The London Assembly has expressed concerns that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) “lacks autonomy and has not been responsive enough in addressing complaints.”

A critical review conducted in 2022 determined that the brigade exhibited entrenched misogyny and racism, leading to its placement under special measures until March 2024.

According to the Assembly’s fire committee, the Professional Standards Unit (PSU) at LFB has struggled to manage complaints promptly and does not possess adequate independence.

Nevertheless, the committee acknowledged the brigade, along with Commissioner Andy Roe, for their broader initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational culture.

These findings align with a report from the fire inspectorate in November, which underscored the need for LFB to improve its efforts in recruiting a diverse workforce and in fostering trust among staff regarding the mechanisms in place for addressing inappropriate behavior.

The LFB informed the committee that the costs associated with staff suspensions in the PSU’s inaugural year, which was created to manage misconduct complaints, approached £900,000, excluding investigation expenses.

Last year, Mr. Roe highlighted that funding limitations could impede efforts to address issues within the brigade.

The report pinpointed areas where the enforcement of standards against misconduct and the creation of a representative workforce could benefit from increased ambition and proactive measures.

Among the committee’s recommendations:

Hina Bokhari, chair of the Assembly’s fire committee, noted that while she appreciates the work already carried out, the volume of cases being processed by the PSU indicates that the underlying issues have not been resolved.

She mentioned that various firefighters have reported “serious instances and patterns of alleged misconduct” and expressed a lack of confidence in the procedures meant to address such concerns.

The committee also learned that delays in addressing complaints had adversely affected the wellbeing of staff members.

Bokhari warned that the PSU could be viewed merely as a rebranded HR department and urged the brigade to consider alternative structures and processes that would enhance independence, foster trust, and promote a more diverse workforce.

In response to the report, Mr. Roe expressed satisfaction that the committee recognized the strides made in enhancing the culture within LFB.

However, he emphasized that transforming workplace culture is a gradual process.

He stated: “Significant progress has been achieved over the past three years, including the implementation of the largest leadership initiative in the brigade’s history concentrating on values and behaviors, as well as the establishment of a Professional Standards Unit, the first of its kind in the sector.

“We acknowledge that during its investigation, the committee engaged with a ‘very small self-selecting group’ of LFB employees.

“While their experiences and opinions are valid and crucial, this contrasts with the thorough approach taken by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

“As such, the data at our disposal does not substantiate all the committee’s claims regarding the PSU.”