The Community Safety Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including the Stay Safe Partnership's annual report, progress following the His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, and the Grenfell Tower Phase 1 and 2 reports. The committee approved the planned work programme for 2025 and 2026, subject to the consideration of items discussed.

Stay Safe Partnership Annual Report

The committee reviewed the Stay Safe Partnership's annual report, which provides an overview of the partnership's achievements during the 2024/25 academic year. The Stay Safe Partnership delivers preventative education in schools across Lincolnshire. Claire Newborn, Head of Community Safety, presented the report, highlighting that over 100,000 students and staff benefited from preventative education workshops. The committee agreed that they were assured on the performance and progress made by the Stay Safe Partnership, supported the continued delivery of the project, and requested a further update in 12 months.

The Stay Safe Partnership has been in existence for over 10 years and was commissioned by the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership and the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children's Partnership. The partnership delivers Stay Safe Days to schools, which include a full day of intervention delivered by a range of partners. The interventions are age-appropriate and follow the curriculum. The partnership has also developed an intervention offer to primary schools.

The report noted an increase in disclosures made by students, where children approach staff to disclose issues such as domestic abuse or online exploitation. This information is shared with neighbourhood policing teams and district council community safety colleagues. Councillor Banford, Chief Whip, asked about a spike in disclosures in 2021-22, which the report attributed to the likely impact of Covid. Claire Newborn clarified that there were heightened reports of online harms, such as bullying, as more activities moved online.

Councillor Brockway raised a question about antisocial behaviour and gang recruitment workshops being delivered to year seven students, suggesting that older students in years nine and ten would also benefit. Claire Newborn explained that the decision to deliver the workshops to year seven students was based on experience that showed earlier intervention was more effective.

Councillor Whittaker asked if the Stay Safe offer was open to all schools, including private and religious schools. Claire Newborn confirmed that it was, and that the first two Stay Safe Days are cost-free to schools.

Councillor Robinson raised concerns about a session for year five and six students that included a section on gender identity. She questioned whether parental consent was obtained for such topics. Claire Newborn responded that schools are expected to advise parents that the intervention is taking place.

Councillor Christopher noted the tech savviness of the Stay Safe team and their use of social media platforms to engage with young people.

Councillor Rowe, who had attended a Stay Safe event, congratulated Claire Newborn on the work being done and noted the positive feedback from teachers and students.

HMICFRS Inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Progress Update

The committee reviewed a report providing an overview of the progress against actions following the HMICFRS inspection of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue in 2023, and outlining plans in preparation for the 2025 and 2026 inspection. The committee stated that they were satisfied with the progress made to date and assured on the preparation being undertaken for the 2025-26 inspection.

Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, presented the report, noting that the previous inspection gave the service three 'good', four 'adequate' and four 'requires improvement' gradings. The inspectors had also reported on progress related to areas within values and culture, determining that more work was needed. A follow-up inspection in September 2024 found that the cause of concern had been discharged.

The 2023 report identified 14 areas for improvement, and a service improvement plan was put in place to address these. Mark Baxter reported that all but two areas for improvement had been completely signed off. The remaining areas for improvement relate to succession planning and implementing a specific process to identify, develop and support high-potential staff and aspiring leaders.

The next inspection programme is launching throughout the organisation, including a staff survey. The 10-week inspection programme starts with a physical inspection in January. New areas of focus for the inspectorate include governance, leadership, and community resilience.

Councillor Brockway congratulated Mark Baxter on the work done and asked about opportunities for staff to gain different experiences as part of succession planning. Mark Baxter responded that the service is working to understand people's potential and aspirations, and to ensure that there are no barriers to development.

Councillor Lee asked about the cost of implementing the service improvement plan. Mark Baxter acknowledged that there would be a cost, but that the service was working to ensure that improvements were made in the most effective and efficient way possible.

Grenfell Tower Phase 1-2 Reports and Recommendations to Fire and Rescue Authorities

The committee reviewed a report providing an overview of progress on the recommendations made by Phase 1 and 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Report, and sought assurance on the progress made by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. The committee stated that they were assured on the progress made by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue on the recommendations arising from the reports.

Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer, introduced the report and handed over to Ryan Stacey, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, to present the details. Ryan Stacey explained that following the Grenfell Tower fire¹, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue reviewed the 46 recommendations from the Phase One report and took action to improve public and firefighter safety. After the Phase Two report was published, the service assessed its local impact and appointed a strategic sponsor and tactical lead to manage the gap analysis and develop an action plan.

Significant improvements have been made in fire control, operational training, and operational equipment and procedures. Current priorities include guidance and learning, control rooms, incident command, and organisational learning.

Councillor Smith asked if the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and action plans led to the actions taken with the block of flats on Brayford . The response was no, but that progress was positive and that the service had been in recent correspondence with the building owners.

Councillor Lee reflected on the Grenfell fire and emphasised that it happened because of poor regulation in the building industry, and that the firefighters who responded were heroes.

Councillor Brockway asked about learning from the inquiry and intrinsically safe radios². Ryan Stacey explained that intrinsically safe radios are less likely to generate a spark, but have a shorter range, so the service uses higher power radios as a default.

Councillor Robinson asked about a formal local arrangement with the Water Authority, and how this would be more effective than what is currently available.

Community Safety Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its planned work programme for 2025 and 2026 and considered any additional scrutiny activity. Councillor Banford raised concerns about policing matters not being included in the committee's oversight. Councillor Woodruff responded that there is a specific police and crime panel meeting that deals directly with the Police and Crime Commissioner on policing matters. The committee approved the planned work programme, subject to consideration of some of the items discussed.