Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service needs "investment and modernisation"

An independent report is calling for major investment and modernisation in Guernsey's Fire and Rescue Service.

In October 2025, a team of senior fire and rescue professionals and local government officials from the UK, Jersey, Isle of Man and Gibraltar carried out a review of Guernsey's Fire & Rescue Service (GFRS).

The report, published today (10 February), found that GFRS is a respected and professional organisation, staffed by dedicated personnel who play a vital role in keeping the Bailiwick safe.

The 'Peer Challenge' report also includes 15 recommendations, with a key focus on the need for sustained investment and modernisation, to ensure the GFRS can continue to meet the evolving needs of  the Bailiwick.

Recommendations include securing stainable investment:

• The creation of a Community Risk Management Plan to identify and prioritise risk. 

• The urgent modernisation of the Fire Services (Guernsey) Law 1989 to reflect contemporary operational realities and ensure GFRS has the legal clarity and powers needed to protect the community.

• A clearer and more formal understanding of the professional relationship between the Chief Fire Officer and the Committee for Home Affairs. This is to ensure accountability of public services while also allowing the Chief Fire Officer operational independence when discharging his legal duties.

• Consideration of key operational strategies to ensure we are highly effective and make best use of our resources. 

• Ensuring we work with partners and examine the fire service’s operational resilience for handling island wide risk and emergencies, particularly ones that may involve response over many days rather than a few hours.

• The development of a People Strategy to promote diversity, succession planning and leadership development within the Service.

Chief Fire Officer Les Britzman welcomed the findings and thanked the review team.

"The team put a lot of effort into meeting with all the Fire and Rescue team, blue light and other agency partners as well as teams within the States of Guernsey to fully understand the role the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service plays in the Bailiwick.

“It is my view that our teams are our greatest asset, and their commitment to public safety is second to none. It is good to see this reflected in the report.

"Equally, it is helpful to identify clear areas for us to focus on now, and with the support of the States of Guernsey, I look forward to implementing the recommendations and building on our strong foundations to deliver the best possible service to Guernsey and Herm.”

President of the Committee for Home Affairs, Deputy Marc Leadbeater, says the review will offer good guidance going forward.

“This report is testament to the professionalism and commitment of the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, and we should all be grateful as islanders to know they are ready to help us in an emergency.

"I am proud that the Service’s reputation and the trust it enjoys across the Bailiwick is highlighted by the LGA, and the recommendations provide a clear direction for strengthening the Service further, ensuring it remains resilient, innovative, and ready to meet the challenges of the 
future.”