Fire service run like boys' club, says damning report

One of Wales' fire brigades has been described as an "operational boys' club", according to one of two new reports released today.

The inquiry heard from staff at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) who said that people who do triathlon or cycling with senior leaders were more likely to get promoted.

It also found that bullying and harassment were widespread in the Mid Wales fire service, with similar criticisms made in a separate report into the North Wales Fire and Rescue Services (NWFRW).

Senior leaders at both fire brigades have apologised and said they will do more to make sure staff feel supported.

The two investigations were commissioned in March 2024 following allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and favouritism.

At the time, Hannah Blythyn, then deputy minister for social welfare, said the public needed to be "reassured".

Nearly half (47%) of Mid and West Wales staff reported personal experience of bullying or harassment, and over half (54%) said they had witnessed such behaviours.

In North Wales, over two-fifths (42%) of survey respondents reported personal experiences of bullying or harassment, and nearly half (49%) said they had witnessed them.

One staff member with the Mid and West Wales service told the investigation: "It has unfortunately been slightly too obvious to note the trend in those who partake in activities such as triathlon and cycling advancing within the service.

Another commented anonymously: "There is a pernicious cliquey culture within the organisation. Favouritism and nepotism thrive, it's hard to nail down or pinpoint but if you are friends with the right people it makes you untouchable. It's a boys' club."

The report into the North Wales fire service found problems with discrimination, with 17% of respondents reporting experiencing discrimination in the last three years.

The report's authors – Crest Advisory – said: "gender-based discrimination [was] the most common type, highlighting entrenched issues of sexism at NWFRS."

One female member of staff at the North Wales fire service told the investigation: "I'm undermined quite a lot, quite a lot of the time, and I hold my own, but sometimes it gets really, really frustrating.

"I'll be sat in meetings and told 'obviously you're new to the role' when I've been in the role for years, and there is a male colleague sat next to me who's been in for two months."

Another staff member said anonymously: "I've had quite a few instances with men speaking down to me because I am a woman, that it's good I'm in an office-based job, because that's where I belong, behind the desk doing paperwork."

The investigations said that the culture in North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has begun to improve, and that staff in both brigades were proud to work as firefighters.

The report was based on interviews with more than 350 current and former staff in the North Wales fire service, and more 400 in the Mid and West Wales service.

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.

He added that he accepts the report recommendations aimed at improving the culture within 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.

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".

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.

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.

Altaf Hussain, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Equalities and Social Justice, described the report findings as "shocking", describing the behaviour as "wholly unacceptable".

Plaid Cymru said it was "devastating" to see the "toxic culture" in the fire services.