London Fire Brigade put into special measures
A watchdog says it's amid concerns over "unacceptable behaviour" including discrimination and bullying.
Last updated 14th Dec 2022
London Fire Brigade has been put into special measures by a watchdog amid concerns over "unacceptable behaviour" including discrimination and bullying.
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services said LFB will now face a so-called "enhanced level of monitoring" by inspectors.
It comes after an independent review published last month found the fire service has "dangerous levels of ingrained prejudice against women" while colleagues from minority backgrounds are "frequently the target of racist abuse".
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said:
"I recognised that LFB's culture needed to improve which is why I commissioned the Independent Culture Review and took immediate actions when it was published last month. Our external complaints service is supporting colleagues and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment and bullying means all staff know what behaviours aren't tolerated.
“Change is happening now and from the face to face meetings I've been having with firefighters and other staff shows there is a passion to make sure our culture works for everyone. We welcome the additional support as part of the Inspectorate's enhanced monitoring programme and I look forward to working with them and other partners to monitor progress and change in the future."
An Independent Culture Review led by Nazir Afzal OBE, which was commissioned last year by the Commissioner with the support of the Mayor, was published last month.