New Figures Reveal 17 Fire Service Staff Dismissals in Southern England Since Early 2022

According to recently released data, a minimum of 17 firefighters or other fire service personnel in the southern region have been dismissed from their positions since the beginning of 2022. The Dorset and Wiltshire service, which was identified by inspectors as having an “inadequate” culture earlier in the current year, terminated the employment of eight staff members. Concurrently, Berkshire’s service dismissed seven individuals. Oxfordshire’s service saw two dismissals, following an inspection that uncovered instances of “inappropriate and racist language” used by some staff. In contrast, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight service only disclosed that it had conducted 12 misconduct hearings. The regulatory body for fire services stated that there was “too much unacceptable behaviour.” However, the watchdog also noted in August that some advancements had occurred in addressing national concerns regarding values and culture. Andy Cole is slated to assume the role of chief fire officer for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service in the New Year, following Ben Ansell’s retirement. Mr. Ansell had previously described a 2023 report, which highlighted widespread misogyny and sexism within the service, as “uncomfortable to read” and asserted that it “must and will change.” In September, he indicated that it was the “right time” for him to resign to “allow for new leadership.” The Dorset and Wiltshire service reported that in addition to the eight staff members dismissed since January 2022, six other employees received final written warnings, and two more were issued first written warnings. Regarding Berkshire, the fire service indicated that out of 24 misconduct hearings conducted, 12 pertained to alleged behaviour. An additional nine hearings concerned alleged breaches of policy or process, two involved suspected bullying or harassment, and one addressed alleged discrimination. Beyond the seven dismissals, five staff members in Berkshire received final written warnings, and another five were issued written warnings. In one instance, no case was found to answer. The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service mentioned six “other” outcomes but did not provide specific details regarding their nature. In Oxfordshire, five employees received first written warnings after hearings, and two final written warnings were issued. One staff member resigned after their hearing. The BBC acquired all of this information through Freedom of Information requests. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight service declined to provide additional information, stating that doing so “would enable the identification of individuals to the world at large.”