More work needed to tackle unacceptable behaviour at DWFRS
Fresh concerns have been raised over the service's culture
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has been told in a new report it has more work to do to tackle unacceptable, racist and misogynist behaviour.
The report, from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), has raised fresh concerns over the promotion of culture and values in the service - rating it as 'inadequate'.
The inspectorate graded DWFRS across 11 areas of performance, rating the service as 'good' in five areas - including responding to fires and emergencies and using it's resources.
It was rated in two areas and ‘requires improvement’ in three areas.
The report highlighted that a plan to improve organisational culture has been created, but this would take time to deliver.
It found that current behaviours are unacceptable and that when staff report these issues, they're not always supported by managers.
HMICFRS also found that the service hasn’t yet made enough progress in equality, diversity and inclusion, and that staff don’t have confidence in the grievance and discipline or the promotions process.
HMICFRS: 'Progress made in some areas'
His Majesty’s Inspector of Fire and Rescue Services Roy Wilsher said: “I am satisfied with some aspects of the performance of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks, but there are areas in which the service still needs to improve. In particular, I have concerns relating to the culture of the organisation.
“In December 2023, following a review into the service’s workplace culture, senior leaders agreed an action plan to deal with the concerns it raised. But having brought our inspection forward we found some worrying issues that are consistent with the independent review. More needs to be done to implement the action plan and make sure staff act with integrity and demonstrate the service’s values.
“The service has made some progress in other areas since our previous inspection. For example, it is better at understanding risk, and has addressed the area for improvement from our last inspection. It also continues to perform well in efficiency and has a clear plan in place to make further efficiency savings. But there is still more work to do.
“In view of these findings, particularly with regard to the service’s culture, I have been in contact with the chief fire officer. I recognise that changing the culture takes time. I will keep in close contact with the service to monitor its progress in addressing the cause of concern and associated recommendations.”
DWFRS 'committed' to improvement
In a statement, DWFRS the inspection was an opportunity for the service to grow and reiterated it's desire to serve local communities to the highest standard possible.
"The inspection process is a valuable opportunity for the Service to learn and improve, and we welcome the scrutiny and accountability it brings.
"We remain committed to serving our communities at the highest standard and our teams continue to respond to emergency incidents, deliver vital prevention advice and education, and support businesses on fire safety matters.
"We remain focused on delivering the goals set out in our Culture Action Plan, embedding significant changes aimed at improving our workplace for both staff and the communities we serve.
"We have already made meaningful progress and will continue to build on this to ensure we are always working toward a safer, more inclusive environment for all.
"Our commitment to providing the best possible service to our communities, working alongside our partners, remains at the forefront of our priorities, and we will use the report’s findings as an opportunity to keep improving."
The full HMICFRS report can be read here.