Misogyny and sexism rife in Dorset and Wiltshire fire service, report finds

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service commissioned the independent review following allegations over treatment of female staff

A fire service has an underlying culture of misogyny and sexism, an independent review has found.

It comes after allegations over the treatment of female staff at Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The report found dozens of employees were aware of inappropriate behaviour and that persistent offenders were not being properly dealt with.

Chief fire officer Ben Ansell said he was "truly sorry" and promised the service "must and will change".

Examples uncovered by the review included coercive and controlling behaviour, sexual harassment and inappropriate touching.

'Car crash victims'

Staff also reported men intentionally using women-only spaces and toilets.

The review was commissioned by Mr Ansell following "a number of serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour in the media".

ITV News reported in January that male firefighters at the service were alleged to have taken photos of car crash victims and made degrading comments about the women in a Whatsapp group chat.

A police investigation into the claims found no evidence of criminal offences and Dorset Police said its inquiry had been concluded.

The independent review team said it was contacted by about 200 current and former employees, with a third of staff saying they had a lack of trust in senior management.

Chief fire officer Ben Ansell said some of the experiences of his staff were uncomfortable to read

It concluded the service "has a minority of people who are damaging the reputation of the hard-working, decent people who want to create an inclusive workplace and make a positive difference to their communities".

The report added: "It also has some people who stand by, knowing and observing poor behaviour yet not protecting those who are the victims of such behaviour."

The review team set out recommendations on how the culture and systems could be changed and acknowledged the service had "shown its commitment to creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace by commissioning this review".

Following its publication, Mr Ansell said he was "incredibly grateful" to those who came forward to share their experiences.

"This shows the desire and commitment of our staff to further strengthen our culture so that every individual feels respected, valued, and safe in their workplace," he said.

The fire chief continued: "You have also identified some concerning experiences within your report, and I am truly sorry that these have occurred.

"I personally found some of the experiences of our staff were uncomfortable for me to read and although we have much in place, I can see that we have not always got things right and this must and will change.

"There is no place for inappropriate behaviour in our organisation and I am fully committed to driving our culture forward positively."

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