News / Avon Fire and Rescue
Avon’s chief fire officer suspended in wake of damning report
Avon’s chief fire officer and his deputy have been suspended in the wake of a damning report that revealed an endemic bullying culture within the service.
An independent investigation outlined a series of systematic failings that include a lack of transparency, cover-up operations, salary boosts for high-ranking staff and an atmosphere of distrust and fear.
Chief fire officer Kevin Pearson (main picture) was heavily criticised in the report and he, along with his deputy Lorraine Houghton (pictured below), have now been suspended with immediate effect, pending investigations into the findings and complaints made against them.
Deputy chief fire officer Lorraine Houghton has been suspended
The service announced the decision on Friday and said: “Suspension is a neutral act to protect the organisation and the individuals concerned.
“At the moment these are only allegations which will be investigated in line with disciplinary procedures and processes.”
The decision follows an extraordinary meeting held on Thursday, in which members of the public voiced their feelings in the wake of the report and an action plan was approved to address the failings.
Newly appointed chair Donald Davies says the plan will be put into action immediately
Speaking after the meeting, chair of Avon Fire Authority Donald Davies said: “I have been clear we cannot ignore the criticisms made in the report, nor seek to defend some of the mistakes made in the past, however our focus has to be on the future and how we ensure these things can’t happen again.”
He confirmed the plan will immediately be put into action and said he has met with representatives from National Fire Chiefs Council and the Local Government Association to seek advice and support.
An Independent Improvement Board, with community representatives, will be set up to drive the changes and report progress and an external chair is being sought to oversee this.
A recommendation that governance of Avon Fire and Rescue be passed to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was vetoed, but members agreed to consider future collaboration opportunities with all of the blue light services.
Pearson was already on sick leave prior to his suspension and peer support continues to be provided by the chief fire officer of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Stewart Edgar, and other neighbouring services.
Steps are being taken with the National Fire Chiefs Council to find suitable individuals to act as interim chief and deputy chief fire officers.
A spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue said: “Members of the public can be assured that there will be no impact on our operational capability during this period.”
Read more: Urgent call to address Avon Fire Service’s shocking lack of diversity
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