HM Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Zoë Billingham said:
"Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is doing a very good job of keeping people safe from fire and other risks. I am pleased to report that the services is performing well across the three areas of our inspection. This is an excellent result and testament to the hard work of the service.
"The service has a good understanding of the nature and level of risk it faces. It collates information from a variety of sources and uses this to improve its understanding of the regional risk profile. It has in place a comprehensive integrated risk management plan.Emergency response is also good. Using an effective system of dynamic mobilisation, in addition to well-trained control room staff, the service is able to quickly send the most appropriate response to any emergency.
"However, the service does need to improve its approach to fire prevention. While it carries out a range of preventative measures such as safer home visits, it needs to do more to ensure that these are all properly evaluated and quality assured.
"We found that the service is generally efficient in its management of resources. It has a medium-term financial plan, driven by its integrated risk management plan, in place. The service has improved efficiency through collaboration arrangements with external organisations, as well as better use of technology.
"I was pleased to find that the service is also good at looking after its workforce. It has a range of policies to guide and assist members of staff. It takes the wellbeing of its staff seriously, and is committed to improving even further. The people of Suffolk can be proud of their fire and rescue service. I am confident that the service will also further improve and look forward to seeing how it has progressed in a years time."
