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Staff at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have told inspectors that the workplace is ‘broken and toxic,’ that leaders are not demonstrating the service’s values and morale is at ‘an all-time low.’
The HMICFRS inspection report grades the service’s culture and values as ‘inadequate.’ The focus of its concern is with the senior leadership of the service where it says leaders should do more to consistently demonstrate behaviours that reflect its values.
The report says that inspectors observed examples of “dismissive and isolating behaviours demonstrated by leaders.” It adds that it found similar perceptions in the service’s own workforce survey from 2024, “indicating cultural concerns remain unresolved.’
Drawing on evidence from service surveys and those carried out for this inspection, the inspectors said that staff fear reprisal for speaking up and in some areas of the service there is a culture that tolerates unacceptable behaviour. It includes examples of misogynistic behaviour where women are ignored and concerns about fit of PPE not taken seriously.
In a second cause for concern, the inspectors have told the service to overhaul its grievance and disciplinary procedures. Listing out areas to address in an action plan, the inspectors say that the lack of procedural fairness, timely resolution and transparent decision-making have contributed to a culture in which inappropriate behaviour is not consistently challenged.
Elsewhere in the report, the inspectors go into more detail about the performance of senior leaders, and finds “not all leaders act as role models and fail to create a positive workplace culture.” It cites leadership instability at the highest level and a lack of accountability and widespread poor leadership behaviours.
“Positive leadership is evident in some areas of the organisation, but these are
isolated instances and don’t offset the widespread cultural issues. The overall
environment remains poor and inconsistent, requiring systemic change rather than localised improvements.”
Responding to the publication of the inspection report, Bedfordshire chief Andy Hopkinson said that the report came as no surprise. He explained: “We had already identified what needed to change and initiated action before the inspectorate came in and some of the feedback validates our work is justified and on the right track.”
“We recognise where we need to grow, and continuing to invest in our culture and leaders will help ensure everyone in the organisation feels engaged, respected and valued.”
Read the report in full – Effectiveness, efficiency and People 2025-2027 Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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