Date of Request
April 23
Request
Hi
Can you provide the following information:
Reported allegations of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination relating to protected characteristics or otherwise, and other incidents of misconduct and gross misconduct within HWFRS.
Please provide each allegation made, whether informal or formal stages of disciplinary procedure were followed, and the outcomes of each disciplinary procedure including if suspensions and dismissals were issued for reported misconduct, gross-misconduct and/or allegations of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination relating to protected characteristics or otherwise.
Thank you for your help.
All the best
Response
Dear X
Thank you for your request for incident information which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.
The Service can confirm the requested information is held. Please find the requested information below:
“Reported allegations of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination relating to protected characteristics or otherwise, and other incidents of misconduct and gross misconduct within HWFRS.
Please provide each allegation made, whether informal or formal stages of disciplinary procedure were followed, and the outcomes of each disciplinary procedure including if suspensions and dismissals were issued for reported misconduct, gross-misconduct and/or allegations of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination relating to protected characteristics or otherwise.”
Over the last 2 years;
We have had 3 reported allegations of bullying, harassment and/or discrimination relating to protected characteristics.
These involved;
- Alleged Inappropriate behaviour and harassment in the workplace towards a female employee
- Alleged tampering of a female’s PPE
- Alleged concerns around workplace culture and behaviour against a female employee
In relation to the above;
- One case is ongoing (employee is suspended).
- An investigation was undertaken but no disciplinary was progressed due to the lack of evidence, number of potential culprits and broad timeframes.
- The Service commissioned a culture review into the behaviours and an action plan was implemented following recommendations from the report.
We have had 9 other reported allegations of misconduct/gross misconduct relating to various other work-related issues.
Of these 9, 2 were suspended and the outcomes were;
1 – dismissal
2 – resigned pending disciplinary hearing
2 – final written warning issued
1 – first written warning
2 – note for files issued
1 – ongoing
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see above).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information.
Information Governance Team