Fire and Rescue Services: Disciplinary Proceedings
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if his Department will review the disciplinary and complaints framework for fire and rescue services; and if he will take steps to ensure that staff who raise concerns about political intimidation are protected from retaliation.
Answered by Samantha Dixon
The Government is clear that fire and rescue service employees should maintain high standards of professionalism, impartiality and political neutrality when on duty. Staff should be able to participate in lawful political activity outside work, subject to the terms of their employment and any relevant codes of conduct, without being subject to intimidation or inappropriate pressure in the workplace.
Fire and rescue authorities, as the employer, are responsible for the management and conduct of their staff, including the handling of complaints, disciplinary matters and internal communications. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on or investigate specific allegations relating to individual fire and rescue services, which should be considered through the relevant local processes.
Fire and rescue authorities are expected to have appropriate policies in place governing staff conduct, equality and inclusion networks, complaints, grievances, discipline and whistleblowing. These policies should provide clear routes for staff to raise concerns about inappropriate communications or behaviour, including concerns related to political activity or political neutrality.
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