NFCC report calls for major cultural change in UK fire services

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published a report from the Independent Challenge and Support Panel, which was established in July 2023 to provide external scrutiny on workplace culture and inclusion across UK fire and rescue services (FRSs).

The panel’s findings, released alongside a response from NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham, call for “disruptive change” to ensure FRSs become more inclusive workplaces.

The report warns that without sustained focus and leadership willing to challenge existing systems, progress will remain limited.

Leadership urged to take further action

The panel’s report acknowledges leadership efforts in addressing workplace culture but stresses that more needs to be done.

It highlights the need for leaders to drive improvements beyond policies and rhetoric, tackling issues such as racism and misogyny within the sector.

Anthea Sully, Chair of the Independent Challenge and Support Panel, said: “Despite progress, we are clear that further action is still needed to root out racism, misogyny, and other unacceptable behaviours in the workplace.

“This will require leaders and staff to challenge traditional ways of working and embrace tangible action, going beyond rhetoric.”

NFCC commits to implementing recommendations

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham confirmed that the organisation fully accepts the panel’s calls to action and will incorporate them into the next phase of the NFCC Culture Action Plan, set for publication in May.

Hardingham said: “NFCC fully accepts all the calls to action set out in the report and we are committed to delivering against them in partnership with fire and rescue services and national sector partners.”

He added that while progress has been made, “there is still much to do” to ensure change is embedded consistently across all services.

Next steps in cultural improvement efforts

As part of its review process, the panel engaged with NFCC leadership, Chief Fire Officers, senior leaders, and fire sector partners, as well as hearing testimony from FRS staff.

It also visited three fire and rescue services to assess progress on inclusion and workplace culture initiatives.

The report outlines specific recommendations for the NFCC, government, and other national fire bodies to continue driving improvement.

It calls for a sustained commitment to cultural change, ensuring that fire services provide a safe and inclusive working environment for all employees.

NFCC report calls for major cultural change in UK fire services: Summary

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has published a report from the Independent Challenge and Support Panel, established in July 2023 to provide external scrutiny of workplace culture in UK fire and rescue services (FRSs).

The report highlights the need for “disruptive change” and sustained leadership to make FRSs more inclusive workplaces.

The panel’s findings acknowledge progress but stress that further action is required to address issues such as racism and misogyny.

NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham confirmed that NFCC will incorporate the report’s recommendations into the next phase of its Culture Action Plan, due for publication in May.

The panel engaged with NFCC leadership, Chief Fire Officers, and fire sector partners, as well as conducting site visits to assess workplace culture.

The report calls for continued commitment from NFCC, government, and other national bodies to ensure long-term cultural improvements.