Four commissioners have been appointed by the Welsh Government to oversee the Service, including former WLGA Leader Baroness Wilcox of Newport. 

Last month, leaders expressed their shock and concern at the unacceptable behaviours described in the report which “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

 
Cllr Jane Gebbie, WLGA Workforce Spokesperson said: 

“The report, based on the findings of the independent investigation, into the working culture of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is a damning reflection of some behaviours exhibited by individuals”

“The report highlights some unacceptable and shocking behaviour that should never be tolerated in the workplace. I hope the Welsh Government’s decisive action will lead to the major and sustainable change needed.”  

“The WLGA and local authorities will work closely with the Welsh Government, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Commissioners and partners to implement the actions needed to create a positive and inclusive culture, free of discrimination.” 

ENDS – 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

Welsh Government appoints commissioners to oversee South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority after ‘damning’ report

As the leaders of councils in the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service area, we are extremely shocked and concerned to see the findings from the independent investigation into the working culture in the Service. The report is a damning reflection of some horrific instances of unacceptable and shocking behaviour that can never be accepted in the workplace and we thank the review team and all those who contributed their experiences to the review. 

Such behaviour cannot and will not be tolerated and we will be seeking urgent assurances from the Fire and Rescue Authority that all recommendations made by the review team are fully implemented, not only in words but through clear actions and communications. 

There is a need, and indeed a right, for all employees and the public to expect and receive high standards of behaviour from firefighters and other staff as public servants.  Through our links with the Authority we will be seeking such assurances and a meeting with the Chair to discuss our concerns and expectations for moving forward. 

We will also ensure our scrutiny processes are seeking regular feedback and will scrutinise progress being made in changing culture and practices. 

We are keen to work with the Service and Authority to make the necessary changes as we learn from and address the findings from this damning report.  

Ends –

The WLGA is dismayed and hugely concerned at the findings of the investigation into the internal culture and behaviour in the South Wale Fire and Rescue Service and strongly believes that such behaviour cannot and should not be tolerated in the workplace, nor in wider society.  Members are shocked at many of the examples of completely unacceptable behaviour reflected in the report and are concerned that many people have had such negative experiences working in the Service, with some members of the public also receiving unacceptable levels of service.  This cannot be tolerated and cannot continue. 

The WLGA applauds the bravery and honesty of those who contributed their experiences to the investigation team and believe that significant changes now need to be made to fully implement the recommendations made and bring significant change to the culture and working practices of the Fire and Rescue Service.  There is also a need for all bodies to learn lessons from this report and other recent reports reflecting similar experiences and concerns in other public bodies and other organisations, as no organisation is immune from such instances occurring, and bodies must continually review their culture and internal behaviours to ensure all employees, and members of the public, can expect and receive high standards of behaviour, based on respect, in their dealings with colleagues and public servants.  

The WLGA will review the report and its recommendations in detail and assess wider lessons that need to be addressed.  As an associate member, the WLGA will work with and support South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, along with the other Fire and Rescue Authorities in Wales, to fully implement the recommendations, not only in words but in actions and in changing cultures to ensure all employees and the public are treated with dignity and respect in all circumstances, and in ensuring no such behaviour is tolerated in the future.  

Ends –

On the first day of the Awareness Week, the Network have released a film with Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales, to highlight the importance of working in partnership to promote safe, strong, confident communities, and how the Network is invaluable to achieving this.

In addition, the Awareness Week will include a number of Coffee Talk and Lunch and Learn online sessions highlighting various topics within community safety, including violence against women and girls, safeguarding, and antisocial behaviour. The sessions will be led by various partners of the Network and will be an opportunity to showcase the good practice that is taking place across Wales.

It's not too late to sign up to attend the sessions and share the messages of the Awareness Week in your local area. Find out more about how you and your organisation can get involved here.

To find out more about the Network visit www.safercommunities.wales and follow @WalesSaferComms on Twitter for latest updates.

Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader, Newport Council, Co-Chair of the Safer Communities Board for Wales, and WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice said:

“I am delighted to support the launch of the first Safer Communities Awareness Week for Wales. This week will be a great opportunity to learn about and elevate the fantastic work taking place in Community Safety across Wales, as we hear from a number of the Wales Safer Communities Network partners.”

Roger Thomas, Chief Fire Officer, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Senior Responsible Officer for the Wales Safer Communities Network said:

“The Safer Communities Awareness Week 2023 is a unique opportunity to extend collaboration within Community Safety in Wales, bringing together likeminded individuals and stakeholders with a shared interest to work together towards the same goal to achieve safer communities across Wales. We cannot solve these issues as individual organisations and the future of successful Community Safety is dependent on collaboration.”

Mark Brace, Head of the Wales Safer Communities Network said:

“This is an exciting development for the Wales Safer Communities Network and demonstrates our ability to engage with multiple organisations across a variety of Community Safety topics. This is part of our ongoing support to colleagues working in Community Safety and highlights our value in supporting partnership working across Wales.”

- ENDS -

Victory in Europe (VE) Day marks the day when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end in 1945. The traditional early May bank holiday has been pushed back to 8th May this year to coincide with the historic anniversary.

Many planned activities to note the landmark moment have been cancelled in line with government social distancing measures. But alternative plans, including a range of special programmes by the BBC and events by the Royal British Legion, have been drawn up to offer a range of opportunities for anyone wishing to mark the poignant milestone.

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“This weekend gives us a chance to pay our respects to those who sacrificed so much. But to honour the heroes of VE Day, we must protect the heroes of today by staying at home.

“There’s a range of opportunities on offer to us to mark the historic day whilst observing government public health guidelines. This is a chance for Wales to come together whilst staying apart.

“Although plans have changed, our desire to honour the sacrifices made during the Second World War and to commemorate the end of fighting in Europe remains.”

Councillor Matthew Dorrance (Powys), WLGA Spokesperson for Community Safety said:

“Our nation came together 75 years ago to mark the end of the War in Europe and to recognise the service by so many both overseas and on the home front. On this poignant anniversary, we can take a moment to pause and remember all the people from all walks of life who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

-ENDS-      

UK-wide remembrance activities include:

• At 11am commemorations will begin with a moment of remembrance, marked with a two minute silence.
• At 3pm, Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 speech to the nation will be broadcast on the BBC as part of special programmes planned for the day.
• At 9pm, HM The Queen will address the nation on the BBC – at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945.
• To be followed by a national singalong of Vera Lynn’s iconic wartime song, “We’ll Meet Again”.