London Fire Brigade taken out of special measures

London Fire Brigade was found to have made improvements by the inspectorate

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been taken out of an enhanced level of monitoring by the fire inspectorate.

It was placed under special measures by HMICFRS in December 2022 after a report found the service was "institutionally misogynist and racist".

LFB commissioner Andy Roe said the inspectorate's decision "recognises the significant amount of work that has been undertaken".

He added that there was "still more to do".

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) moved LFB into the "engage" phase, a category used when there is a cause of concern, following the independent report.

The review found that a black firefighter had a noose put by his locker, while a female firefighter received a video of a colleague exposing himself.

HMICFRS announced on Wednesday that the force had made several improvements, including:

• Improving processes to deal with behaviour such as bullying and discrimination, including establishing a Professional Standards Unit

• Putting in place a comprehensive plan to improve vetting of staff

• Making assurances about the sustainability of the brigade's plans to change its culture

HM chief inspector of fire & rescue services Andy Cooke said: "I am pleased with the progress that London Fire Brigade has made so far.

"Whilst there is still more to do, I have decided to remove the brigade from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.

"The brigade will be inspected again this summer, when we will assess its progress to make sure the people of London are getting the service they deserve from their fire and rescue service."

LFB commissioner Andy Roe says there is "still more to do"

Mr Roe said it was an "important recognition for so many of our staff that go about their work professionally every day".

He added that he had "always been clear that the work to ensure that we have a safe and dignified workplace culture can never stop".

Anne Clarke, London Assembly Labour spokesperson for fire, resilience and emergency planning, said: "Moving out of the Engage process shows just how much the culture of the London Fire Brigade has changed.

"Much has been done but there is more to do. The changes to the culture of the brigade must be permanent and not allowed to slip backwards."

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