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25 April 2007
The Audit Commission’s verdict on West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has marked a watershed in the professional career of the county’s fire chief.
West Yorkshire was the only fire and rescue authority in the country to be given the top four-star rating for performance improvement. The Commission also gave glowing praise for the way it delivers front-line services, manages its money and the level to which it gives value for money.
“This is one of the proudest moments in my 33 years’ service,” said Chief Fire Officer Phil Toase.
“The Commission judgement doesn’t just come from a brief inspection but from a series of rigorous audits over many months. Every aspect of the way we do business has been tested.”
Mr. Toase said he wanted to thank every member of staff and the Elected Members of the fire and rescue authority for their hard work and commitment to service modernisation.
“The Commission’s verdict is not a reflection of leadership and management but of effective teamwork at every level,” he explained.
In its Annual Audit and Inspection Letter, the Commission summarises some of West Yorkshire’s key achievements:
- quality services delivered with value for money
- reduced calls to accidental fires and fire-related injuries
- local community education projects
- extensive community consultation
- partnership working
- focus on equality and diversity
- robust planning.
The letter says that when any aspect of performance is off target this is swiftly recognised and remedied.
“The Commission’s national scorecard for England’s 47 fire and rescue authorities show that while some are rising to the challenge of change and placing greater emphasis on fire prevention and community safety, progress is patchy,” said Mr. Toase. “While West Yorkshire has no intention of sitting on any laurels the public can at least be confident that we’re firmly on the right track.”
* West Yorkshire’s firefighters have been helping to drive down preventable fire deaths for the past decade. Nearly 60,000 free home fire safety checks are now carried out every year, with over 90,000 smoke alarms fitted. By 2013 it is hoped to complete initial or return visits to nearly 450,000 households.