New Inspection Boost For SYFR
| Published: 1st February 2008 15:31 |
New Inspection Boost For SYFR
South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue (SYFR) has been rated as "improving well" for the second successive year, it was revealed today (Thursday 31st January). The Audit Commission's verdict comes in its annual ‘Direction of Travel' assessment, which reports that SYFR is "improving performance across the board" and "continues to deliver value for money".
The announcement paves the way for the organisation to consider applying for a review of its Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) rating of "weak".
Inspectors have found SYFR to be "improving well" - the second highest of four possible ratings - in both their last two visits, in 2006 and this one in late 2007. Today's report provides renewed evidence of the effectiveness of changes made since a new management team was assembled in 2005. It could also lead to Authority members asking the Audit Commission to assess whether the organisation should be recategorised from "weak" to one of three higher ratings available.
Chief Fire Officer Mark Smitherman said: "We are very pleased to be viewed as an improving organisation and I would like to place on record my thanks to our staff for their tremendous achievements over the last two years. The most important element of this rating is the confidence it gives to our staff and the people of South Yorkshire. It shows we are heading in the right direction and are providing the public with the best service we possibly can."
Cllr Jim Andrews, Chair of South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority, added: "We are pleased to see the findings of the report. It is testament to the hard work performed by everyone in improving the Fire & Rescue Service in South Yorkshire.
"However, we can not be complacent and it is vital that the performance continues to improve and provide value for money to members of the public."
The independent Audit Commission report adds that SYFR has "ambitious plans and targets to further improve performance" and has "high public satisfaction levels".
Copyright South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue
What do you think?
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
