The Department of Health Has Published the Findings of Northern
Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Nifrs) Follow-up Inspection by
His Majesty's Fire Service Inspectorate Hmfsi).
The Inspection Led by Hm Chief Inspector of the Scottish Fire
& Rescue Service, Robert Scott Qfsm Reported Significant
Progress Across Nifrs Since the Independent Review Was Carried
out in 2022–23.
Health Minister Said: The Findings of
This Inspection Are Hugely Encouraging and Highlights That Nifrs
Has Made Clear and Substantial Progress, with Strong Leadership,
Improved Governance and a Renewed Focus on Professional
Standards.
Under the Leadership of Aidan Jennings, Nifrs Is Demonstrating
Real Commitment to Modernisation and Public Protection. The
Progress Made to Date Is Substantial and I Commend the Commitment
and Expertise of Its Personnel Who Continue to Serve All
Communities Across Northern Ireland. Nifrs Is a Service That We
Should Be Proud of.”
Nifrs Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Aidan Jennings
Said: “following the Hmfsi Comprehensive Independent
Inspection of Nifrs, Published in September 2023, We Have Made
Positive Progress Across Our Service in Progressing Its
Recommendations and It Is Pleasing to See That This Has Been
Recognised by the Inspector. This Progress Would Not Have Been
Achievable Without the Support of the Department of Health, Nifrs
Board and in Particular Our People, Whose Passion and Drive Is
Evident to Me Every Day and in Every Part of Our Team Across
Northern Ireland. I Thank Them for Their Support, for the Work
They Do Each Day and for Their Desire to See Sustained and
Continuous Improvement of Our Service.
There Remains Much Work to Do in Delivering Our Service,
Including a Number of Areas Specific to the Hmfsi
Recommendations. I Am Confident That with Continued Political and
Financial Support We Have the Vision, Ambition and Skills at
Nifrs to Deliver the Best Service Possible to the Citizens of
Northern Ireland."
The Department Commissioned Hmfsi to Inspect Nifrs During 2022–23
When the Service Faced Significant Operational Challenges,
Including Post-covid Pressures, Reduced Support Capacity and a
Constrained Financial Environment. Eleven Recommendations Were
Issued at That Time, Nine for Nifrs and Two for the Department's
Public Safety Unit.
A Follow-up Inspection Was Requested in October 2025 and Hmfsi
Has Now Confirmed Notable Improvements. Leadership Stability Has
Strengthened Through Substantive Senior, Middle and Supervisory
Level Appointments and a Restructuring at Middle Manager Roles,
with the Introduction of Station Managers on Each of Nifrs
Stations. Hmfsi Has Reported a More Collaborative Organisational
Culture, a Clearer Focus on Risk and Stronger Alignment Between
Executive Leadership, the Board and the Department.
Progress Has Also Been Made in Digital Modernisation Towards the
Replacement of Key Corporate and Command Systems, Alongside the
Publication of a Comprehensive Community Risk Management Plan and
Dedicated Work to Align Operational Policy and Practice with
National Operational Guidance. The Opening of the New Learning
and Development College in Cookstown Represents a Major
Improvement in Training Capacity Supported by Significant
Departmental Investment, with Further Work Underway to Develop
Strategy and Instructor Capacity.
The Department Continues to Work on a Formal Fire and Rescue
Framework to Strengthen Strategic Clarity, Accountability and
Alignment with Wider Programme for Government Outcomes. Work Is
Also Advancing to Establish an Independent Inspection and
Assurance Arrangement to Provide Ongoing External Scrutiny of
Nifrs Beyond Previous Models.
While some Recommendations Remain Outstanding Due to Resource
Pressures, Hmfsi Notes That the Direction of Travel Is Positive
and Supported by Effective Partnership Working Between Nifrs and
the Department. Continued Political and Financial Support Will Be
Important to Sustaining Momentum.
Notes to Editors:
- The Report Can Be Read At Www.Health-ni.Gov.Uk/publications/nifrs-hmfsi-2025-report
