Fire service report describes 'culture of fear'
GoogleA leaked report into issues at a fire and rescue service described a "culture of fear" under its previous leadership.
The review of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service was commissioned more than a year ago after concerns were raised by individuals, but was never made public.
Both the former chief and deputy were suspended following the review last year and later left the organisation. Replacements for both positions are now in place.
A spokesman for the service said "the report reflects colleagues' experiences and perceptions at a particular point in time" and "work is already under way, with some actions taken immediately following the findings".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the 35-page report by CMP Solutions said concerns about the atmosphere at the fire service had resulted in "several staff booking on sick leave" and some "threats of grievances".
Frequently occurring themes raised by staff included inappropriate language and comments; unprofessional and inappropriate reactions including high levels of anger; and the creation of a culture of fear.
However, staff were also very positive about their team environments, while operational staff "expressed pride in the service they provided to the public and their operational competency".
'Complete review'
The document described how leading officers were said to operate in a way that created "exclusion rather than inclusion" and that they sought "conformity" and reacted "negatively to any and all challenge".
The level of funding for the service was also said to have had a negative impact, particularly on staffing levels.
A lack of "effective communications" was also highlighted.
The report set out a series of recommendations to improve the working culture including an "inclusive, supportive" leadership that was "open to challenge".
Levels of crewing and a review of workloads at Fire Control were also recommended, as was a "complete review" of communications.
The spokesman said: "The findings have helped inform our new People & Culture Plan – strengthening leadership and behaviour standards, improving communication and engagement, reviewing promotion, recruitment and disciplinary approaches to ensure fairness and consistency and investing in wellbeing, inclusion and development."