the service against 10 areas, with each area graded. The Isles of Scilly Fire and Rescue Service was graded 'good' in 7 areas and 'adequate' in 2 areas, with only 1 area requiring improvement. A breakdown of all the grades can be seen in the table below. For the full methodology and commentary, please visit the link provided above.
| Area Assessed | Grade |
|---|---|
| Public safety through fire regulation | Good |
| Responding to fires and emergencies | Good |
| Best use of resources | Good |
| Future affordability | Good |
| Promoting values and culture | Good |
| Right people, right skills | Good |
| Managing performance and developing leaders | Good |
| Understanding fire and risk | Adequate |
| Preventing fire and risk | Adequate |
| Promoting fairness and diversity | Requires Improvement |
The inspection report states that HMICFRS has made changes to its assessment criteria for this round of inspection which “mean it isn’t possible to make direct comparisons between grades awarded in this round of fire and rescue service inspections with those from previous years.” The report also recognises that the service can’t directly be compared to other fire and rescue services on the mainland, and the assessment of the service against the characteristics of the judgment of good is relatively bespoke. However, the HMI Inspector’s summary expresses gratitude “for the positive and constructive way” in which the service worked with inspection staff and noted that “the service has made progress” since the 2022 inspection.
Councillor Robert Francis, Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Authority said: “The inspection carried out was comprehensive, thorough and fair. The outcome is excellent for the community and the Council, showing that the islands have a Fire & Rescue Service to be proud of. I would like to thank all the employees of the Fire and Rescue Service for delivering such a good service, and to recognise the efforts they and other Council staff made in responding to the inspection process.”