Inspect London Fire Brigade control room operations
That His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (the Inspectorate) inspect the London Fire Brigade as soon as reasonably possible to assess and report on: a) the extent to which the control room is now integrated into the organisation; b) the effectiveness of the arrangements for identifying the training needs of control room staff, delivering effective training and recording its outcomes; c) the effectiveness of the control room generally; d) the ability of the control room to handle a large number of concurrent requests for advice and assistance from people directly affected by fires or other emergencies; and e) the quality and effectiveness of the arrangements for communication between the control room and the incident commander. (113.55)
- HMICFRS published its Round 3 inspection findings for LFB in November 2024, rating LFB "outstanding" for responding to major and multi-agency incidents (HMICFRS London Fire Brigade Inspection Report, November 2024).
- The government's dashboard states HMICFRS is continuing to evaluate whether this recommendation can be formally closed, with the assurance process expected to complete in early 2026 (Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Recommendations Dashboard, MHCLG, updated March 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedHis Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) accepts this recommendation. HMICFRS most recently inspected London Fire Brigade in February 2024 on their effectiveness, efficiency and people management. The findings were published in November 2024. Overall, HMICFRS found that London Fire Brigade had made significant improvements in their performance since their previous inspection in January 2022. London Fire Brigade has improved its understanding of risk, continues to respond quickly to fires and is seen as outstanding in responding to major and multi-agency incidents.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) accepts this recommendation. HMICFRS most recently inspected London Fire Brigade in February 2024 on their effectiveness, efficiency and people management. The findings were published in November 2024. Overall, HMICFRS found that London Fire Brigade had made significant improvements in their performance since their previous inspection in January 2022. London Fire Brigade has improved its understanding of risk, continues to respond quickly to fires and is seen as outstanding in responding to major and multi-agency incidents.
Progress Timeline
HMICFRS inspected LFB in February 2024; findings published November 2024. LFB demonstrated significant improvements since January 2022 inspection, with enhanced risk understanding and outstanding major incident response. The necessary assurance has since taken place, and this recommendation is complete and fully discharged.