Developing a New College of Fire and Rescue - Consultation Survey

On 15 June 2017, in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy at Grenfell Tower, the then Prime Minister announced there would be a public inquiry to examine the cause and establish the facts surrounding the fire.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which was chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, was split into two parts. The first phase examined the events that took place on the night of the fire, including how the fire started, how it spread and the emergency services’ response. Evidence was gathered through a seven-month hearing in 2018, and the findings were published in October 2019. The Phase 1 report made 44 recommendations to fire and rescue services (FRSs), other emergency services and government, particularly relating to the building and fire safety sectors, in order to remedy the failings identified.[1]

The second phase of the Inquiry examined how the building was so seriously exposed to the risk of fire, the adequacy and role of fire safety legislation and building regulations, and the response in the first seven days after the fire. The Phase 2 report was published in September 2024, and the full government response was published in February 2025.[2]

The Inquiry identified a number of institutional failings in the fire and rescue service. The Phase 2 report identified potential improvements to be made in relation to the training offer for firefighters and control room staff, approaches to training and assessing incident commanders, implementing lessons learned from previous incidents, and ensuring control room staff are effectively integrated into services.

The Phase 2 report made a total of 58 recommendations to address the Inquiry’s findings. One recommendation was for the government to establish an independent national College of Fire and Rescue; a central body equipped to provide education and training across the board to nationally approved standards. In its response to the report, the government accepted the recommendation in principle and announced its intention to consult on the most appropriate functions, structure and delivery model for the college. This consultation seeks views on these questions to inform the college’s design.

The government’s 2024 manifesto committed to working with fire and rescue sector partners to inform policy. To deliver this we established the Ministerial Advisory Group on Fire and Rescue Reform (MAGFRR). Bringing together sector leaders and partners, the group has developed a shared vision for a reformed fire and rescue sector and endorsed four reform priorities for government during this Parliament, including the College of Fire and Rescue.

In March 2025, a task and finish group (TFG) dedicated to the College of Fire and Rescue was established through the MAGFRR. The TFG brings together sector leaders and experts from within and beyond the MAGFRR to develop proposals on the form and functions of the college.

The TFG met on seven occasions between March 2025 and the launch of this consultation, undertaking focused sessions on the college’s potential functions, delivery models and funding options. The proposals in this consultation have been closely informed by TFG members’ collective advice and guidance.

Although responsibility for fire and rescue is devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we are keen to explore whether and how the college’s outputs could be accessible to fire and rescue sector organisations and staff outside England. We have engaged extensively with our colleagues in the devolved nations, and will continue to do so as we shape the design and implementation of the college.

References in this consultation to an independent national College of Fire and Rescue relate to the establishment of a new, sector‑specific body focused on professional development, training, standards and research for the fire and rescue sector. The proposed College of Fire and Rescue would be distinct from the further education sector.