Greater Manchester 2021/22
Read more about Greater ManchesterThis is HMICFRS’s third assessment of fire and rescue services. This assessment examines the service’s effectiveness, efficiency and how well it looks after its people. It is designed to give the public information about how their local fire and rescue service is performing in several important areas, in a way that is comparable with other services across England.
The extent to which the service is effective at keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks requires improvement.
The extent to which the service is efficient at keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks requires improvement.
The extent to which the service looks after its people is good.
Andy Cooke, HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services
HM Inspector's summary
It was a pleasure to re-visit Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. I am grateful for the positive and constructive way that the service engaged with our inspection. I want to thank the service for working with us by accommodating the virtual approach of this inspection. These inspections would normally be conducted using a hybrid approach but inspecting against the backdrop of the pandemic meant we had to inspect virtually. I also want to recognise the disruption caused by the pandemic. This has been considered in our findings.
I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
The service is good at looking after its staff, at understanding fire and other risks, and at responding to fires and other emergencies. It is also good at promoting its values throughout the organisation. However, the service has received a cause of concern for how it responds to, and trains staff for marauding terrorist attacks (MTAs).
The service has responded to the recommendations and learning from phase one of the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry. It has also used its experience of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform its new strategy.
That said, there are several areas where the service needs to make improvements.
The service requires improvement in its effectiveness at keeping people safe. Specifically, it requires improvement at preventing fires and other risks; protecting the public through fire regulation; and responding to major and multi-agency incidents.
I note that the Manchester Arena Inquiry was taking place at the time of our inspection. The service’s staff have confidence in the new leadership team. The service now needs to make sure it is prepared to form part of a multi-agency response to any future terrorist incident.
In terms of efficiency, the service needs to improve in making best use of its money. It is already good at making its service affordable in future.
I am pleased at how much progress the service has made in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Now the service should make sure that all senior leaders model and maintain its values. It should also launch a process to identify, develop and support high-potential staff and aspiring leaders.
Overall, I look forward to seeing improvements in the year ahead.