Firefighters failed by ineffective leadership, says Senedd Committee

Firefighters have been let down by those responsible for the governance of fire and rescue services, according to a Senedd Committee.

The Equality and Social Justice Committee heard evidence indicating that Fire Authorities are not up to the task, with some members lacking the necessary skills to perform their roles effectively.

The report “Sound The Alarm,” launched today, details concerns about Stuart Millington’s appointment as interim Chief Fire Officer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Members of the Committee said the lack of clarity and the defensive tone of the response to these concerns risked reinforcing negative perceptions about senior management.

Jenny Rathbone MS, Chair of the Equality and Social Justice Committee, said:

“Fire service staff in Wales are being let down by the leaders responsible for the governance of the fire and rescue services and we need urgent change to restore faith so all staff feel safe in the workplace.

“We were disturbed by how many people at the top of the current governance system didn’t seem to be aware of how serious the problem is.

“We urge the Welsh Government to take radical steps to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the governance structure – no change is not an option.”

Weaknesses in Governance

The Committee launched the inquiry into the governance of fire and rescue services following the alarming findings of the Culture Review of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) headed by Fenella Morris QC. The Welsh Government subsequently ordered independent reviews into North and Mid and West Wales FRSs as well.

The culture review raised a key question about the role of the Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs).The Fire Officers’ Association told the Committee that members of South Wales FRA lacked the “requisite skills to provide the level of oversight, scrutiny and challenge required when providing governance,” and that many FRA members “make little or no contribution” during meetings and “become confused with regard to the content” of papers.

They concluded that the members of the FRA were “unlikely to be in a position to provide the level of effective strategic oversight needed to assist the organisation in achieving the cultural change required.”

The Committee says the Welsh Government should reform how FRAs work, including reducing their overall size, and encouraging people with outside knowledge and expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion to be co-opted onto each FRA.

Appointment of Stuart Millington

Members heard concerns about the South Wales Commissioners’ appointment of Stuart Millington as interim Chief Fire Officer at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service following the culture review, despite unresolved alleged misconduct relating to bullying.

The Committee found the lack of clarity and the defensive tone of several individuals responding to these concerns troubling and were worried that this could reinforce existing negative perceptions amongst staff and the public about senior management’s commitment to improving the culture in the fire service.

Messages from staff sent to individual Committee members in their constituency roles have not formed part of the formal evidence considered by this inquiry – but have reinforced Members’ concerns that staff confidence in management has been undermined.

The report recommends that the Welsh Government works closely with Fire Commissioners to bring fresh individuals with skills and experiences from outside the sector in Wales into the key roles responsible for organisational culture –starting with the upcoming recruitment process for a new Chief Fire Officer for South Wales.

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said:

This report confirms serious failings of leadership at the very top. Chief fire officers and senior managers have presided over a situation in which those who speak out against bullying, harassment and discrimination are silenced or victimised.

To build the trust needed to transform the service, firefighters must be given a voice and fire service leaders must be held to account. Parachuting in managers with no experience of firefighting will only further entrench a lack of confidence in leadership.

While the FBU is open to discussing the broadening the role of firefighters, any change to firefighters’ duties and terms of work are a matter for negotiation at the National Joint Council. The FBU will continue to engage in ongoing discussions with the Welsh government.

The FBU and its equalities sections have a proud history of fighting for equality and dignity at work. Any plan to transform the fire service must have the union as the voice of frontline firefighters at its heart, and must recognise the necessity of making the service democratically governed and accountable to residents.”

Cerith Griffiths, Fire Brigades Union executive council member for Wales said:

Firefighters across Wales feel ignored and silenced by those at the top. For far too long, concerns have been dismissed or met with hostility.

As the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee concludes, the inappropriate appointment of Stuart Millington has further reinforced a lack of confidence and trust.

The FBU and its equalities sections have been fighting misogyny, homophobia and racism in the fire service for decades. The union must be empowered to play a key role in transforming our service, supporting firefighters to speak out.

As the only democratic and representative body for firefighters and control room staff, the Fire Brigades Union will hold the Welsh government to account and fight to transform our service.”

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