The London Fire Brigade is “institutionally misogynist and racist” with a “toxic culture that allows bullying and abuse”, an independent review has found.
The review’s author Nazir Afzal OBE said he and his team “found dangerous levels of ingrained prejudice against women and the barriers faced by people of colour spoke for themselves”.
He said the report found failings in the brigade’s processes meant women, black, Asian and minority ethnic people and members of the LGBT+ community were more likely to experience poor treatment and do less well in their careers.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “Today is a very sobering day. There is no place for discrimination, harassment and bullying in the Brigade and from today it will be completely clear to all staff what behaviour isn’t acceptable and what the consequences will be.
“I am deeply sorry for the harm that has been caused. I will be fully accountable for improving our culture.”
Mr Nazir and his team heard the experiences of over 2,000 current and former staff and the public, including members of the Grenfell community.
In response to the review the brigade said it was making “immediate changes to provide increased protection for its staff,” which will see anyone accused of discrimination, harassment and bullying suspended after a risk assessment. They will then be investigated and dismissed if the accusation is upheld.
It is also introducing an external complaints service for staff to report poor behaviour rather than having to report it internally, while improving internal the internal complaints process.
