Hartlepool's fire brigade praised for 'marvellous work' after inspection of crews' efforts through Covid-19 pandemic

In August 2020, the Home Secretary commissioned an inspection into how fire and rescue services in England were responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was carried out by HMICFRS (Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services) and Cleveland Fire Authority has now received an update on how the area did.

Ian Hayton, chief fire officer at Cleveland Fire Brigade, reported to the fire authority executive committee the inspection was an ‘excellent reflection’ of the service and showed ‘they were still one of the best in the country’.

In summary, the inspectorate found the brigade ‘adapted and responded to the pandemic effectively by prioritising the health, safety and wellbeing of both its own staff and the community’.

Mr Hayton said: “My summary certainly would be the report is an excellent reflection in relation to the brigade.

“It demonstrates that this authority is still one of the top performing services in the country and that we have demonstrated the professionalism, dedication and hard work that our staff do to make a difference to the lives of our community, which is our driving focus.”

He added the findings could be summarised around eight bullet points, in which the fire brigade and the authority came across well in.

This included stating it had ‘good governance’ in adapting its pandemic flu plan and business continuity arrangements into a Covid pandemic plan.

Mr Hayton also noted it showed they carried out all their statutory responsibilities and work at all times.

He said: “There was a recognition that we did not at any stage suspend either prevention, protection or response arrangements, that some other services and authorities did.

“That staff wellbeing was a clear priority for senior leaders and actually we promoted wellbeing services throughout the period.”

He noted the report also found the brigade engaged with partners, including local authorities, the NHS and the ambulance trust, and contributed where possible.

It also noted the fire authority ‘managed well’ in relation to its financial position, which included the brigade receiving £587,000 of extra Government funding to support the response.

Mr Hayton added it showed members of the fire authority were actively engaged with during the pandemic, and finally that staff have adapted to new ways of working, particularly home working.

Cllr Luke Frost, Stockton-on-Tees Council representative on the fire authority, praised the findings of the report, adding the areas of focus going forward are also welcome.

He said: “The report is positive and highlights the marvellous work we have done throughout this pandemic and which we continue to do, doing everything we can to support the most vulnerable within society.

“Within the report there are three focus areas set out by the inspectorate and I believe that these are mostly welcome from what I can see, it’s to help us to be more efficient and as effective as possible.”

Mr Hayton added it is a ‘really positive report’ but there are always things to learn, and they will continue to look to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

He said: “We are a learning organisation and we will move those issues forward.”

He concluded by stating the inspection report will be looked at again in more detail at the Cleveland Fire Authority meeting next month.

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