South Wales Fire and Rescue Service inspection commission: Terms of reference

Background

Following the publication of the independent report by Fenella Morris KC on the culture and values of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 3 January 2024, the Welsh Government used its powers of direction under sections 29(5) and (6) of the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009. It removed the elected members from the governance functions of the fire authority and appointed four commissioners.

The commissioners are responsible for making sure the recommendations from the independent review, and from other thematic reviews by the fire adviser to the Welsh Government, are fully implemented where possible. They are also responsible for making sure that these recommendations are implemented in a way that can be sustained.

Purpose

On 4 July 2024, the commissioners asked HM Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services for assistance, in line with powers under Schedule A3 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, in carrying out a full inspection of the efficiency and effectiveness of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. This document sets out the proposed terms of reference for this inspection activity.

Inspection

We developed our current inspection methodology for fire and rescue services in England, so we will consider and apply appropriate adjustments for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

We will assess:

• the operational service it provides to the public, including the effectiveness of its prevention, protection and response activities;
• its efficiency, including how well it provides value for money, allocates resources to match risk and collaborates with other emergency services; and
• how well the service looks after its people, including promoting service values and culture, training its staff and making sure they have the skills they need, ensuring fairness and diversity in the workforce, and developing leadership and service capability.

We will identify any areas for improvement and causes of concern in these areas, and will provide recommendations to address them. We will also highlight any areas of promising and innovative practice, where appropriate.

The report will be ready for publication in spring 2025.

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South Wales Fire and Rescue Service inspection commission: Terms of reference