His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its report into Leicestershire fire and rescue service.
The report found that Leicestershire “required improvement” in ‘promoting values and culture’ and in ‘promoting fairness and diversity’.
These findings were based on “poor behaviour demonstrated by leaders”, including “belittling, misogynistic and dismissive behaviours”, “dismissive and disrespectful behaviours towards women”, and an “unfriendly and toxic environment” in which some staff had been shouted at when receiving feedback.
It found that “the service had demonstrated little understanding or acknowledgment of these concerns and the cultural issues with support staff” and that “some staff said they wouldn’t report concerns due to a fear of being victimised by senior leaders.”
The report also criticised the brigade’s lack of prioritisation of equal opportunities policies, and its use of Equality Impact Assessments.
Adam Taylor, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for the East Midlands, said:
“This report corroborates the experiences of FBU reps in Leicestershire. They have been on the front line of representing members who have been subjected to bullying, harassment and discrimination.
“It sets out serious issues of misogyny, disrespect and bullying by some senior managers, and highlights a toxic environment in which firefighters and other staff are scared to even come forward with complaints.
“Leicestershire fire and rescue service has not taken equalities seriously enough – failing to adequately monitor data on employees, failing to prioritise equal opportunities, and failing to create an environment in which issues can be reported.
“This report must act as a wake-up call.”
Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:
“It is disgraceful that fire service staff have been belittled, bullied and undermined by some senior leaders in Leicestershire fire and rescue service.
“This report reflects the experience of FBU reps up and down the country. When it comes to bullying, harassment and discrimination, the problems go right to the top. It confirms that many staff do not report behaviours for fear of management retribution.
“Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of being victimised or bullied because of who you are. If you are a fire service employee facing sexism, or any other form of discrimination, the FBU is on your side.”
