The Fire Brigades Union has responded to the latest inspection report into Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Released today, the report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) finds Oxfordshire fire service “requiring improvement” in four key areas.
The service also failed to meet its own targets for responding to fires, with the time taken for the first fire engine to arrive at a fire having increased to 11 minutes and 10 seconds from 10 minutes and 35 seconds. This is above the national average of 9 minutes and 13 seconds.
The report outlines failures to promote the “right values and culture”, with staff reporting being shouted at by managers at work when struggling.
The service was not rated above “adequate” in any performance area.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:
Across the UK, cuts and failures of leadership have left fire and rescue services in desperate shape. The HMICFRS’ latest report reveals the toll this has taken on Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Response times are rising to record highs, putting lives and homes at risk.
Firefighters have the right to work without fear of being mistreated, and yet fire service leaders are failing to address systemic issues of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
Chief fire officers must listen to firefighters and start investing in the service.”
Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for the Southern region said:
This report paints a picture of a fire service in dire need of investment and leadership.
It is shocking that response times have increased, meaning it is taking longer for fire engines to arrive at incidents. This downgrading of fire cover is the result of decades of austerity, which must be reversed.
With reports of managers shouting at struggling staff members, it is no wonder that some firefighters have little confidence in how bullying, harassment and discrimination are dealt with.
The Direct Entry scheme parachuting in senior managers with no experience of firefighting has only added to turmoil at the top. Meaningful progress on equality and diversity requires support, investment, and routes for development for the frontline.”
Nick Bourke, FBU Oxfordshire Brigade Secretary said:
Residents of Oxfordshire deserve an outstanding service, and firefighters must be treated with dignity and fairness at work.
Standards in our service have been driven down over the past four years, and this report represents a new low. The Fire Brigades Union will continue campaigning for the resources needed to turn things around.
FBU local officials look forward to meeting with fire service leaders to ensure that the voices of Oxfordshire firefighters are heard.”
