NFCC welcomes Fire Minister’s vision for Fire and Rescue Services

During a live virtual address, Norris set out four key priorities for the Government as follows:

*providing strategic direction to the sector by revising the National Framework and putting in place an improved process for reporting to Parliament

*establishing a new College of Fire and Rescue with the functions and capabilities to meet the sector’s needs

*driving productivity by identifying Best Practice, supporting workforce development and reviewing statutory duties where change may be needed

*seizing opportunities for devolution and local Government reorganisation to improve governance, accountability and delivery

Norris confirmed that the Ministerial Advisory Group, itself formed of partners from across the sector, would be central to delivering these reforms.

The NFCC welcomed the Government’s praise for national resilience capabilities and the work of the National Resilience and International Search and Rescue teams. These, said Norris, show the “collective character” of Fire and Rescue Services and the best of the UK on the global stage.

Norris also offered clear support for the hosting of the World Fire Congress in London in 2026, underlining the UK Fire and Rescue Service sector’s growing global influence.

Workforce and culture

On workforce and culture, Norris emphasised that people are the Fire and Rescue Service’s greatest asset. He acknowledged the significant work led by the NFCC in this area, including the launch of the Core Code of Ethics and the creation of the People, Culture and Leadership Hub, but made clear that further progress is needed.

The Fire Minister also addressed building safety, reiterating the Government’s commitment that new housing must never come at the cost of safe homes. He confirmed the laying of regulations for Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with disability groups and the Grenfell families.

While acknowledging ongoing work around the Spending Review, Norris pledged to return to sector leaders in the near future with further detail on the outcome for Fire and Rescue Services.

Value and contribution

NFCC chair Phil Garrigan said: “We are really pushing decision-makers to recognise the huge value and contribution of our Fire and Rescue services, so we welcome the Minister’s commitment to work in collaboration with us to drive improvements in our sector. We also welcome his appreciation of the growing challenges the sector faces and his recognition of the need to strengthen the infrastructure that supports Fire and Rescue Services to deliver better outcomes more consistently.”

Garrigan continued: “I want to echo the Minister’s strong emphasis on culture and leadership, the recognition that our people are our greatest asset and the need to do more to see improvements in culture.”

Further, Garrigan noted: “Fire and Rescue Services demonstrate professionalism, compassion and integrity every day, both at home and internationally. The Minister’s recognition of the collective character of our workforce is important and welcome.”

In conclusion, Garrigan observed: “As we move forward, it’s vital that Fire and Rescue Services are properly valued and don’t become the forgotten Emergency Service. We remain committed to working with the Government to ensure the sector continues to evolve and meet the needs of our communities.”

*Further information is available online at www.nfcc.org.uk