28 recommendations made to Dorset & Wiltshire Fire over workplace culture
An independent review has been completed
Dorset and Wiltshire's Chief Fire Officer says inappropriate behaviour by the service's staff will not be tolerated.
Ben Ansell's been speaking after an independent review has been completed following a number of serious allegations earlier this year.
They include claims firefighters had taken photos of women in fatal car accidents and sexual harassment within the service.
28 recommendations have been made by the review - conducted by Alex Johnson QFSM and her team.
They heard from 200 members of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue staff during the investigation - each sharing their views and experiences about workplace culture within the service.
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell has responded to the report's findings:
In an open letter to the review lead, Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said:
“I am incredibly grateful to those who came forward to share their experiences with your review team. 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. I would also like to personally thank you and your team for your work in holding a mirror up to our organisation.
“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.”