An investigation into misconduct in the fire and rescue by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has highlighted the need for reforms to build processes firefighters can trust.
Potential whistle-blowers fear marginalisation or victimisation, while nearly one in three firefighters surveyed had experienced or witnessed an abuse of power in the last year, the investigators’ report says.
It concludes that staff do not have confidence in the misconduct process, and makes 15 recommendations to chief fire officers, fire and rescue authorities and others.
These include the need for each service to have a professional standards function to support fair and transparent misconduct investigations, and the introduction of the right training and support for all staff investigating misconduct.
“Firefighters must be able to go to work without fear of bullying, harassment and discrimination,” said FBU general secretary Matt Wrack, responding to the report.
“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.
“Chief fire officers have a duty to ensure senior managers are held to account, and to build processes that the workforce can trust.”
