A CHIEF fire officer has quit after a damning report criticised the culture of the service, warning it tolerated racism and sexual harassment.

Chief fire officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Huw Jakeway, has apologised, saying he is “profoundly sorry”.

Jakeway said he intended to retire from the service and said it was “time for a change in leadership.”

The review which was led by Fenella Morris KC found there were “serious deficiencies” in the service.

The review also identified: “The toleration of problematic behaviours, including sexual harassment; negative assumptions about women; domestic abuse and physical aggression outside of work; the expression of negative views in relation to the protected characteristics of sex, race and/or religion; bullying; harmful ‘banter’; drug and alcohol abuse; and improper interference with procedures.

“Misconduct, including criminal conduct, that has previously gone insufficiently addressed, to the detriment of the service’s culture.

“A lack of encouragement and support for people to speak up, and insufficient action when they do.”

Abuse

Over 150 people were interviewed by investigators, with some stating they felt it was better to keep quiet rather than raise their concerns.

The report said, the fire service had refused publish a photograph of its firefighters taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter Movement.  

Several examples of racism were also highlighted which included urinating on the floor and racist abuse at a Chinese restaurant.

“Making casually racist ‘jokes’ or comments fuels prejudice and discrimination even if that is not the intention,” the report said.

Following an explosive investigation by ITV News in 2022, which found evidence that two firemen had been allowed to keep their jobs despite sexually harassing and abusing women, the report was commissioned.

It found only 8% of operational service staff are female. Only 17 members of staff self-identified as being Black, Asian, or minority ethnic and 12 identified as LGBT+.

Harassment

Disturbing levels pf sexual harassment was published in the report, where  “pictures of genitals” were sent to women within the service.

It also found that “inappropriate advances” were made towards women.

In an open letter, Jakeway said: “For those who have had negative experiences of the service, I am profoundly sorry. There is no place for inappropriate behaviour within South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“I have had the privilege of serving as the chief fire officer for over 12 years, where I have been entrusted to lead our service through many challenges and changes, such as austerity, a global public health pandemic, personal tragedy and significant emergency incidents that have tested us.

“I have always led with mutual respect, inclusivity, pride and passion.

“Now is time for a change in leadership and yesterday I informed the fire authority of my intention to retire. The appointment process for the next chief fire officer will not detract from or delay the work to address the recommendations.

“The next chief fire officer will have an opportunity to set their vision for the service and a long-term plan to address the recommendations and findings of the independent culture review.”