Review of progress against recommendations within the Independent Inspection of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Report 2023

In September 2023, following a comprehensive independent inspection, HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland (HMFSI) published a report that examined various aspects of the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS).

As Chief Inspector of HM Fire Service Inspectorate in Scotland, I was honoured to lead this inspection and hoped that the report, and the recommendations contained within it, might act as a roadmap for the Service to follow on its journey of continuous improvement.

While the original report highlighted specific areas for development and raised concerns where necessary, it also acknowledged the strengths of this long-established and highly regarded public service. The inspection team was particularly struck by the openness and engagement of those interviewed. Their enthusiasm and evident pride in their organisation were clear, and this strengthened our commitment to helping the Service identify and address areas of concern. The issues identified were by no means unique to NIFRS.

We believed then—and continue to believe—that with strong leadership, political support, and appropriate financial investment, each of the challenges highlighted could be fully addressed.

Two years after the publication of the original report, I was delighted to be invited by the Department of Health (DoH) to return to NIFRS and review progress against the 11 recommendations contained in the original report. In commissioning, and engaging with, this follow-up review, the Department, the Board, and the Executive Leadership Team of NIFRS, have demonstrated a genuine willingness to share their journey, reflect on their successes, and openly discuss the challenges they have faced—and continue to face—in their efforts to improve the service they provide to the communities they protect. I commend those who made this decision and applaud the efforts of all involved over the past two years.

This inspection review aims to provide an independent assessment of the progress made, the improvements achieved, and the steps that remain. While it may be tempting to focus solely on what is yet to be done, it is equally important to acknowledge the significant progress made and to recognise those who have contributed to it.

NIFRS is a Service that is quite rightly held in high regard. It has protected the communities of Northern Ireland through challenging times, with integrity and honour. It is a Service that has shown a genuine desire to improve.

I sincerely hope that the work carried out by HMFSI will continue to support those tasked with delivering the Service, helping them to build on past successes and to meet future challenges, in order to provide the best possible service to the people of Northern Ireland.

Robert D Scott QFSM
HM Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service