FRSA Welcomes Landmark Government Commitment to Firefighter Health and Wellbeing

The Fire and Rescue Services Association (FRSA) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a new Firefighters’ Concordat on Health and Wellbeing, describing it as a significant and long-overdue step forward in protecting those who serve on the frontline.

The Concordat will introduce a coordinated, national approach to firefighter health, including regular and consistent health screening for all firefighters, alongside increased investment in research into the long-term risks associated with the profession.

Firefighters routinely face hazardous environments, exposure to contaminants, and significant physical and mental demands. Despite this, the long-term health impacts of the role have historically been under-researched and inconsistently monitored.

The Government’s commitment to prioritising prevention, early diagnosis, and ongoing support represents a major shift towards recognising and addressing these risks.

For many years, we have called for:

• • • Greater recognition of the unique health risks firefighters face
    • Consistent, nationwide health monitoring
    • A stronger evidence base to inform long-term support

This announcement signals clear progress in all three areas.

Working in Partnership

As a member of the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on Fire and Rescue Reform, the FRSA will play an active role in shaping and delivering this programme of work.

We are committed to working constructively with Government, fire and rescue services, employers, and other representative bodies to ensure that:

• • • The programme delivers meaningful and lasting improvements
    • The voices and experiences of firefighters are fully reflected
    • The approach is practical, evidence-led, and consistently applied

Tristan Ashby, Chief Executive Officer of the FRSA, said:

“The FRSA strongly welcomes this development as an important milestone for firefighter welfare.

Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public, often facing risks that are not fully understood until years later.

This announcement represents a significant and long-overdue step forward in recognising those risks and taking meaningful action to address them.

We particularly welcome the commitment to regular health screening and increased research, which are essential to improving long-term outcomes for firefighters.

Through our role on the Ministerial Advisory Group, the FRSA will work closely with Government and partners to ensure this programme delivers real, lasting benefits for firefighters both during their service and long after they leave it.”

ENDS