Pembrokeshire County Council’s leader is to meet with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service after a recent review said there was a “bullying culture” in the service.

A recent jointly commissioned Independent Cultural Review, facilitated by Crest Advisory found several serious widespread concerns being reported by staff including discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment.

Senior staff at the service have said that they will now be looking to implement the recommendations of the report.

At the March 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, a submitted question by Cllr Alistair Cameron asked: “On February 5, Crest Advisory published their Independent Culture Review into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“The review was highly critical and included the following statements in its conclusion.”

Alistair Cameron
At the March 6 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, a submitted question by Cllr Alistair Cameron asked: “On February 5, Crest Advisory published their Independent Culture Review into Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.” (Stock image)

Cllr Cameron’s question quoted the report: “Our findings revealed that MAWWFRS is divided along grey book (operational vs green book (support and corporate), gender and rank with a formal hierarchy fostering mistrust, disconnection, and a culture of fear and conformity, stifling open dialogue and innovation.

“Staff raised cultural issues including leadership failures, outdated management practices, and inadequate staff support across our engagement.

“These issues perpetuated inefficiencies, lowered staff morale and increased inequalities.

“High levels of bullying and harassment, a fear of retaliation and ostracism hampering confidence in reporting, and a lack of confidence on action from senior leaders, reflect a bullying culture at MAWWFRS.

“A resistance to change, particularly at the executive level, and rooted in a structure that prioritises operational firefighting over broader public safety roles, hindered attempts at positive cultural change.

“MAWWFRS must undergo transformative reforms, modernising its culture and structure to align with contemporary public safety priorities, addressing systematic issues, and rebuilding trust through decisive, bold and inclusive action.”

He added: “Whilst MAWWFRS is to be commended for commissioning this work, could the Leader of the council seek an urgent meeting between the Chief Fire Officer and council so that he can explain what measures have been put in place to address these serious issues?”

Responding, Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “I fully share the concerns of the findings in certain cultural aspects of MAWWFRS and am aware work has already started.

JOn Harvey
PCC Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “I fully share the concerns of the findings in certain cultural aspects of MAWWFRS and am aware work has already started. I’ve already had a response back from the fire service with a meeting scheduled for March 20.” (Stock image)

“I’ve already had a response back from the fire service with a meeting scheduled for March 20.”

Cllr Cameron welcomed the Leader’s response, highlighting the review’s highly critical view of a “bullying culture,” adding: “The only positive thing is the fire service did request this report.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Fire Authority Chair Councillor Gwynfor Thomas has previously said: “Members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority are saddened to read the findings of the independent culture review of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are humbled by people’s courage in giving open, honest and challenging feedback, and it is with thanks to those who contributed that we can see the urgency with which we must act to tackle poor culture and behaviour where it exists.”