An independent culture review has revealed a plethora of failings regarding the internal culture and well-being of staff at the London Fire Brigade (LFB), labeling it as “institutionally misogynist and racist”.
The commissioned review published on 25 November 2022 was carried out by the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for north-west England, Nazir Afzal OBE.
independent investigation findings
The report forms the outcome of an independent investigation that was requested by London Fire Commissioner, Andy Roe, after a trainee firefighter took his own life in August 2020.
It was suggested by Jaden Matthew Francois-Esprit's family that the 21-year-old had been heavily bullied due to his ethnicity, though it was later found that Jaden had mental health issues that had gone undetected.
Addressing death risks
Data from Afzal’s report show that six staff members of LFB had taken their own lives in the last five years
During the inquest, the coroner Mary Hassell stated, “In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.”
Data from Afzal’s report show that six staff members of LFB had taken their own lives in the last five years. In addition, there were several “harrowing examples” of attempted suicides.
Uncovering The culture
Over 10 months, Afzal and his team conducted over 250 interviews with current and previous members of staff.
Additionally, an online survey was completed by more than 1,600 employees, while over 100 written submissions were given through a secure and private email.
Bullying
In his report, Afzal added, “In one case of horrendous racial abuse, we spoke to a black firefighter who had a noose put above his locker."
"We also spoke to a Muslim who was constantly bullied about his religion and had bacon and sausages put in his coat pockets and a terrorist hotline sign posted on his locker."
Racism
On countless occasions, stories of racial slurs being casually used were related to us by people of color"
“On countless occasions, stories of racial slurs being casually used were related to us by people of color."
"At its worse, particularly about some Muslim firefighters, this would manifest itself in constant mockery, baiting, and bullying. We heard from one firefighter who had been diagnosed with PTSD as a result.”
Sexual abuse
There were also numerous accounts of women being subject to abuse from colleagues on a day-to-day basis. Some women admitted to being groped during training exercises and experiencing a “daily gauntlet of sexist abuse… frequently euphemized as ‘banter’.”
Many women reiterated their concerns over whether they could ultimately trust their colleagues to protect them while on duty in dangerous scenarios, with some having photos taken of them without their consent and others being sexually taunted. One woman, it was found, “after making complaints about this, received video calls from a man exposing his genitalia.”
Conclusion
The conclusion of the report also stipulated, “We also found that LGBTQ+ staff and people who are neurologically diverse are treated unfavorably compared to others.”
In a letter to Roe, Afzal stated, “Many of the people who came to us were reduced to tears and are carrying a great burden. They do not feel they are being listened to, complaints go nowhere, and they have no recourse to justice or protection from bullies."
Inclusive and representative public service
Their stories, as difficult as they are to read, ought to be the catalyst for change"
“Their stories, as difficult as they are to read, ought to be the catalyst for change."
"I hope you will ensure this is a watershed moment for the Brigade, which will see it become not only a modern fire and rescue service that’s at the heart of a great world city but also the inclusive and representative public service that I know you want it to be.”
Impact of Grenfell on LFB Staff and Call to Action
Another key revelation of the report identified the “seismic impact” that the Grenfell Tower fire had on LFB staff, of which some 1,074 members were involved making up 19% of the workforce.
The report stated, “Staff repeatedly told us that it has taken its toll on their mental health and, while LFB informed us that they did not have complete data for the number of people that had left the Brigade because of the impact of the Grenfell Fire, they did acknowledge there had been several ill-health retirements as a result.”
Need for immediate reform
Following the publication of the report, many organizations and industry professionals have spoken out about the necessity of immediate reform.
In response to Afzal’s findings, Roe wrote, “I am deeply sorry for the harm that has been caused."
23 recommendations
There is no place for discrimination and bullying and it will be made clear what behavior isn’t acceptable"
"I completely accept the 23 recommendations in your report, and I write to you to set out our plans and the action we intend to take. I will be fully accountable for improving our culture.”
“There is no place for discrimination, harassment, and bullying in the Brigade and from today it will be completely clear what behavior isn’t acceptable and what the consequences will be."
Impact of disadvantage and discrimination
“The report confirms that the disadvantage and discrimination that affects our staff does not translate into our operations and does not impact the way we prevent and respond to incidents."
"This confirms with what we know about firefighters responding professionally and equally to all types of incidents. However, I take little comfort from this, given the extremity of our own staff’s experiences."
treat others with dignity and respect
In a statement, Gareth Cook of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said that the union had “raised concerns about many of the issues contained within this report historically” and, as a result, “remain skeptical about the changes senior leaders will implement about their behaviors.”
“Our rules and policies require every FBU member to treat others with dignity and respect and to challenge offensive behavior of any kind. The union is committed to equality. We campaign against all discrimination by gender, race or ethnicity, sexuality, age, disability, and religion or belief. We have a long record of campaigning on such issues,” Cook said.
