FIRE SERVICE members in Wales have welcomed the Welsh government’s intention to review the culture and values of fire and rescue services.

Following allegations of misogyny at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Hannah Blythyn MS, deputy minister for social partnership, announced the reviews into Mid and West Wales and North Wales services today.

The minister appointed four commissioners to take over the running of the South Wales service last month following a damning report by Fenella Morris KC, revealing staff misconduct, a dysfunctional workplace culture and serious and systemic failings in management at all levels.

Fire Brigades Union (FBU) executive council member for Wales Cerith Griffiths said: “We welcome the announcement by the deputy minister for social partnership that there will now be reviews into the culture and values at both North Wales and Mid and West Wales.

“Since the publication of the review, union representatives have been inundated with calls from members wishing to have their say — some of the allegations that are being made are nothing short of abhorrent. 

“Employees need to have confidence that their voices will be heard and that concerns raised will be dealt with appropriately. Until now that has not happened.”

Ms Blythyn said she had met the chief fire officers of both services, and that both were happy to urgently commission independent reviews.