The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority scheduled a meeting to discuss performance management, contract procedure rules, health and safety, and an update from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services¹ (HMICFRS). The meeting was due to take place at The Oculus, Buckinghamshire Council in Aylesbury.

HMICFRS Update

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority was scheduled to receive an update on the HMICFRS BFRS 2023-2025 report, which was published on 19 October 2023. The report detailed the HMICFRS's inspection findings following their visit in May and June 2023, which led to three causes of concern and 26 areas for improvement.

The report pack included an update on the service's progress against the HMICFRS's areas for improvement, noting that 24 had been completed and two were on track. The report also noted that HMICFRS had released their 3rd Annual State of Fire and Rescue report on 5 November 2025, highlighting Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for having successfully resolved all previous causes of concern.

The report pack also noted that HMICFRS had shared the initial Fire and Rescue Services Inspection Programme for 2025–2027, with Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service scheduled to be among the first fourteen services inspected. As part of the inspection, HMICFRS were scheduled to conduct a document request in January 2026, and interviews, desktop reviews and focus groups in February and March 2026.

Standing Orders Relating to Contracts

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority was scheduled to consider updated Standing Orders Relating to Contracts, incorporating Contract Procedure Rules. The report pack stated that the proposed amendments reflected a significant update in line with the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, and repeals the Public Contract Regulations 2015, the Concessions Contract Regulations 2016 and the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016, to become the law that regulates procurement in the UK.

The report pack stated that the proposed amendments incorporated detailed procedural guidance and enhanced compliance and transparency measures, aiming to improve the efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness of the Authority's procurement activities. The report pack also summarised key updates contained in the Procurement Act 2023, including:

• Simplified procurement procedures, with two competitive tendering options: the open procedure and the competitive flexible procedure.
• A new Central Digital Platform, consisting of an enhanced version of Find a Tender² and a new supplier information system.
• Greater scrutiny for assessing suppliers, including sub-contractors.
• Mandatory contract management requirements for contracts above £5 million, including at least 3 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and annual performance reporting.

The report pack also detailed changes to the Contract Procedure Rules to reflect the Procurement Act 2023, including updates to basic principles, responsibilities of officers, partnership agreements and exemptions. The report pack stated that below-threshold contracts would not be subject to the same rules as above-threshold procurements, giving the Authority greater flexibility.

Health and Safety Annual Report 2024-25

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority was scheduled to note the Health and Safety Annual Report for 2024-25, covering the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The report pack included a statistical overview, information on protecting against contaminants, training investment, and improved safety and compliance.

The report pack noted that the safety event statistics for the year 2024/25 identified a 21.9% increase in the number of accident/injuries, but a 25.5% decrease in the number of vehicle damage incidents. It also detailed measures taken to protect against contaminants, including the purchase of air quality monitoring devices and the issuing of personal towels and Personal Items Kit Bags to staff. The report pack stated that the Service had embedded core health and safety related training into Career Pathways, and had implemented a range of measures to enhance compliance with the Dangerous Substances, Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 at all sites with Diesel and LPG tanks.

Performance Management – Q2 2025/26

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority was scheduled to note the Performance Management report for the second quarter of 2025/26. The report pack detailed 53 specific performance measures split across the Service's six objectives, as defined in the 2025-2030 community risk management plan (CRMP):

• Reducing risk and keeping our community safe
• Protecting people from the risk in the built environment
• Responding quickly and effectively to emergencies
• An Inclusive, healthy and engaged workforce
• Making the most of our finances and assets
• Optimising our technology and data

The report pack included highlighted measures such as objective & half year review, bank shifts, availability - on call, and social media engagement. It also included detailed statistics on home fire safety visits, accidental dwelling fires, deliberate primary and secondary fires, fire safety audits, non-domestic property fires, response times, appliance availability, staff numbers, absence, training, grievances, disciplinaries, complaints, compliments, and financial performance.