What can be done to instigate cultural change in the fire and rescue services across England and Wales?
1. Background
In March 2024, two investigations were commissioned at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) and North Wales Fire and Rescue Services (NWFRW) following allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and favouritism. Authors of the resulting report, Crest Advisory, stated that “gender-based discrimination [was] the most common type of discrimination, highlighting entrenched issues of sexism at the North Wales Fire and Rescues Services.
Jane Bryant, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government has since met with senior representatives from both fire services, stressing “that clear and decisive action should be taken immediately to dismantle these damaging cultures and ensure staff feel safe and valued in their workplace”.
2. Discrimination and harassment across the fire and rescue services – how widespread are we talking?
It’s important to stress that the allegations and subsequent investigations in Wales aren’t isolated cases.
In fact, these are just two of several investigations that have been conducted at fire services across England and Wales over the last year, with similar resulting reports highlighting a toxic culture rife with “pockets of abhorrent behaviour” such as sexist, racist and homophobic language.
This has even prompted the Fire Brigade Union’s executive council to conduct their own independent report and announce a wide-ranging plan to tackle sexual harassment, which includes “compulsory training for all brigade-level officials and above.
3. What can be done to promote culture change across the fire services?
What is reassuring is that the fire and rescue services are receptive to change, and some investigations have found that the situation at various fire brigades has begun to improve.
However, there is still a long way to go to overhaul a very toxic culture that is entrenched in what has historically been a very male-dominated profession.
With sexual discrimination, harassment and abuse claims making the headlines, urgent action is needed to ensure that staff understand exactly what counts as sexual misconduct and can navigate any blurred lines that may occur in the unique set up of a fire service.
4. How can Bond Solon help?
As the Fire Brigade Union concluded, one of the key steps that can be taken to change entrenched perceptions and ensure that any misconduct is dealt with by an organisation in an impartial and legally compliant manner is to roll out compulsory training of all staff members.
Bond Solon has recently developed sexual misconduct awareness training specifically for fire and rescue service staff. The course takes a very pragmatic approach to allegations of sexual misconduct and looks at situations from start to finish – examining key behaviours, understanding the perspectives of all parties, conducting effective and sensitive investigations, and also how to take proactive steps for prevention and creating a safer work environment.
To find out more about our sexual misconduct awareness training or to book members of your organisation on this course, please contact 020 7549 2549 or email info@bondsolon.com