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LFB too slow handling complaints, report finds

PA Media A file image showing the side of a red and yellow fire engine, with the white LFB logo printed on it and 'London Fire Brigade' underneath. In the distance a yellow hose can be seen trailing on the ground with a uniformed firefighter stood in front of it with their back turned to the cameraPA Media
An assembly committee said LFB's standards unit lacked independence

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) "lacks independence and has not been dealing with complaints fast enough", the London Assembly has said.

A damning review in 2022 found the brigade was institutionally misogynist and racist, and it was put into special measures until March 2024.

The Assembly's fire committee said LFB's Professional Standards Unit (PSU) had not handled complaints in a timely fashion and lacked sufficient independence.

However, it praised the brigade - and commissioner Andy Roe - for making "wider efforts to strengthen its culture".

PA Media A file image showing two firefighters stood side by side during a drill with their backs to the camera. They are wearing brown and yellow uniform and bright yellow helmets, and one of them has placed their hand on the other's shoulderPA Media
The chair of the committee said it encouraged LFB to "explore different structures and processes" to allow greater independence and build trust

The committee's findings echo those of the fire inspectorate in November, which said LFB needed to do more to recruit a diverse workforce and build staff trust in the mechanisms it has to deal with poor behaviour.

LFB told the committee the cost of staff suspensions in the first year of the PSU, set up to handle complaints of misconduct, totalled almost £900,000 - not including the cost of any investigations by the unit.

Last year, Mr Roe said funding constraints could hamper attempts to combat problems in the brigade.

The report identified areas where challenging misconduct and building a representative workforce "could be supported by greater ambition and action".

The report recommended:

  • LFB appoints an independent Standards Commissioner to oversee the PSU
  • Workforce surveys at least annually, with findings published
  • A strategy for attracting and retaining more diverse candidates into the service should be published
  • The government establish a College of Fire and Rescue by the end of this parliamentary term, and the college would maintain a national barred list for staff who have been dismissed for gross misconduct
PA Media File photo showing Andy Roe, a man with short grey hair, in a black uniform with red details, standing in front of an orange and back backgroundPA Media
The committee's report praised commissioner Andy Roe's commitment to culture change as "a pillar of his leadership"

The Assembly's fire committee chairperson, Hina Bokhari, said while she recognised the work already done, the volume of work being handled by the PSU "is evidence" the problems have not gone away.

She said the committee had heard from a number of firefighters about "serious instances and patterns of alleged misconduct" and the complainants' lack of faith in procedures to address these issues.

They also heard how delays in resolving complaints had had "a real impact on the wellbeing of staff".

She added there was a risk the PSU "may be perceived as HR rebranded" and the committee encouraged the brigade "to explore different structures and processes to allow greater independence and build trust, as well as to build a more diverse workforce".

'Very small self-selecting group'

Commenting on the report, Mr Roe said he was pleased the committee had recognised the progress made in improving the LFB's culture.

However, he said changing workplace culture took time.

He added: "A great deal of work has taken place over the last three years – including the largest leadership programme in the brigade's history focusing on values and behaviours, and establishing a Professional Standards Unit, which is the first of its kind in the sector.

"We note that, during its investigation, and in its own words, the committee met with a "very small self-selecting group" of LFB employees.

"While those experiences and views are valid and important, this is in contrast to the comprehensive approach of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

"Therefore, the available data does not support all the committee's statements about the PSU."

A spokesperson said Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan was encouraged by the "real progress" made in the culture of the London Fire Brigade.

"The mayor will continue to work with the commissioner and his future replacement to deliver a fire and rescue service that Londoners can be proud of."

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