Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has become the first in England to receive an outstanding rating from inspectors for how it leads its people. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services published its report on Thursday 18 June, awarding the service outstanding in one area and good across all nine remaining categories.
No formal areas for improvement were identified in the latest assessment, and inspectors confirmed that five weaknesses flagged during the previous inspection in 2023 have all been resolved. The service’s leadership development programme drew particular praise, with inspectors noting that leaders actively listened to and acted on staff feedback to create a positive workplace culture. Chief Fire Officer Alex Waller described the findings as a reflection of the hard work and dedication shown every day.
The report marks Cheshire’s fourth overall assessment and its third consecutive inspection under the current effectiveness, efficiency and people framework. Since 2023, the service has improved how it gathers and records risk information, a change that better protects firefighters, the public and property during emergencies. It also uses sophisticated computer software alongside multiple duty systems to maximise fire cover and deliver prevention and protection work across the county, including Macclesfield.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services, Michelle Skeer, said the service should be congratulated for its excellent performance and highlighted its work to identify future leaders and train managers to handle team performance as national good practice. Cheshire Fire Authority Chair Councillor Stef Nelson added that the independent verification offers residents real reassurance about the quality of their local fire cover.
The full findings are available on the HMICFRS website. Macclesfield households lie within a service area that is currently the only one in the active inspection programme to receive no formal areas for improvement.
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