Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service: Progress against cause of concern 2021
Background
During our inspection of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and Isle of Wight FRS in 2018, before the services combined in April 2021, we identified as a cause of concern that they didn’t do enough to be an inclusive employer.
In 2019, a single action plan was submitted by the fire and rescue services to HMICFRS for how these recommendations would be completed. In July 2020, the plan was formally reported to and closed by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority and Isle of Wight Council. It was then forwarded to HMICFRS in December 2020, along with supporting documents that set out how these causes of concern are being addressed.
We have reviewed the documents submitted, alongside other recent inspection evidence from our COVID-19 inspection in October 2020. This evidence review was carried out during January and February 2021. It was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
This letter summarises our findings.