Firefighters to face tougher criminal record checks under government shake-up
New DBS rules to raise fire service standards
The government has unveiled plans to roll out stronger criminal record checks for all fire and rescue staff. Until now, employees only had to pass basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. But fresh legislation introduced on 24 April 2023 will upgrade these to what’s called standard DBS checks for everyone.
Unlike basic checks that reveal only unspent convictions and cautions, standard DBS checks dive deeper. They expose spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings — giving fire chiefs more insight into potential risks.
Why the change? Tackling bullying and boosting trust
The move follows damning findings from a government-commissioned report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), alongside an independent 1 Fire Brigade culture review. Both uncovered serious issues of bullying, harassment and discrimination within fire services.
Fire Minister Chris Philp slammed the “urgent” need for reform. He said:
“Fire reform is urgently needed, and this is a step in the right direction to help raise overall standards and ensure the integrity of fire and rescue services.”
“We want to see a service where everyone is welcome and treated with respect.”
“Stringent criminal record checks will help ensure staff and the public are better protected and is an important part of the change that now needs to happen.”
Fire chiefs to lead the way with new guidance
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), working with the DBS, will soon publish fresh guidance on how these stronger checks should be used. It’s up to individual fire authorities to decide how far to go, but the government is keen this move boosts integrity and curbs risk.
The bigger picture: cracking down on culture issues
These checks are just one part of a wider drive to tighten standards in fire and rescue services. So far, the government has funded:
- The HMICFRS inspection report
- The first-ever fire culture conference via the NFCC
- Development of a new code of ethics
- Resources for Fire Standards covering ethics and safeguarding
All aim to stamp out misconduct and build a trustworthy, respectful fire service for the future.
