In this second and final episode of Policing TV’s Police and Crime Panels series, joined once again by John Gili-Ross — this time to explore the governance of fire services within combined Police, Fire and Crime Panels.

Focusing on Essex, the first region in England and Wales to transition to this integrated model, John shares practical insights into what that change involved, what it meant for panel workload, and how it’s shaped the way fire and rescue services are governed today.

Takeaways

• Essex became the first area to combine police and fire governance under one commissioner.
• The transition was smooth due to strong collaboration and preparation.
• Panels retained their role in scrutinising and supporting the commissioner across both services.
• Combining governance improved integration and addressed cultural issues in fire services.
• Funding for fire services is not always secure, requiring responsible governance.
• Panel workload remained manageable with structured planning and workshops.
• Site visits and informal engagement deepened panel understanding of frontline needs.
• Only 5 out of 41 panels in England and Wales have integrated fire responsibilities.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Police and Fire Panels
02:01 Transition to Combined Commissioner Responsibility
05:02 Challenges and Workload of the Panel
07:37 Cultural Changes in Fire and Rescue Services
09:50 Engagement and Expertise in Fire Operations

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