Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has welcomed the additional scrutiny and support His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) will provide to the deep-rooted cultural reform that has already started within the London Fire Brigade.

Khan said: “I have long been clear that wide-ranging changes are urgently needed within the Brigade and that’s why I appointed Andy Roe as a reforming Commissioner to transform the Brigade inside and out and fully supported the Commissioner in commissioning the recent Cultural Review.

“The Commissioner and I both agree that all of the review’s recommendations and findings must be acted upon with urgency and conviction to rebuild public trust and the confidence of LFB staff and firefighters who have been failed for far too long. Huge changes to policies, procedures and equipment mean that the Brigade are now better prepared, organised and equipped to fight fires and keep all Londoners safe.

“A new independent service has now been set up to investigate complaints and London Fire Brigade will be the first service in the country to issue body-worn cameras to their crews, both to protect them but also to ensure public safety and reassurance, as part of a landmark pilot.

“These changes were necessary and will help improve standards and rebuild public confidence but I have always been clear that despite the progress, there is still much more to do. That’s why I will continue to support and hold the Fire Commissioner to account on delivering a Brigade that is trusted to serve and protect London, fit for the challenges of modern firefighting, and a workplace where Londoners of all backgrounds can thrive.”

London Fire Brigade Response

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe commented: “I recognised that LFB’s culture needed to improve which is why I commissioned the Independent Culture Review and took immediate actions when it was published last month. Our external complaints service is supporting colleagues and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying means all staff know what behaviours aren’t tolerated.

“Change is happening now and from the face to face meetings I’ve been having with firefighters and other staff shows there is a passion to make sure our culture works for everyone. We welcome the additional support as part of the Inspectorate’s enhanced monitoring programme and I look forward to working with them and other partners to monitor progress and change in the future.”