‘Response times are rising to record highs, putting lives and homes at risk’: Matt Wrack

The Fire Brigades Union has responded to the latest inspection report into Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

As reported by The Fire Brigades Union, the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has found the Oxfordshire fire service “requiring improvement” in four key areas.

The service did not meet its targets for responding to fires.

The time taken for the first fire engine to arrive at a fire has increased to 11 minutes and 10 seconds, compared to 10 minutes and 35 seconds previously.

This is above the national average of 9 minutes and 13 seconds.

Values and culture concerns

The report outlines failures in promoting the “right values and culture”, with staff reporting instances of being shouted at by managers when struggling.

The service did not receive a rating above “adequate” in any performance area.

Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Across the UK, cuts and failures of leadership have left fire and rescue services in desperate shape.

“The HMICFRS’ latest report reveals the toll this has taken on Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Response times are rising to record highs, putting lives and homes at risk.

“Firefighters have the right to work without fear of being mistreated, and yet fire service leaders are failing to address systemic issues of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

“Chief fire officers must listen to firefighters and start investing in the service.”

Calls for investment and leadership

Steve Wright, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for the Southern region, added: “This report paints a picture of a fire service in dire need of investment and leadership.

“It is shocking that response times have increased, meaning it is taking longer for fire engines to arrive at incidents.

“This downgrading of fire cover is the result of decades of austerity, which must be reversed.

“With reports of managers shouting at struggling staff members, it is no wonder that some firefighters have little confidence in how bullying, harassment and discrimination are dealt with.

“The Direct Entry scheme parachuting in senior managers with no experience of firefighting has only added to turmoil at the top.

“Meaningful progress on equality and diversity requires support, investment, and routes for development for the frontline.”

Local impact and future plans

Nick Bourke, FBU Oxfordshire Brigade Secretary, commented: “Residents of Oxfordshire deserve an outstanding service, and firefighters must be treated with dignity and fairness at work.

“Standards in our service have been driven down over the past four years, and this report represents a new low.

“The Fire Brigades Union will continue campaigning for the resources needed to turn things around.

“FBU local officials look forward to meeting with fire service leaders to ensure that the voices of Oxfordshire firefighters are heard.”