The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee reviewed the outcomes of the HMICFRS inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, noting significant improvements and a reduction in areas for improvement. The committee also evaluated the two-year Sanctuary Scheme project, which aims to enhance the safety of domestic abuse victims in their homes, and discussed the committee's work programme for the upcoming year.

HMICFRS Inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue - Progress Update

The committee received an update on the 2026 inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service (LFR) by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). Joe Haustead, Brigade Manager, presented the findings, highlighting that LFR received three 'Good' grades, six 'Adequate' grades, and one 'Requires Improvement' grade. This represents an improvement from the 2023 inspection, which had four 'Requires Improvement' grades. Crucially, for the first time since 2019, no cause of concern was identified, indicating a significant positive shift in the service's performance.

The report also recognised two areas of innovative practice: LFR's work on caravan fire safety following tragic incidents, which involved developing guidance and leading a national working group, and their initiative in establishing Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) to strengthen local resilience, which has gained national recognition.

Despite the overall positive assessment, nine Areas for Improvement (AFIs) were identified. These include ensuring adequate resources for core protection functions, improving firefighters' access to up-to-date information, ensuring the reliability of mobile data terminals (MDTs), preparing for multi-agency responses to terrorist incidents, making better use of innovation for workforce productivity, ensuring staff demonstrate organisational values, providing appropriate facilities at all locations, robust equality impact assessment processes, and confidence in leadership development processes.

Councillor Neil Carey raised concerns about fairness and diversity, to which Joe Haustead responded that LFR is aligned with the National Fire Chiefs' Council (NFCC) codes of conduct and practice, and has implemented measures to improve fairness, transparency in promotion processes, and communication with staff. He acknowledged that more work is needed in this area, which is a generational challenge.

Councillor Raymond John Whitaker questioned what evidence could be provided that residents are materially safer. Joe Haustead explained that the increase in safe and well visits and improved fire safety work with businesses contribute to better outcomes. He also outlined that the implementation of new mobile data terminals and the completion of the risk information project are expected to address key areas for improvement within the next 12 months.

The committee noted the proposed actions and future governance arrangements, and agreed to receive a further update in six months.

Sanctuary Scheme (Target Hardening) Two-Year Project Evaluation and Impact

Jade Thursby, Domestic Abuse Business Manager, presented the evaluation of Lincolnshire's two-year Sanctuary Scheme project. This initiative, established under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, aims to enable households at risk of domestic abuse to remain safely in their own homes through enhanced security measures and support. The project was developed to address inconsistencies in how target hardening was managed across different districts, where victims sometimes had to source and install equipment themselves.

The project established six core principles: victim-centred, accessible, efficient, effective, and impact-led by survivor feedback and evidence. A key development has been the dedicated Domestic Abuse Crime Reduction Tactical Advisor (DACRTA) role within Lincolnshire Police, who conducts specialist visits, provides tailored advice, and installs or demonstrates safety equipment.

The evaluation showed a significant increase in activity, with 548 Sanctuary Visits undertaken across 2024/25 and 2025/26, a 36% increase in the second year. Early victim feedback has been highly positive, with high scores for interaction with the advisor, professionalism, and perceived safety benefits. The scheme has moved from generic equipment distribution to a more tailored approach, considering individual property and victim circumstances.

Councillor Trevor John Bridgwood asked if the scheme was open to male victims, to which Jade Thursby confirmed it is open to all genders, although the proportion of male victims seeking support is lower, and the council plans to increase communication around support for male victims.

The committee noted remaining gaps and risks, including inconsistent data recording, variable implementation across partners, and the need to review capacity against increasing demand. Recommendations for the next phase include embedding countywide consistency, strengthening performance and outcome data, reviewing capacity, deepening victim feedback, and maintaining partnership oversight.

The committee reviewed the findings and supported continued partnership oversight of the Sanctuary Scheme, with a further update planned for May or June.

Community Safety Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Hannah Hunter, Scrutiny Officer, presented the committee's work programme. For the next meeting on 24 November 2026, planned items include pre-decision scrutiny of grant funding to Citizens Advice Lincolnshire, the Scrutiny Committee Performance Framework for Quarter 2, and an update on Trading Standards Animal Health and Welfare and Feed Activity for 2025-2026.

Councillor Karen Elizabeth Lee requested that an update on how the county has coped with flooding be included in the review of the Community Risk Management Plan on 9 March 2027.

The committee agreed to the adjusted work programme.