Cultural spotlight now falls on all Welsh fire services

Following the publication of a damning report into the culture of South Wales Fire and Rescue Services, the Welsh Government has confirmed that North Wales and Mid and West Wales fire and rescue services will also undergo a joint independent review to examine their culture and values.

The Welsh Minister, Hannah Blythyn said that she had reflected on the the extent to which similar issues about staff misconduct and dysfunctional workplace culture were present in the two other Welsh fire and rescue services. She told the Welsh Parliament that she had met with the chiefs and chairs of both organisations to seek ‘assurances about the culture and values and set out my expectations about workplace culture in the services,’ learning that both had started their own cultural reviews.

“I continue to receive correspondence from current and former employees of both organisations, including allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and favouritism in promotion.” 

Hannah Blythyn MS, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership.

There have been considerable concerns expressed about the choice of interim South Wales Chief Fire Officer Stuart Millington, who was previously the assistant chief in North Wales. On 15 February, ITVX reported that Mr Millington was subject to bullying allegations from his time in North Wales. He has denied the allegations.

Against this backdrop, Ms Blethyn said that both services had agreed to an independent review of their culture that would benchmark them against the findings in the review by Fenella Morris KC, look at the work already going in on the services and engage with staff and trade unions before publishing a full report by autumn 2024.

“The public need to be re-assured about the culture and related management practices in our fire and rescue services and staff need to be assured they have a safe and effective means to share their experiences – good and bad – within their organisation.”

Hannah Blythyn MS, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership.

North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx welcomed external assurance and scrutiny of her service adding that it was an ‘ opportunity for continued self-reflection and improvement.’

“The wellbeing and experiences of our staff are of utmost importance. No-one should feel uncomfortable in raising any concerns. I promise they will always be taken seriously and there is also a wealth of support available.”

CFO Dawn Docx, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

In a coordinated response to the statement from the Welsh Government, Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas also welcomed the decision for independent scrutiny. He said that his service had already carried out a ‘robust cultural audit’ and new governance processes were in place.

“The service has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of misogyny, racism, bullying or inappropriate behaviour and we place great emphasis on ensuring our staff feel supported in the workplace, providing several routes should they feel they need to share any concerns.”

CFO Roger Thomas, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Ms Blythyn said that an independent reviewer should be appointed ‘as soon as possible.’