Claims of bullying, harassment and discrimination were reported by staff in the fire service for Brighton and Hove, according to a new report.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said: “Staff reported allegations of bullying, harassment and discrimination in every fire and rescue service in England.
“And recent headlines about misconduct may be just the tip of the iceberg.”
Chief Fire Officer Dawn Whittaker, who runs East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We already take a strong stance against bullying, harassment, and discrimination and we have a track record for addressing issues that are identified locally. We will however not be complacent.”
The findings were contained in a new report – Values and culture in fire and rescue services – from the fire services inspectorate, along with 35 recommendations.
The inspectorate called for better background checks including a consistent standard of vetting for all firefighters and staff.
It also said that new misconduct standards should be introduced, including a national barred list and new mechanisms for staff to raise concerns, with a proper whistleblowing process.
HMICFRS said: “Inspectors found examples of racist, homophobic and misogynistic behaviour in a quarter of fire and rescue services in England, with such behaviour often excused as banter.
“There were allegations of bullying in all services, with some significantly worse than others.
“The sector was called a ‘boys’ club’ and people said they felt unable to report bad behaviour for fear of reprisals.
“One person said their ‘card would be marked’ if they raised concerns and another described it as ‘career suicide’.”
The HMICFRS report found: “Improvements in some services’ values aren’t always reflected in staff behaviours.
“Bullying, harassment and discrimination are, to varying degrees, still problems in all services.
“Subgroups, including watches, can foster unacceptable behaviours and poor cultures.
“Staff need a secure way to raise concerns.
“Background checks of fire and rescue service staff need to improve to reduce risk of harm to both staff and the public.
