Chief of fire service where sexism was rife to retire

The top officer of a fire service which was found to have an underlying culture of sexism and misogyny is to retire.

Ben Ansell was appointed chief fire officer following the creation of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) in 2016.

In 2023, an independent review found dozens of DWFRS employees had been aware of inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Ansell said it was the "right time" for him to step down and "allow for new leadership".

He said: "I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together as an organisation, particularly during the challenging times we have faced.

"The decision has not been made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me to step down and allow for new leadership to guide our service forward."

In January last year, ITV News reported allegations that male firefighters had taken photos of car crash victims and made degrading comments in a WhatsApp group.

A police investigation found no crimes had been committed but an independent review found misogyny and sexism was rife in the service.

At the time, Mr Ansell said he had found the report "uncomfortable to read" and that things "must and will change".

Mr Ansell joined Dorset Fire Brigade in 1994 and worked as an operational firefighter, at the service training centre, in audit and review, operational planning, and area command teams.

He will retire on 31 December after more than 30 years of service.

Fire and Rescue Authority chair Paul Oatway said he fully supported and understood Mr Ansell's decision, describing him as an "exceptional chief fire officer, respected both locally and nationally".

He said: "It is a sad day for the authority and service to lose such an enthusiastic and dynamic leader."

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