Firefighters in Wales have been let down by failings of senior leadership, Sound the Alarm, a report by the Senedd’s equality and social justice committee has concluded.
It outlines serious concerns about fire and rescue service governance. The Welsh government appointed four commissioners to lead a “wholesale change in processes, values and culture”.
We were disturbed by how many people at the top of the current governance system didn’t seem to be aware of how serious the problem is.
The report followed the appointment of Stuart Millington as interim chief officer for South Wales, who was himself facing allegations of bullying when appointed.
Jenny Rathbone, chair of the committee, said: “We were disturbed by how many people at the top of the current governance system didn’t seem to be aware of how serious the problem is.”
The committee recommends that the Welsh government make clear that fire service staff coming forward with complaints will be adequately supported and treated fairly, alongside urgently exploring options for “radical reform” in the long term.
Cerith Griffiths, FBU executive council member for Wales, said: “Firefighters across Wales feel ignored and silenced by those at the top. The Fire Brigades Union will hold the Welsh government to account and fight to transform our service.”
