A culture review of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has revealed female firefighters and staff have been ‘subject to significant trauma at the hands of male colleagues’.
An independent report, commissioned by Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell, was published today (Tuesday) and highlighted inappropriate behaviour and conduct across the service.
It was ordered after ITV News uncovered evidence of male firefighters making degrading comments about deceased female victims and allegedly sharing photos of them.
Several female firefighters told ITV News of persistent sexual harassment within their stations, including one male firefighter demanding sexual favours at the scene of a fire.
The report found that gaslighting, coercive or controlling behaviours, sexual harassment and inappropriate touching towards female firefighters and staff were commonplace in the organisation.
There were extensive examples of sexist and misogynist behaviour on fire stations, including women being ignored by male colleagues, male use of female toilets and exclusion from WhatsApp groups.
Most concerningly, the report said that a “common theme from the interviews was the perception that senior managers were aware of the behaviour of specific individuals, but no one did anything about it, and, in some cases, interviewees spoke about perpetrators being protected.”
It added: “There was a perception of a ‘boys club’ culture, with Freemasons being suggested as the reason for some cases not being progressed through the disciplinary process. Another example some interviewees gave was that of a widely known ‘Golf Range Breakfast Club’, some of whom held management positions.”
The Independent Review Team said it has “heard some deeply troubling stories from both men and women about how women had been subject to significant trauma at the hands of male colleagues.”
Adding: “The culture appears to prevent others from challenging for fear of repercussion and isolation.”
In an open letter, Mr Ansell said: “I am incredibly grateful to those who came forward to share their experiences with your review team. This shows the desire and commitment of our staff to further strengthen our culture so that every individual feels respected, valued, and safe in their workplace.
“I would also like to personally thank you and your team for your work in holding a mirror up to our organisation. Your independent insight has been an important exercise in identifying key issues and recommendations to help me further strengthen our culture. You have identified some concerning experiences within your report, and I am truly sorry that these have occurred.
“I personally found some of the experiences of our staff were uncomfortable for me to read and I know it will also be concerning for our staff. I very much hope that the majority of staff do not recognise these experiences within their workplace, but it will inevitably resonate for some.
“Although we have much in place, I can see that we have not always got things right and this must and will change. There is no place for inappropriate behaviour in our organisation and I am fully committed to driving our culture forward positively.
“We have carefully reflected upon and reviewed the report, and we welcome the recommendations made by your team. I am pleased to say that there are a number of arrangements in place and actions already underway, and we must now ensure that these are fully embedded.”
Watch a fire service-produced interview with Mr Ansell below, or read the review >
