Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has today published the findings of its Independent Review into allegations of racism and bullying between 1991 and 2018.
After speaking to 40 current and previous staff members and analysing more than 4,500 documents, the review finds that the service had been "institutionally racist", detailing cases of racist harassment, discrimination and bullying.
The report makes 14 recommendations and concludes that there is more work to be done. Chief fire officer Mark Preece, has issued an apology on behalf of the service.
Ben Selby, Fire Brigades Union assistant general secretary said:
Racism has no place in the fire service, or anywhere in our society. All firefighters must be able to go to work without fear of discrimination, harassment or abuse.
The latest report into Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service details decades of appalling institutional racism. For years, senior management ignored the evidence and failed to protect Black firefighters at work.
Now that the service has committed to tackling racism, it must confront its history and take action to root out racism in all its forms. The report also finds evidence of widespread misogyny, which must be tackled head on.
As the report recommends, senior management must work with the Fire Brigades Union to transform the service in Gloucestershire.
Through our Equality Matters campaign, the FBU is calling for the government to establish a statutory advisory body to oversee professional standards in every region. Every fire and rescue service should be held to account when it comes to racism, misogyny, and all forms of discrimination.”
Val Hampshire, FBU executive council member for the South West said:
For too long, Black firefighters have faced unacceptable and institutional discrimination and harassment in the workplace. This damning report highlights the extent of the issue, with fire service leaders burying their head in the sand over decades.
This investigation is a crucial first step, but the work doesn't end here. This must mark the beginning of real and lasting change. The FBU worked with the service on a zero tolerance policy: this must be brought in, implemented and built on.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service must take immediate action, and work with the FBU to stamp out racism and misogyny from the service."
