“All forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying are abhorrent and have no place in our society, let alone the Fire and Rescue Service. The report makes for depressing reading, and while the report is historic and claims that the service is improving, this does not mean that the problem has gone away. There is still more work to be done to address all forms of discrimination.

It is also important to state that the vast majority of the staff who work for GFRS uphold the values and behaviour expected by the public and are an asset to the organisation. What does need to continue is the work to raise awareness of what good and poor behaviour looks like, its implications, how staff can be educated and have the confidence that appropriate action will be taken should individuals fall the wrong side of the line.

 The FRSA will play its part in driving forward this necessary work in partnership with the service and other stakeholders. We can also guarantee that our members will be listened to and supported by the union at their time of need.”