New disciplinary process after sexist message claims

Simon Hardiman and Adam Matthews are being investigated

A new disciplinary process covering senior management has been agreed, after a chief fire officer and his deputy were accused of exchanging sexist messages about female colleagues.

In April, it emerged Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service's Simon Hardiman and assistant chief fire officer Adam Matthews were being investigated.

The men were accused of sending inappropriate messages using words such as "lazy cow" and "useless".

The fire authority overseeing the service has revealed it did not have established disciplinary processes for staff above and including the rank of deputy chief fire officer.

At a meeting on Wednesday, the authority approved a process, which it hoped would "minimise the likelihood of a recurrence in behaviour that falls below expectations and to set and reinforce organisational standards and values".

The men were accused of exchanging sexist messages before they were promoted to their current roles and are still being investigated.

'Immediate effect'

Internal and external investigations were launched as a result and are still ongoing.

The WhatsApp messages were reportedly leaked to ITV News.

In one exchange, Mr Hardiman is alleged to have said: "I've calmed down now, but I could still kill her, buddy."

A report to fire authority members recommended they approve a disciplinary process document "to apply to all officers at Deputy Chief Fire Officer and above with immediate effect".

The fire authority is made up of members nominated by the two local councils covered by the service, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.