Bosses tolerated sexual harassment at UK-based fire service, report reveals

A top fire chief has stepped down after a damning report revealed that sexism, criminal conduct and homophobia was tolerated at a UK-based fire service.

An external review into the culture at South Wales fire service was commissioned after a media outlet reported that colleagues had experienced abusive behaviour at the service.

This week, the findings were published which revealed there were ‘serious deficiencies’ in areas including the toleration of problematic behaviours including sexual harassment, assumptions about women, bullying and race and/or religion.

The review also said that there were issues surrounding the use of social media, criminal conduct and poor communication.

The review, which was headed by Fenella Morris KC stated that sexually explicit images, images of graphic violence, and sexist comments were sometimes shared in Group WhatsApp chats, and ‘dark humour’ was used – which often included sexist or homophobic behaviour and “extremely offensive comments.”

After the report was published, Chief Fire Officer, Huw Jakeway announced that it is time for a ‘change in leadership’, and that he is set to retire. In his open letter, he apologised to employees who have had negative experiences at the service.

He said: “As Chief Fire Officer, I fully accept the recommendations made in the report.

“Over the coming weeks, the Service will reflect on the details in the report and determine steps to be taken to address the recommendations. This report, recommendations, and resulting action plan will empower the whole Service to further develop a positive culture for the benefit of all employees and the communities we serve.”

The report also indicated that there were issues surrounding the treatment of women and that a ‘patriarchal mentality’ exists. This was said to ‘manifest itself’ in sexist and misogynistic behaviours as well as an ‘unfounded lack of confidence’ in the ability of female firefighters to do the job.

Concerns were also raised about domestic abuse outside of work, as well as drug and alcohol abuse.

The report, which has been underway since February 2023 has said that a ‘significant change in leadership style’ will be required to ‘shift the culture’ within the service. It also concluded that ‘respect and inclusion’ are not strong within the current culture.

The findings also state that inappropriate behaviour in the form of jokes, banter and, in particular, sexualised comments, is very prevalent at the service, and people are often encouraged not to speak up or complain.

Further reading

Bullying and harassment at work – Oakwood Solicitors

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