Fire service sees improvements in workplace culture

Inspectors have dropped two of three causes for concern

A fire service has made significant improvements in tackling inappropriate behaviours government inspectors have said.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) visited Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRIS) in January.

Inspectors measured progress against the action plan it had been given to address three separate issues.

Two of the three causes for concern - one surrounding values and culture and another on protection - were removed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said but there were still concerns in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

'Gradual process'

County Chief Fire Officer Mark Preece said he was "pleased to see the progress" made, adding: "As a service, we have faced challenges, but we are united in our efforts to learn and improve."

The fire service was placed in special measure in 2022 and has since faced criticism from inspectors and a review which found it had been institutionally racist between 1991 and 2018.

Mr Preece added: "Changing and embedding culture is a gradual process, and we are yielding lasting and positive results."

Inspectors visiting between 7 and 9 January found that the service had undertaken extensive efforts to embed its target values among the workforce, and had offered "considerable" wellbeing support and training to address inappropriate behaviour.

Kate Yhnell said fire staff are already "going all the time" on their day shifts

Kate Yhnell, Gloucestershire organiser of the Fire Brigades Union, said all staff members would be affected by plans to lengthen day shifts.

"Families will have to completely change their childcare... it's very rare for childcare to be available before 8am, and if it is, it comes at a substantial cost," she said.

"People who have extra needs, such as menopause, will become more tired."

'Extensive progress'

The third cause for concern - promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) - remained in place, though improvements such as extra training were recognised.

Although not all staff were found to fully understand the importance of EDI; ongoing training and engagement in this area was recognised to have led to improvements including an increase in staff declarations of diversity data.

Gloucestershire County Council fire and rescue service cabinet member Dave Norman said he was "pleased to see" inspectors recognising "the extensive progress made".

"Gloucestershire County Council continues to support and invest in the Fire and Rescue Service to provide the workforce with the best possible equipment, training and resources to respond to emergencies and protect our communities," he added.