West Midlands Fire and Rescue Authority is set to establish a Corporate Governance Improvement Board, underpinning its commitment to strong and effective governance of West Midlands Fire Service.

Subject to approval at the next full meeting of WMFRA on 17 February 2025, the board will provide oversight, challenge, and support to the authority as it considers any improvements identified following ongoing inspections and reviews.

In October, Wendy Morton, Conservative MP for Aldridge-Brownhills called for an inquiry into the fire authority, say there was clear "deep rooted and troubling problems". This followed the interim chief executive Oliver Lee resigning, publicly allegeding WMFRA's governance lacked "courage, transparency, care and honesty" with the Chair of the Fire authority also resigning.

Mr Lee was appointed to the role following the death of the fire service's previous chief, Wayne Brown, in January 2024. Mr Brown's death came shortly after the fire service confirmed he was being investigated for claims made on social media about his qualifications for the role.

Ben Brook was appointed in the wake of Mr Lee's departure but resigned just four days after taking the job. The role has no been taken on by Simon Tuhill, the ex-deputy fire chief for Northamptonshire, who pledged to bring stability to the service.

In addition, an inspection was commissioned by the Home Office in December.

The board will be independently chaired and include a mix of elected WMFRA members and external experts in governance, finance, and fire and rescue leadership. A preliminary governance review, led by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) and funded by the LGA, will inform the board’s work.

This review will assess existing policies, interview key personnel, and provide recommendations on governance arrangements.

The board will also support the authority to deliver against any recommendations made as part of the forthcoming Best Value Inspection, commissioned by the Home Office in December 2024.

Cllr Cathy Bayton, Chair of WMFRA, said: “At the heart of West Midlands Fire Service are the dedicated firefighters, control room staff and support teams who serve our communities with professionalism and dedication every day.

"We are determined that their vital work is complemented by effective leadership and governance. The board will bring valuable external scrutiny and expertise, helping us to develop and strengthen our approach where necessary.

"We hope our communities take reassurance from this positive step.”

Cllr Wendy Maples, Chair of the LGA Fire Services Management Committee, said: “Good governance is essential to good service provision, so the establishment of this board by WMFRA will benefit communities, councils and firefighters.

“It is clear that WMFRA are serious about addressing previous governance challenges positively and in providing excellent fire and rescue services.

“We will continue to collaborate with WMFRA as this board settles in and provide support to the officers to ensure they can deliver their work to the highest standard.”

The board will begin its work in Spring 2025, meeting regularly to oversee progress. Its work will be reported quarterly at public WMFRA meetings.