The governance model for Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) provides a clear framework for decision making. However, the model does not ensure that those who are responsible for governing these important bodies reflect the specialist nature of their work.

Fire and Rescue Authorities are responsible for providing key services, including:

• promoting fire safety
• fire-fighting
• responding to road traffic accidents
• dealing with other prescribed emergencies.

All members of FRAs are councillors, nominated by their host authority. Whilst this recognises the importance of community representation, there is a risk that the elected members who are nominated do not have the skills and knowledge that reflect the specialist nature of the sector and its important role in community safety.

Coupled with a relatively high turnover rate of members, this means that FRAs need to provide significant training to members to enable them to undertake their roles. However, we found that training and development activity is limited – for example, it is not always informed by members’ needs. We also found that the understanding of key roles and responsibilities within the governance structure is not always demonstrated in practice.

The national review, which was part of the Auditor General’s 2023-24 local government studies programme, focused on the governance arrangements across the three Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales – North Wales, South Wales and Mid & West Wales. Our review considered five key elements:

• the clarity and appropriateness of governance structures;
• key functions and responsibilities within these structures;
• governance culture;
• infrastructure to support effective governance, and
• arrangements to review and strengthen the effectiveness of governance.