'It'll take a lot of work but we're getting to grips with problems' says struggling West Midlands Fire Service
A governance improvement plan for the struggling West Midlands Fire Service Authority (WMFRA) is due to be discussed by councillors today (Monday, June 16).
A review of the brigade's management is currently being carried out by a Corporate Governance Improvement Board (CGIB) to tackle "significant weaknesses" in its governance after a turbulent year which included the death of former chief officer Wayne Brown, who took his own life in January of 2024.
The review followed a report by external auditors Grant Thornton which identified significant weaknesses including breaches in the process of suspension of a senior officer in May 2024; failure to follow the correct procedures in the appointment of a senior officer earning in excess of £100,000 a year; failure to comply with its responsibilities in checking out the educational qualifications of Mr Brown; and the postponement of an Audit and Risk Committee including a key recommendation.
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As a result an improvement plan compiled by Ed Hammond, deputy chief executive of the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CFGS), will be considered at a special meeting of the authority today.
Fire authority chairperson and Dudley councillor Cathryn Bayton said: "The report also builds on the findings of our external auditors, which we have taken significant strides to address in recent months. The CGIB Improvement Plan is a great opportunity for the authority to strengthen how it works and enhance its decision-making and scrutiny capacity.
"Ed Hammond’s report highlights several important learnings. It identifies some of the significant challenges the authority faced in 2024, as well as some longer-term matters to be addressed. It also recognises numerous ‘areas of emerging strength and capability’ – a positive indication that we are taking steps in the right direction.
Zoe Billingham, who chairs the improvement board and is a former Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue, added: “The plan is robust, and will take a lot of work to implement, but I’m pleased that the authority and service are gripping these matters. The board and I look forward to supporting the implementation of the plan, and to ensuring local communities see the necessary improvements.”
The brigade's chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill said despite challenging times, he was confident that crews would continue to provide "great service" to the community.
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