The impact bullying and racism allegations in the fire service nationally has been acknowledged by firefighters in Berkshire.
Recently, the findings of an ‘Independent Culture Review’ of the London Fire Brigade were published, which concluded that the fire service in London is “institutionally misogynist and racist”.
The review was, in part, triggered following the death of trainee firefighter Jaden Francois-Esprit, who died by suicide aged 21 in August 2020, while working at Wembley fire station.
The investigation, led by solicitor Nazir Afzal, made 23 recommendations to focus on changing its culture and stamping out misogyny and racism.
The impact of the review and the recommendations were discussed at a meeting of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority management committee, attended by representatives of all six Berkshire councils.
Cllr Colin Dudley (Conservative, Crown Wood, Bracknell Forest Council), the chair of the committee, said the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) has a “zero tolerance policy” on harassment.
Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer, declared that RBFRS is committed to doing a ‘gap analysis’ to identify areas of improvement.
“I generally think we’re in a good place, but we must not be complacent,” he said.
Cllr Paul Gittings (Labour, Coley, Reading Borough Council) added: “We absolutely can’t be complacent in any way”, and said the findings of the culture review ‘shocking’.
Recommendations of the review were split into a number of topics, including ‘creating a workplace where everyone is afforded dignity’ and improving wellbeing.
Discussion of the topic was made during announcements made by Mr Bowcock during the meeting at the RBFRS headquarters at the Pincents Kiln Industrial Estate on Tuesday, December 6.
