A new report into misconduct in the fire and rescue service, published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) today, has called for improvements from the top down.
HMICFRS has made 15 recommendations to chief fire officers, fire and rescue authorities and others.
These include the need for each service to have access to a professional standards function to support fair and transparent misconduct investigations, and to introduce the right training and support for all staff investigating misconduct.
Responding to the report, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary said:
Firefighters must be able to go to work without fear of bullying, harassment and discrimination. Just as much as fire contaminants and other dangers, this is a matter of health and safety and basic rights at work.
The FBU stands unequivocally on the side of the victims of such behaviour. Our officials and reps are on the front line of the fight for equality. Fire service employers cannot continue to run services as ‘boys clubs’ where firefighters are afraid to speak out.
The report finds that nearly one in three firefighters surveyed had experienced or witnessed an abuse of power in the last year. This is unacceptable. Chief fire officers have a duty to ensure senior managers are held to account, and to build processes that the workforce can trust.
Through our All Different All Equal policy, the Fire Brigades Union is committed to fighting discrimination of all forms in fire stations and control rooms. We will continue to take a leading role in transforming the fire and rescue service.”
