Response to news stories

Conference notes that following a news story which surfaced on the ITV news channel about complaints concerning Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, many local Officials were inundated with questions from Members of the Union and the public.

It was clear that a statement from the Union was necessary. In the absence of any clear guidance from Head Office local reps in conjunction with the National Women’s Committee put together a statement and submitted it to the Executive Council (EC) for approval. As of 2 March 2023 no statement had been released and the news had moved on.

When news stories break about the fire service, the Union or its Members, it is vital to be able to respond in a timely manner.

Conference instructs the EC to put procedures in place to enable a timely response to any news story about the fire service, the Union or its Members, including input and agreement from the relevant section or sections.