THE fire service has improved the diversity of its workforce, a performance review has revealed.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service improved the diversity by 5.8 per cent compared to the five-year average.

The figures were shared at the annual general meeting of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority on June 12.

The authority received some significant papers during its meeting, including the outcome of the community safety plan public consultation and the annual service performance review for 2023-24.

It was also revealed that during 2023-24, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service completed more than 7,700 safe and well visits to vulnerable members of the community, 920 fire safety audits and had 6,800 positive interactions with local businesses.

The average response time, including call handling, to a fire in a sleeping risk premises was nine minutes and 31 seconds against a target of ten minutes.

Chief fire officer, Ben Ansell QFSM said: “It has been a busy and challenging year for the organisation, but staff across the Service have and continue to go above and beyond to help their communities.

“We continue to operate in a challenging financial climate, and we are now faced with some serious and difficult decisions in order to maintain a balanced budget.

"The fantastic staff we have are vital to ensuring we keep our communities safe, whether at home, at work or on our roads.

Also at the meeting, Cllr Paul Oatway QPM was elected as chair of the authority and Cllr Clare Weight, of BCP Council, was elected as vice-chair.

Councillors Laura Beddow and Duncan Sowry-House were welcomed to the authority from Dorset Council.

Cllr Oatway said: “It is a real honour to have been elected as chair of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority and I am grateful to my fellow elected members for their support.

“We know there will continue to be financial challenges for the authority over the coming years, but we have a fantastic fire and rescue service, and I know I speak for all members when I say how proud we are of our staff and the great work they all do.”

Mr Ansell added: "I look forward to working with, and for, Cllrs Oatway, Weight and all members of the fire and rescue authority to ensure we do our utmost to build on the great work that our wonderful staff continue to deliver.”