Following on from the Culture Review of Essex Fire & Rescue Service (EFRS) undertaken in March 2015, Sir Ken Knight visited the service for two days in July this year, to establish the amount of progress that had been made so far.

We acknowledge that the work needed to challenge and change the past culture within the service will not happen overnight, which is demonstrated by Sir Ken’s comment contained within the report which states:

‘Anecdotal evidence suggested to me that whilst the Lucas Review had created activity and plans at an Authority and Headquarters level, little has changed at watches and fire stations and some of the unacceptable behaviours remain in place.’

The RFU will continue to play an important role in helping management and elected members to deliver the necessary reform that is needed within the service in Essex and hope other stakeholders will make a similar contribution.

Sir Ken will be returning to EFRS later in the autumn for a further progress update. We will continue to keep members updated with developments.