HMICFRS reports highlight poor leadership and workplace culture

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published reports into the Cleveland and Leicestershire fire and rescue services.

According to the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), both reports reveal serious failures in leadership, workplace culture and equalities practices.

In its assessment of Cleveland Fire Brigade, HMICFRS stated that the service “requires improvement” in promoting values and culture.

The report identified issues with “poor behaviour of some senior managers”, with examples including bullying, micromanagement and abuse of authority.

The inspection into Leicestershire fire and rescue service reached similar conclusions, finding the service also “requires improvement” in promoting values, culture, fairness and diversity.

The report described a workplace environment in which misogynistic, disrespectful and aggressive behaviours had occurred, and where some staff were afraid to raise complaints due to fear of retaliation from senior leaders.

Cleveland FBU: Report reflects longstanding staff experiences

The Fire Brigades Union said the Cleveland report validated concerns that have been raised over several years by union representatives.

Davy Howe, FBU brigade secretary for Cleveland, said: “It is the clear view of Cleveland FBU that the HMICFRS report is accurate on this issue and vindicates a long-held view of FBU Officials in Cleveland on behalf of our members.”

“We have dealt with a large number of bullying and harassment and discipline and grievance cases in recent years.”

“For over a decade, Cleveland FBU officials have challenged poor behaviour from senior managers and raised complaints but too often seen no substantial improvement.”

“The failings identified in this report have been years in the making. The recent appointment of a new senior management team has brought a welcome change of approach. We will be challenging the new leadership to deliver real, lasting change.”

FBU general secretary Steve Wright also commented on the Cleveland findings.

Steve Wright said: “For years, the FBU has made the case that problems with fire service culture go right to the top – and this report vindicates that.

“The FBU is determined to lead the fight for equality in the fire and rescue service, and our reps are on the front line of representing members who are on the receiving end of bullying and harassment.”

Leicestershire report reveals environment of fear and exclusion

The HMICFRS report into Leicestershire fire and rescue service identified serious concerns about the working culture and equalities practices.

The report stated that senior leaders had demonstrated “belittling, misogynistic and dismissive behaviours”, and that an “unfriendly and toxic environment” had developed.

Inspectors noted that some staff had been shouted at when receiving feedback, and that there was a lack of understanding or acknowledgment of issues raised by support staff.

The report further criticised the service for not prioritising equal opportunity policies and for ineffective use of Equality Impact Assessments.

The FBU said the inspection findings were in line with what union representatives had observed over time.

Adam Taylor, FBU executive council member for the East Midlands, said:

“This report corroborates the experiences of FBU reps in Leicestershire. They have been on the front line of representing members who have been subjected to bullying, harassment and discrimination.

“It sets out serious issues of misogyny, disrespect and bullying by some senior managers, and highlights a toxic environment in which firefighters and other staff are scared to even come forward with complaints.

“Leicestershire fire and rescue service has not taken equalities seriously enough – failing to adequately monitor data on employees, failing to prioritise equal opportunities, and failing to create an environment in which issues can be reported.”

“This report must act as a wake-up call.”

National FBU response: culture problems linked to top-level leadership

In response to both reports, FBU general secretary Steve Wright reiterated concerns about senior leadership across UK fire services.

Steve Wright said: “It is disgraceful that fire service staff have been belittled, bullied and undermined by some senior leaders in Leicestershire fire and rescue service.”

“This report reflects the experience of FBU reps up and down the country. When it comes to bullying, harassment and discrimination, the problems go right to the top. It confirms that many staff do not report behaviours for fear of management retribution.”

“Everyone has the right to go to work without fear of being victimised or bullied because of who you are. If you are a fire service employee facing sexism, or any other form of discrimination, the FBU is on your side.”

The union has stated that it will continue to support members experiencing harassment and press for changes in fire service leadership and accountability.

FBU raises alarm over fire service culture in Cleveland and Leicestershire: Summary

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has published reports into Cleveland Fire Brigade and Leicestershire fire and rescue service.

Both services were rated as “requiring improvement” in promoting values and culture.

The Cleveland report highlighted bullying, micromanagement and abuse of authority by some senior managers.

The Leicestershire report cited misogynistic, disrespectful and aggressive behaviour by senior staff.

Cleveland FBU brigade secretary Davy Howe said the findings reflect years of concerns raised by union officials.

Adam Taylor, FBU executive council member for the East Midlands, said the Leicestershire report matched the experiences of union representatives in the region.

Steve Wright, FBU general secretary, said both reports showed that cultural problems originate from senior leadership.

The union said it will continue to advocate for equality and support affected members.