Inspectors assert that evidence of bullying, harassment, and discrimination in every fire and rescue service in England may be “just the tip of the iceberg.”
In approximately one-fourth of the 44 services, their report uncovered staff complaints of homophobic, misogynistic, and racist conduct, which was frequently excused as joking.
Instances include male firefighters threatening to rape a colleague and a senior officer using a racial epithet.
The government described the findings as “extremely disturbing.”
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) evaluates and reports on the efficacy and productivity of police forces and fire departments.
Roy Wilsher of the watchdog called the results “shocking and appalling” and urged the industry to “get a grip” on misconduct.
“The problems originated at the top”
Former firefighter Gareth Dawes, who left London Fire Brigade in September 2022 after highlighting the department’s “toxic” culture, urged fire chiefs to examine their involvement in the misconduct detailed in the report.
He stated that his efforts to combat prejudice demonstrated how poorly the fire service handles complaints.
Also he added that the issues raised by the watchdog were not unexpected.
Mr. Dawes stated, “It certainly does not come as a surprise to the people it is happening to.”
“In my experience, the problems came from the top. A lack of awareness; a lack of self-reflection, and the inability to see how they play a role,” he said.
“It resulted from pointing downwards and looking for ‘bad apples’. Rather than examining their role within a system that allows and sometimes promotes this behavior.”
If the top does not change, the complaints from the bottom will never be acknowledged for what they are.
A sexual assault
A female firefighter told that a crew manager at her station had harassed, tormented, and sexually assaulted her. But when she complained, she was fired.
After complaining to my captain, I was fired from the brigade two weeks later for being unfit.
She added, “What I know now is that if you, as a woman, file a complaint. They will investigate you instead of the man who did it, and then they will get rid of you.”
In 2016, the inspectorate put London and Gloucestershire’s fire departments under special measures after complaints of bigotry, misogyny, and bullying.
The inspectorate examined the values and cultures of all 44 English fire and rescue services in its latest report. Using inspection data from 2018.
It stated in its report that there were allegations of racist, homophobic, and misogynistic behavior in 11 of these cases. But that it would not identify the individuals because the allegations were made in confidence and some incidents were ongoing.
Inspectors heard from firemen who called the agency a “boys’ club” and feared retaliation for reporting wrongdoing.
One person thought complaining about rude behaviour would “mark their card,” while another called it “career suicide.”
In one instance, male firefighters used the women’s restrooms, but their female peers were too shy to say anything.
Senior staff insulted and shouted down trainees who made mistakes, inspectors were told.
A senior officer allegedly threatened to “make life hell” for a firefighter who protested a racist remark.
The report also noted that workers did not need background checks and called for recruitment process changes. It provides 35 suggestions, including:
- appropriate background investigations on all personnel and firefighters
- The introduction of new standards for malfeasance, which include a national list of prohibited personnel
- improved systems to assist employees to raise concerns
According to the report, the fire service has the least diverse personnel in the public sector.
Roy Wilsher, of the inspectorate, stated that the preponderance of fire and rescue personnel acted with honesty.
He stated that he had presumed the actions described in the report belonged to “the dim and distant past” and informed the firefighters that “it is time for this behavior to cease.”
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), applauded the report’s recognition of “the magnitude of the problem” and pledged that the union would “take the lead” in transforming its culture.
Mr. Wrack stated, “It is evident from both our experience and the findings of this report that the failure to address discrimination and harassment in the service stems from the very top.”
Dame Diana Johnson, chair of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, stated, “People who merely wish to protect their communities are subjected to intimidation, harassment, and sexual assault.
“They must endure it or leave when they see the perpetrators go unpunished and their careers advance without a hitch.” This simply cannot be tolerated.”
Mark Hardingham, chair of the National Fire Chiefs’ Council, stated that the report was difficult to comprehend and promised a national action plan within a month to implement change.
Mr. Hardingham told World at One, “Yes, I would encourage my daughter to join a fire and rescue service and contribute to the necessary cultural shift in our service.”
The government department responsible for fire and rescue services described the findings as “deeply concerning” and pledged to work with the Inspectorate and fire chiefs to resolve the issues.
“We want fire and rescue services where everyone is welcomed, respected, and able to thrive,” said a Home Office official.
