West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (WSFRS) has pledged to take proactive measures to reform its culture following the findings of a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS). The report, which was part of an inspection carried out in the autumn of 2021, identified concerning behavior within the fire and rescue sector.
In a statement released by Chief Fire Officer Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, she acknowledged the uncomfortable findings of the report and expressed her gratitude towards those who had spoken out about the abhorrent behaviors they had experienced. However, she also commended the inspectors for finding that the service has established a culture of continual learning and improvement.
Cohen-Hatton also revealed that WSFRS would be welcoming an external organization to carry out a cultural development program to ensure that all staff understand and deliver their work in line with the expected values and behaviors as detailed in the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services. Additionally, an external and confidential reporting line for staff is being established.
