HMICFRS revisit outlines governance concerns
HMICFRS has issued a revisit letter on the progress made by Shropshire fire and rescue service following governance concerns raised in 2024.
The inspectorate reported that its 2024 inspection identified a cause of concern with internal governance and resulted in five recommendations for improvement.
According to HMICFRS, the service produced an action plan in October 2024 and a revisit was carried out in July 2025 to assess progress.
The letter was sent by Kathryn Stone OBE, His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and of Fire and Rescue Services, to Chief Fire Officer Simon Hardiman.
It stated that while progress has been made, governance systems and processes remain relatively new and require sustained improvement.
Oversight arrangements under review
HMICFRS explained that the service has revised its internal meeting framework, added risk oversight to senior team discussions, and recruited a portfolio manager to strengthen strategic oversight.
The inspectorate said that work on new performance and health indicators has been delayed but completion is expected by March 2026.
It added that oversight structures are in place but some updates provided to the fire authority were considered too brief.
According to the letter, the service must improve the robustness of its governance to address barriers and provide fuller reporting to the authority.
Corporate risk register progress
The inspectorate reported that Shropshire fire and rescue service has developed a new corporate risk register and aligned meeting structures to monitor risks.
HMICFRS noted that senior managers and fire authority members have received training on risk awareness.
The organisation said that the new register is still at an early stage and needs to be embedded across the service to ensure long-term effectiveness.
It confirmed that the service is on track to meet its July 2026 deadline for this recommendation.
Performance management systems
According to HMICFRS, the service has published a new community risk management plan and introduced aligned departmental and station plans.
It has also provided mandatory training for managers on performance management and revised development programmes for middle and senior leaders.
The inspectorate said delays to new corporate performance indicators have slowed progress, but the service remains confident of completing this work by March 2026.
It added that timelines have been extended in some cases, but staff development reviews and mandatory training have already been implemented.
Data and analysis concerns
HMICFRS highlighted that the service has more work to complete on accurate data and analysis for performance management than on any other recommendation.
The inspectorate reported that the service has set a December 2028 deadline for this work.
It noted that the retirement of the ICT manager delayed progress, but steps have been taken including drafting a digital strategy, reviewing ICT structures, and securing external support for cyber security.
The letter added that collaboration with West Midlands Fire Service is being explored, but the current timeframe has not been sufficiently prioritised.
The inspectorate said that this area remains central to the service’s improvement plans and requires greater focus.
Finance and risk reporting
According to HMICFRS, Shropshire fire and rescue service has made progress in strengthening financial reporting and risk oversight.
The service has appointed a deputy chief fire officer, introduced a new authority reporting process, and strengthened statutory officer provision.
The inspectorate reported that deadlines for this area have been extended from April 2025 to September 2025.
It said that new appointments, including a project management officer and a head of resources, are expected to support further progress.
HMICFRS concluded that the service must continue reviewing internal and external project reporting to fully meet the recommendation.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The letter demonstrates how HMICFRS monitors governance, risk and performance in UK fire services.
It shows that governance structures and action planning are central to building resilience in organisational management.
The findings also highlight the importance of accurate data and effective reporting systems for accountability to fire authorities.
For fire and safety professionals, the update provides insight into how inspection findings can shape governance reforms and resource planning.
Shropshire fire and rescue service governance progress reviewed: Summary
HMICFRS has published a letter on Shropshire fire and rescue service progress.
The letter follows a revisit carried out between 21 and 24 July 2025.
It reviews progress against an action plan submitted in October 2024.
The action plan responded to governance concerns identified in the 2024 inspection.
HMICFRS reported improvements to governance, oversight, and risk management.
It said some performance and data improvements are delayed until 2026 and 2028.
The inspectorate noted that finance reporting deadlines have been extended to September 2025.
It stated that most systems developed are new and need to be embedded.
HMICFRS will continue monitoring as part of the 2025–27 inspection cycle.