Latest news with #SouthWalesFireService
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Concerns fire service can't keep people safe
There are concerns a fire service cannot keep people safe from fires and other risks, a report has found. The report by HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) into South Wales Fire Service questioned the efficacy of the service in consistently identifying, prioritising and mitigate risks for the public. It was called for by the service's new commissioners after a series of damning independent reviews found sexual harrassment and misogynistic behaviour within the service. Fin Monahan, chief fire officer, described the findings as a "hard read" but assured colleagues there is a "robust" plan in place for dealing with the recommendations. Fire boss steps down after sexual harassment probe Firefighters let down by bosses, say politicians Fire service run like boys' club, says damning report The HMICFRS inspector, Roy Wilsher, said the service did not have up-to-date risk information to protect both the public and firefighters. The report also found it needed to "be more effective in tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination" following criticisms of its workplace culture identified in a previous review. It found one in six staff surveyed said they'd felt bullied or harassed at work, or discriminated against, and the number of disciplinary actions taken had doubled in two years. The fire service was taken over by the Welsh government in February 2024 after it was found to have a culture of sexual harassment and misogyny. Mr Wilsher concluded by saying: "I don't underestimate how much improvement is needed". He added he was encouraged by the commitment shown by the chief fire officer and commissioners to make improvements through developing a "transformation programme".
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
School shuts after hundreds evacuated in blaze
A school will be closed for the rest of the week after a fire that resulted in about 240 pupils, staff, and other workers being evacuated. South Wales Fire Service sent five fire engines to St Athan Primary School, in the Vale of Glamorgan, at about 11:50 GMT on Wednesday. It said it had managed to contain the flames in a block of classrooms and a computer suite. There were no injuries. The fire service said work was now underway to establish the cause of the fire, which started in the roof. Vale of Glamorgan Council chief executive, Rob Thomas, was grateful "a serious situation did not become tragic". The authority and fire service will now assess the damage. The council said an announcement about teaching arrangements would be made as soon as possible. Five things inspectors say about Wales' schools Unhealthy snack offers face Wales ban next year School plagued by bad behaviour brings in Saturday detentions
