Firefighters Express Concerns Over QR Code System for Reporting Bullying

Firefighters have informed inspectors that they are “scared” to utilize a QR code system established for reporting instances of bullying and harassment, due to fears of potential identification. In correspondence sent to government inspectors, personnel from Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) indicated that the phrase “being QR coded” was frequently employed when discussing particular subjects. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) conducted a follow-up visit to AFRS in September, following a previous report last year that deemed its performance inadequate. Simon Shilton, AFRS chief fire officer, stated his “fully committed to ensuring we continue to make the improvements needed”. HMICFRS inspectors noted that one of two “accelerated” causes of concern, specifically the service’s mobilisation system responsible for dispatching resources, had been rectified through a software upgrade and was now considered “reliable and stable”. While progress had been achieved concerning the other accelerated concern, AFRS’s risk information process, inspectors indicated there was “still more to do”. Inspectors also reported that “good progress” had been made in fire prevention, and that AFRS had successfully cleared its backlog of 249 overdue home fire safety visits, according to information from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. HMICFRS stated: “During our revisit, we spoke to many staff who felt the service needs to improve the way it communicates what it is doing to address the cause of concern.“Some staff that we spoke to said they have little confidence in the service’s commitment to improve.” In August 2023, the organization introduced an independent reporting line, managed by an external entity, enabling staff to report workplace issues such as harassment via a QR code. The letter indicated: “We were told by staff that this initiative was poorly communicated initially.“This resulted in fear and the term ‘being QR coded’ often being used.“For example, some staff felt scared about speaking about certain topics as they feared that whatever they said may be ‘QR coded’.” A professional standards board, comprising staff, external advisers, and a lawyer, had been established for disciplinary investigations, but inspectors observed that “most employees did not know about it”. HMICFRS further added: “They also had reservations about how the service completes investigations and the length of time they take,”. HMICFRS also noted: “The service needs to review the support it provides to staff raising workforce concerns and those who may be subject to an investigation.“Wellbeing support is offered in correspondence sent to the affected parties, but staff felt this was a ‘tick box exercise’.” Mr Shilton commented: “Our teams have worked incredibly hard, despite tight budgets and with limited resources, to implement the ambitious action plans developed after the initial inspection from HMICFRS last year.“I’m pleased to see the inspectorate has acknowledged these efforts, particularly in closing the accelerated cause of concern surrounding the mobilisation system.“It’s great to see them recognise the plans our teams have put in place, the work that has been done and the progress that has been made.” For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.