Source · HMICFRS
FRS 2023-25 CoC Recommendations: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
7 October 2024
Fire & Rescue Inspection
5 recommendations
Cause of Concern recommendations tracked by HMICFRS for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (2023-25)
Recommendations
F1
Open
Cause of concern: The service needs to do more to ensure that its staff routinely demonstrate behaviours in line with its values. We found strong evidence of behaviours that weren’t in line with service values. We were told about cultures among some teams where staff demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. And staff don’t always have the confidence to report these issues and worryingly, when they do, they aren’t always supported by managers. We acknowledge that the service commissioned and published an independent review into its workplace culture and it has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture.
Recommendation: The service should assure itself that senior and middle managers act as role models and show they are committed to service values through their behaviours
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
F2
Open
Cause of concern: The service needs to do more to ensure that its staff routinely demonstrate behaviours in line with its values. We found strong evidence of behaviours that weren’t in line with service values. We were told about cultures among some teams where staff demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. And staff don’t always have the confidence to report these issues and worryingly, when they do, they aren’t always supported by managers. We acknowledge that the service commissioned and published an independent review into its workplace culture and it has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture.
Recommendation: The service should establish a culture where behaviours that are not in line with service values are routinely challenged, including through making sure all staff are trained and supported to identify and challenge inappropriate behaviour
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
F3
Open
Cause of concern: The service needs to do more to ensure that its staff routinely demonstrate behaviours in line with its values. We found strong evidence of behaviours that weren’t in line with service values. We were told about cultures among some teams where staff demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. And staff don’t always have the confidence to report these issues and worryingly, when they do, they aren’t always supported by managers. We acknowledge that the service commissioned and published an independent review into its workplace culture and it has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture.
Recommendation: The service should make sure staff fully understand the role of the cultural development committee and action being taken.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
F4
Open
Cause of concern: The service needs to do more to ensure that its staff routinely demonstrate behaviours in line with its values. We found strong evidence of behaviours that weren’t in line with service values. We were told about cultures among some teams where staff demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. And staff don’t always have the confidence to report these issues and worryingly, when they do, they aren’t always supported by managers. We acknowledge that the service commissioned and published an independent review into its workplace culture and it has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture.
Recommendation: The service should make sure that its staff are able to demonstrate that they understand and follow the Core Code of Ethics. The service should be able to demonstrate that it has built the Code into all relevant policies and practices.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
F5
Open
Cause of concern: The service needs to do more to ensure that its staff routinely demonstrate behaviours in line with its values. We found strong evidence of behaviours that weren’t in line with service values. We were told about cultures among some teams where staff demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. And staff don’t always have the confidence to report these issues and worryingly, when they do, they aren’t always supported by managers. We acknowledge that the service commissioned and published an independent review into its workplace culture and it has a plan in place to improve its organisational culture.
Recommendation: The Service should make sure the appropriate support is provided to those raising workforce concerns
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service