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13/08/2012
'Culture Of Fear' For Firefighters At Work
Staff at the Northern Ireland Fire Service are working in a "culture of fear and mistrust", a report has found.
An investigation carried out by the Department of Health also highlighted unauthorised bonuses and outstanding grievances as causes for concern in the organization.
Embarrassing though this is for the body, there is no suggestion that fire fighting has been adversely affected.
The BBC reported the findings of the investigation before they were made public.
A new chief executive took up the temporary post at the Fire Service today.
Jim Wallace joins the organisation from Scotland, where he is employed by the government and has previous experience with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
His appointment follows three years in which the Fire Service has had three chief fire officers and chairmen.
According to the Northern Ireland Fire Service, Mr Wallace's appointment is "temporary to provide an opportunity for a fundamental and comprehensive review of the structures within the organisation".
The internal audit said there appeared to be "systemic problems which have been exacerbated by a lack of strategic direction and guidance from the very top of the organisation".
For instance, an independent audit carried out last year had 85 recommendations, many of which still are not implemented.
(NE)
An investigation carried out by the Department of Health also highlighted unauthorised bonuses and outstanding grievances as causes for concern in the organization.
Embarrassing though this is for the body, there is no suggestion that fire fighting has been adversely affected.
The BBC reported the findings of the investigation before they were made public.
A new chief executive took up the temporary post at the Fire Service today.
Jim Wallace joins the organisation from Scotland, where he is employed by the government and has previous experience with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
His appointment follows three years in which the Fire Service has had three chief fire officers and chairmen.
According to the Northern Ireland Fire Service, Mr Wallace's appointment is "temporary to provide an opportunity for a fundamental and comprehensive review of the structures within the organisation".
The internal audit said there appeared to be "systemic problems which have been exacerbated by a lack of strategic direction and guidance from the very top of the organisation".
For instance, an independent audit carried out last year had 85 recommendations, many of which still are not implemented.
(NE)
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THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
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02 April 2012
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20 July 2010
UK-Born Limerick Fireman Compensated
An English-born firefighter has been awarded €5,000 in compensation for discrimination by Limerick City Council. An Equality Tribunal heard Martin Mannering, now living in Cappamore, Co Limerick was left a note to leave his job because he was no longer "in Middlesbrough".
UK-Born Limerick Fireman Compensated
An English-born firefighter has been awarded €5,000 in compensation for discrimination by Limerick City Council. An Equality Tribunal heard Martin Mannering, now living in Cappamore, Co Limerick was left a note to leave his job because he was no longer "in Middlesbrough".
27 March 2002
Northern Ireland fire chief steps down after 32 years
Northern Ireland’s Chief Fire Officer, John McClelland, has announced that he is to retire.
Northern Ireland fire chief steps down after 32 years
Northern Ireland’s Chief Fire Officer, John McClelland, has announced that he is to retire.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
