Fire service leaders hostile and toxic - report

Suffolk fire service has been severely criticised by government inspectors for failing to improve

A report into Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service revealed it had not "made the progress expected" after inspectors found serious concerns in several areas.

His Majesty's Inspectorate last carried out a review into the service in 2022, and following a ten-week inspection in September 2024, reported: "Many areas have deteriorated, particularly in relation to efficiency and how the service treats its people."

IT improvement plans and infrastructure were also "inefficient and is failing staff".

Jon Lacey, Suffolk's chief fire officer, said: "This is a challenging report for any chief fire officer to receive," adding, "I am owning it and we as a fire service are owning it."

Suffolk County Council said as a result of the latest report, it would be increasing the fire service's budget by £1.6m over two years.

The fire service, which employs 750 staff, has 35 fire stations and 43 fire engines, has faced cuts over recent years.

During the September visit, inspectors found the service to be good at preventing fires and risk, good at protecting the public through fire regulation, and that it met requirements for responding to major incidents as well as managing performance and developing leaders.

However, improvements were called for in several categories including, understanding fire and risk, responding to fires and emergencies, best use of resources, future affordability, having the right people with the right skills, and promoting fairness and diversity.

It was also found to be inadequate in promoting values and culture.

"Most staff we spoke with during our inspection were committed to the service's values. But some staff told us that morale was the lowest it had ever been," the report said.

"We found examples of senior leaders being disinterested in issues raised by staff, and we heard several examples of leaders demonstrating poor behaviour towards staff, such as belittling staff; displaying dismissive, overbearing and defensive behaviours; and displaying behaviours perceived as hostile and toxic."

Also of concern was a lack of monitoring of absence data over a three-year period.

"Numerous staff raised concerns that absence due to stress was rising," the report said, although inspectors found staff had good access to mental and physical health support.

In addition there was no effective monitoring of the hours staffed worked or details of their secondary employment.

Nearly 35% of staff at the service worked full-time, whereas the average for England is 65.3%.

Staff also did not feel progression and promotion was fair, despite the service's "considerable effort" putting processes in place for career development.

Attempts to increase diversity in its leadership were evident, but inspectors said it needed to go further, especially in middle and senior management.

Jon Lacey, Suffolk's chief fire officer, said the service was "owning" the report

The chief fire officer said of the report: "We recognise there is much work to be done.

"A targeted action plan is already being developed with staff to drive improvements in areas highlighted within the report," said Mr Lacey.

"These include IT infrastructure and staff, cultural changes and risk management."

Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and protection, said: "Our additional £1.6m investment proposal will mean the service can push on with its action plan.

"I will work closely with the chief fire officer and his team to ensure the improvement plan is clear and deliverable."