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| Fire service run like boys' club, says damning report | |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is one of two in Wales to be criticised in independent reports | Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is one of two in Wales to be criticised in independent reports |
| One of Wales' fire brigades has been described as an "operational boys' club" where people are more likely to get promoted if they go cycling or do triathlons with senior leaders. | |
| Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is one of two in Wales to be criticised in independent reports released on Wednesday. | Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is one of two in Wales to be criticised in independent reports released on Wednesday. |
| The reports said bullying and harassment were widespread in both MAWWFRS and in the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS). | The reports said bullying and harassment were widespread in both MAWWFRS and in the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS). |
| The investigations said that the culture in the North Wales service has started to improve, and that staff in both brigades were proud to work as firefighters. | The investigations said that the culture in the North Wales service has started to improve, and that staff in both brigades were proud to work as firefighters. |
| When the review was announced, Hannah Blythyn, who was then deputy minister for social welfare, said the public needed to be "reassured". | |
| She said she had been sent correspondence from current and former employees of both organisations, including allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and favouritism in promotion. | |
| "Staff need to be assured they have a safe and effective means to share their experiences – good and bad – within their organisation," she said. | |
| In the report, a staff survey at MAWWFRW found nearly half had personal experience of bullying and harassment, with one in five experiencing discrimination. | |
| The report found "disciplinary procedures were perceived as unprofessional, not impartial, not confidential, unfair and ineffective". | The report found "disciplinary procedures were perceived as unprofessional, not impartial, not confidential, unfair and ineffective". |
| Roger Thomas, chief fire officer for MAWWFRS, apologised "unreservedly" to those subjected to bullying, harassment or any form of discrimination. | Roger Thomas, chief fire officer for MAWWFRS, apologised "unreservedly" to those subjected to bullying, harassment or any form of discrimination. |
| "This is wholly unacceptable and does not align with the values and behaviours that we espouse or endorse as a service," he said. | "This is wholly unacceptable and does not align with the values and behaviours that we espouse or endorse as a service," he said. |
| He added that he accepts the report recommendations aimed at improving the culture within the service. | He added that he accepts the report recommendations aimed at improving the culture within the service. |
| "This review now provides us with clear recommendations to guide future improvements in our culture and diversity," he added. | "This review now provides us with clear recommendations to guide future improvements in our culture and diversity," he added. |
| Dawn Docx, chief fire officer for North Wales, said the review "marks a watershed moment for the service". | Dawn Docx, chief fire officer for North Wales, said the review "marks a watershed moment for the service". |
| "I want to say sorry to those who have not had a good experience – everybody deserves to feel heard, safe and valued in their workplace," she said. | "I want to say sorry to those who have not had a good experience – everybody deserves to feel heard, safe and valued in their workplace," she said. |
| The reports said bullying and harassment were widespread in both the North and Mid and West Wales fire services | |
| Ms Docx added that the service would act on the recommendations, including setting up a confidential hotline and bringing in a leadership development specialist. | Ms Docx added that the service would act on the recommendations, including setting up a confidential hotline and bringing in a leadership development specialist. |
| She added that she "accepts the findings in the report" and is determined to "strengthen our workplace culture and provide the best service to our communities". | She added that she "accepts the findings in the report" and is determined to "strengthen our workplace culture and provide the best service to our communities". |
| Jane Bryant, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said the reports contain "concerning findings" regarding bullying and harassment, misogyny, discrimination, inappropriate management styles and promotion based on favouritism. | |
| "These are incredibly worrying behaviours which are unacceptable in any workplace," she said. | |
| She said she had met with senior representatives from both fire services to discuss how they would address the report findings. | |
| "During these meetings I set out my expectation that clear and decisive action should be taken immediately to dismantle these damaging cultures and ensure staff feel safe and valued in their workplace," she said. | |
| The only other fire service in Wales – South Wales Fire and Rescue Service – was taken over by the Welsh government last year following a critical review, which found widespread evidence of misconduct, a dysfunctional workplace and systemic managerial failings. | |
| The service said at the time that it welcomed the "scrutiny and direction" the takeover would bring. | |
| Additional reporting by Sara Rowlands |