North Yorkshire fire chiefs say “enormous progress” has been made on staffing issues following criticism from inspectors.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) raised concerns about North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a report published in January 2023.
Workforce planning was one of the areas criticised following the inspection, with ineffective systems and processes identified.
The issues within the service meant 42 per cent of leadership positions and 45 firefighter posts were held by temporary post holders at their peak.
Inspectors revisited later that year and said progress had been made, with the issues around staffing no longer a cause of concern.
Service chiefs say the improvements have continued since then, with a wholetime firefighter recruitment campaign in 2023/24 resulting in 18 firefighters joining the 13-week training course in April 2024 and an additional 17 on-call firefighters moving into a wholetime role.
In total, the service received 808 applications.
Of these, 11 per cent were from women and 9.4 per cent were from an ethnic minority.
A new on-call station manager role has been created, while improvements on on-call recruitment have also been made.
These include analysis of catchment areas for on-call stations to aid recruitment, targeted leaflet drops and ‘have a go’ days.
Jo Coles, North Yorkshire deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, said:
“Back in 2023, fire and rescue services inspectors raised concerns about North Yorkshire workforce planning.
“Since then, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have made enormous progress and as a result of recent recruitment campaigns and promotion panels, the number of temporary contracts in operational roles has been reduced significantly. This is really welcome progress.
“Recruitment and retention in a rural fire service area like North Yorkshire will always be challenging because of our reliance on on-call firefighters but Mayor David Skaith and I are determined to do all we can to keep our region safe, including providing the best possible incentives to those working for our fire service, whether it’s in a full time role, on-call or as a volunteer.”
It is hoped the service will benefit from new nationally agreed contracts for on-call firefighters, which came into effect in January.
A report said previous on-call contracts were very rigid and required “incredible levels of commitment”.
In the last year, 52 new on-call firefighters had joined the service while 45 had left.
The public will be given an update on recruitment and retention within the service at a public meeting on Thursday, April 14 at 2.30pm.
Visit www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk for more details.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university
First look at Ripon Workhouse Museum after £2.8million refurb
