A few words from the report.
The critical and far reaching comments and findings that follow, together with the conclusions set out in the next chapter, have much broader Equality and Fairness in the Fire Service Simplications which will need to be addressed. The weaknesses and shortcomings identified have some application in all the brigades inspected and apply in their entirety to some. They reflect the widely held concern about the way that the service operates, the role of fire authorities and the manner in which some senior and intermediate officers discharge their responsibilities. These failings are supported by evidence which is so consistent that it is a matter of concern to all involved in fire service management.

2.5 The conclusions point to a need to review a range of leadership and cultural issues in addition to taking specific steps in a wide range of areas, to

improve the practices attaching to equality and fairness. They also point to significant training needs towards improving the understanding of the need for diversity and encouraging support for this.

2.6 A total of 23 recommendations are provided. A list of the recommendations follows this executive summary.

2.7 The outcome of the review will be seen by all in the service and those responsible for it, as a great disappointment. It also presents a major challenge. The criticism it contains strikes at the heart of a service which is most highly regarded by the public and flies in the face of the very strong service delivery ethos. The strong message is that the failings are those of omission rather than of commission. As a result, the attention of the leadership of the service to this vital issue and recognition that the changed role of the service towards a greater Equality and Fairness in the Fire Service Uinvolvement in communities will demand a new approach, can be expected to make rapid impacts.

2.8 There is an overriding imperative for the service to move forward to recognise the importance of diversity in every context and welcome the opportunities and benefits that diversity brings.