HMICFRS report highlights misconduct issues in UK fire and rescue services

A report published today by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has outlined new recommendations for improving how misconduct is handled in fire and rescue services.

Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), responded to the report, recognising both the progress made and the areas needing further improvement.

Hardingham noted that culture change within the fire and rescue services is a gradual process.

He stated: “We welcome today’s report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate and the new recommendations it sets out to improve the way that misconduct is handled.”

He acknowledged that while there have been positive signs of change, more work is necessary to address lingering issues of unacceptable behaviour.

NFCC Culture Action Plan and ongoing efforts

Since the NFCC launched its Culture Action Plan last year, there have been efforts to confront discrimination, bullying, and harassment within the sector.

The plan aims to share positive practices and implement actionable measures to tackle misconduct.

Hardingham emphasised the importance of collaboration and learning from lived experiences to achieve real and lasting change.

He said: “Since the launch of NFCC’s Culture Action Plan last year, we have sought to bring the sector together to confront discrimination, bullying and harassment, to share positive practice, and to execute actionable plans to tackle misconduct.”

The independent Challenge and Support Panel has also highlighted the need for better support for services to handle misconduct more consistently.

Funding and support for cultural change

The report also touches on the necessity of sustainable funding to support cultural changes within fire and rescue services.

Some recommendations, such as establishing dedicated Professional Standards functions, require additional funding.

Hardingham noted the importance of adequate funding to achieve the report’s ambitions and recommendations.

He stated: “To realise the ambitions set out in the report and its recommendations, for example in establishing dedicated Professional Standards functions, then fire and rescue services will need to be sustainably funded both now and in future years.”

Call for updating the National Framework

In May, the Home Affairs Select Committee recommended updating the National Framework to address the challenges of poor culture, bullying, and harassment, with a specific focus on cultural change.

Hardingham agreed with this recommendation, noting that today’s report reinforces the need for these updates.

He concluded: “We agree and today’s report further reinforces the case for that change.”