Standing on Eccleston Square, have you ever noticed the imposing green building with the black roof? You might have passed it by countless times but never thought much of it, right? It’s Globe House, home to the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, or HMICFRS for short.
This impressive building, with its nine levels, wasn’t always the HQ for this vital organisation. It was previously home to the HM Passport Office, but in 2017, the role of HMICFRS expanded to include fire and rescue services in England, too. You see, the Inspectorate is responsible for independently assessing and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of the police forces and fire and rescue services right here in the UK.
They are like the independent guardians of public safety. They ask the questions that the public wants answered and publish their findings. This way, we can all see how our police forces and fire services are performing. They even make recommendations for improvements, which is a good thing, right?
To help this Inspectorate do its job, Andy Cooke serves as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services. This is one of the most important roles in British safety.
So, next time you walk by Globe House, take a moment to appreciate the vital work that goes on inside. It’s a work that keeps our community safe, and it all starts right here in one of London’s most understated buildings.