UK Fire and Rescue Services

The Recent HMICFRS Report

Standards of behaviour: The handling of misconduct in fire and rescue services

The recent HMICFRS report emphasised the urgent need to address staff misconduct and improve fire and rescue service culture.

We can support you in responding to the HMICFRS Report by reviewing your whistleblowing processes, and helping you to prioritise any improvements you need to make, ensuring you’re better aligned with the FRS code of ethics.

The key points of the report are:

  • There has been improvement in FRS service culture, although unacceptable behaviour remains.
  • Lack of trust and confidence in Fire and Rescue Service misconduct processes is deterring FRS staff from speaking out.
  • There is a need for approved report management training for those managing and investigating misconduct.
  • Increased importance of learning from past mistakes to prevent future issues.

“In April 2023, the Service launched the confidential Safecall Hotline, which provides employees the option of raising concerns / whistleblowing whilst maintain their anonymity. By using this system, the Service can communicate with the individual who has raised the concern whilst they maintain their anonymity. Several concerns have been raised by this means and it is assisting in our aim to improve the culture of the Service”.

Country Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service

Call +44 (0) 191 516 7720 to talk to someone about whistleblowing solutions and compliance today.