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In the wake of a scathing report revealing widespread sexual harassment and abuse within the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway has announced his intention to step down. The report uncovered deeply concerning issues of sexual harassment and domestic abuse that were “tolerated” within the service.
The review, led by Fenella Morris KC, was initiated following an ITV News investigation in December 2022, which exposed instances of harassment and abuse by two firefighters who were allowed to retain their positions. The investigation into the service’s culture, discipline processes, and historical cases confirmed the presence of problematic behaviours.
The report outlined a culture of tolerance toward various misconduct, including sexual harassment, negative attitudes toward women, domestic abuse, physical aggression outside of work, discrimination based on protected characteristics like sex, race, and religion, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, and interference with procedures. It also noted that misconduct, including criminal conduct, was not adequately addressed, further perpetuating a harmful culture.
Testimonies from within the service revealed an ingrained fear of challenging higher-ranking individuals, creating an environment where grievances and disciplinary actions were seldom raised. The report suggested the existence of a “Boys’ Club,” particularly at the top of the hierarchy.
The lack of transparency in decision-making, nepotism, patriarchal attitudes, objectification and sexual harassment of women, and overbearing behaviors toward women were all highlighted as problems. The report even noted that the authors themselves experienced some of these behaviours during the review.
In addition, the report found that “dark humour” was used to cover offensive and inappropriate comments, with explicit images, graphic violence, and sexist remarks being shared in WhatsApp groups. This “banter” often masked sexist comments and perpetuated negative attitudes toward women within the service.
Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway expressed his deep remorse following the report’s findings and said, “I am confident through a collective commitment across the Service and with assistance from partners, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will emerge with a more positive and inclusive culture.
Deputy Minister for Social Partnership Hannah Blythyn described the report as highly critical and called for immediate action to address the underlying failures in leadership, governance, and decision-making within the service.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, previously awarded ‘white ribbon’ status in 2014, has suspended this status following the ITV News investigation. As part of the ‘white ribbon’ accreditation, the service had pledged to provide a safe haven for women facing danger.
