Dorset and Wiltshire 2021/22

It was a pleasure to revisit Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, and I am grateful for the positive and constructive way that the service engaged with our inspection.

I congratulate the service on its first-rate performance in keeping people safe and secure from fires and other risks. We have judged the service to be outstanding in two areas; in the way it uses its resources to manage risk and that staff are equipped with the right training and skills.

It has made excellent progress in many areas, and we have identified four examples of innovative or promising practice. We were impressed with how the service collaborates with its partners. For example, its partnership with utility companies has helped the service to secure 25,000 carbon monoxide detectors and 2,500 wi-fi carbon monoxide detectors over the next 5 years.

We are also impressed with the value-for-money dashboard the service has created, which is aligned to the strategic priorities. This clearly shows where money has been saved for reinvestment, where the service has done more with its resources, future costs that have been avoided, and how it has saved money for partner organisations. The service has developed an impressive performance dashboard, which is easy to navigate and provides operational staff a clear summary of their performance. The dashboard is refreshed daily.

Since our last inspection, the service has introduced a new one-to-one performance management process, which is effective. The staff we spoke to during our inspection spoke highly about the recognition button, that forms part of the appraisal process. This allows staff to recognise a positive contribution a colleague has made.

The service has experienced major incidents and we found it has good arrangements in place. It is also encouraging to see that on-call availability is improving.

We found that the service comprehensively monitors, reviews and evaluates the benefits and results of its collaborations. This was an area for improvement we identified in the last inspection. The service could clearly demonstrate what benefits and results the collaboration brings through its value-for-money dashboard.

The service’s financial and workforce plans are consistent with the risks and priorities identified in its integrated risk management plan (IRMP). And plans are built on sound scenarios.

We are pleased with the progress the service has made in the way it looks after its people. The service has strong workforce planning in place for all roles. This makes sure skills and capabilities align with what is needed to effectively deliver its community safety plan (CSP). Workforce and succession planning is consistently scrutinised through regular meetings to discuss requirements.

There are many positive findings during the inspection, and we found that all areas for improvements identified in our last inspection have been addressed. But the service can still make further improvements, such as ensuring that all urgent risk information and safety flashes have been read and understood by staff. We have identified two areas of outstanding practice and are sure the service will wish to build on this achievement. We look forward to working with the service as it continues to improve.