Avon Fire Authority: culture of bullying criticised in damning report

The Avon Fire and Rescue Authority has been strongly criticised in a government report, blaming poor leadership for a series of failures by management.

The report was ordered by the Home Office after fire chiefs ignored an official request for an independent inquiry into claims of management in-fighting and allegations of bullying.

The investigation covered a period of six years from 2011.

KEY FAILINGS

• Failures of leadership and culture

• Poor decision making and lack of staff expertise

• Lack of scrutiny over pay rises to senior staff

• Failure to address equality issues

The report found there was a perception that bullying and harassment were endemic.

One incident which was heavily criticised was the case of a missing laptop = which might have contained sensitive data about a number of vulnerable children.

The report said action should have been taken "without hesitation", and the incident "exemplified a culture of defensiveness".

The Avon Fire Authority Chair says they'll be taking "positive steps" to address these concerns.