An independent cultural review of South Wales Fire Service will take place after allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour in the service. A report that went before South Wales Fire Authority on Monday, February 13 said that, after ITV News coverage where three witnesses gave interviews highlighting alleged cases of historical sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by serving and past personnel, the chief fire officer has committed to commissioning an independent review of the service’s culture, disciplinary policies and processes and historical disciplinary cases.
Members of the authority approved the setting up of an independent appointment board which will act as the appointment panel and an authority review board to receive progress reports and to assist the independent chair person. Members of the authority also approved the draft terms of reference and the use of earmarked reserves to fund the review.
The estimated £340,000 for the review will go towards an independent chairperson (£80,000), the support team (£150,000), administrative support (£50,000), travel, accommodation etc (£40,000) and legal support (£20,000). The organisation-wide independent review will cover both areas of strength and areas for improvement, the report said.
