His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has launched a national survey as part of its inspection into how police forces manage firearms licensing across England and Wales. This is a major opportunity for National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) members to share real, first-hand experiences of the licensing system — and ensure the voice of the working countryside is properly represented.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has launched a national survey as part of its inspection into how police forces manage firearms licensing across England and Wales. This is a major opportunity for National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) members to share real, first-hand experiences of the licensing system — and ensure the voice of the working countryside is properly represented.
The survey seeks feedback from anyone who has applied for a grant, renewal, or variation within the past two years. It asks about your recent experience of licensing processes, local police performance, turnaround times, communication, national guidance, and decision-making.
Why this matters to NGO members
Firearms licensing has a direct and daily impact on gamekeepers, stalkers, pest controllers, and rural workers whose livelihoods depend on timely, fair, and consistent licensing decisions.
Your feedback will help HMICFRS:
• identify which forces are performing well — and which are falling short;
• challenge delays, inconsistencies, or poor practice;
• highlight the operational impact licensing has on working professionals;
• drive national recommendations that could lead to real improvements.
If our members do not speak up, the working countryside risks being overlooked in a system that increasingly affects how you work, manage land, and fulfil your responsibilities. This survey is one of the few direct routes for you to influence a national inspection.
Key points:
• The survey takes around 15 minutes.
• Responses are fully confidential and anonymised.
• Local police forces will not see your answers.
• You can pause and resume the survey at any time.
• A unique ID allows you to withdraw your data before publication.
Participation is voluntary, but the NGO strongly urges all eligible members to take part. Your experiences — good or bad — will inform HMICFRS’s national report and may directly influence how firearms licensing is delivered in the future.
This is a crucial opportunity for gamekeepers and all responsible certificate holders to ensure your voices are heard at a national level.
ENDS
Notes to Editors: The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation:
The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation (NGO) represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. The NGO defends and promotes gamekeeping and gamekeepers and works to ensure high standards throughout the profession. The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that keepering was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. Today, there are 13,000 members of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk
