Fire service criticised over support for staff

An inspector said he was "disappointed" with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service's "overall progress"

An inspector has criticised Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) for how it looks after staff.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) found LFRS's performance in the area had deteriorated since its last inspection in 2022.

A report released on Wednesday found senior leaders did not acknowledge issues raised by support staff and a "high proportion" of more recent support staff absences were due to stress.

The fire service said it accepted the findings and since the inspection it had made several "significant improvements" in the areas identified.

In 2024, LFRS was assessed for its performance across 11 areas by HMICFRS.

A report has now been published rating the service as "requires improvement" in four areas, "good" in six and "adequate" in one.

Inspector Lee Freeman said: "I recognise there have been some areas where improvements have been made, but I am disappointed to see that, since our 2022 inspection, the service hasn't made the overall progress we expected.

"For example, some areas remain unchanged and others have deteriorated, particularly in relation to how the service looks after its people."

The report said inspectors were told about several examples of poor behaviour demonstrated by leaders towards staff.

Some staff lacked confidence in the fairness of bullying, harassment and discrimination processes, and said they did not report concerns due to a fear of repercussions.

Inspectors also said some staff felt a high level of sickness among support staff was due to poor mental health, high workloads and conflict with senior leaders' leadership styles.

HMICFRS said senior leaders were not providing "effective strategic oversight or commitment" in equality, diversity and inclusion, adding the area "must become a higher priority" for the service.

'Wake-up call'

Mr Freeman said LFRS also needed to "make sure there are appropriate strategic oversight arrangements in place to manage financial risks".

He added: "In view of these findings, I have been in regular contact with the chief fire officer, as I don't underestimate how much improvement is needed.

"I will monitor its progress in addressing the areas for improvement."

Adam Taylor, the Fire Brigades Union's council member for the East Midlands, said the report highlighted "a toxic environment in which firefighters and other staff are scared to even come forward with complaints".

He added: "Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has not taken equalities seriously enough - failing to adequately monitor data on employees, failing to prioritise equal opportunities, and failing to create an environment in which issues can be reported.

"This report must act as a wake-up call."

Despite the areas of concern, the report stated the service was good at keeping people safe from fire and other risks.

HMICFRS said it was "well-prepared" for responding to major and multi-agency incidents, it was meeting its revised response times and had improved its overall approach in effectiveness.

LFRS' chief fire officer Callum Faint said: "I am pleased the inspection team has recognised our strong and consistent performance in delivering prevention, protection and response activities for our community.

"It is important to us that their report recognises that the safety of our local communities is paramount.

"However, the report also fairly identifies some aspects of our performance where we need to improve.

"We recognise and accept the need for better strategic oversight in managing financial risks and improving transparency in reporting financial information.

"The wellbeing of our staff at LFRS is of paramount importance. We must prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion and ensure senior leaders act as positive role models and always demonstrate commitment to our service values.

"Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service is one of the lowest funded fire services in the country and despite receiving some gradings lower than we would wish, our service is still above the national average."