The number of female and ethnically diverse firefighters in Wiltshire has been revealed after concerns about 'misogyny, sexism and racism' in the fire service workplace.

Concerns about Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service's workplace culture were raised in a report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS), which acts similarly to Ofsted in the education sector.

When visiting the service, Inspector Roy Wilsher heard reports of "racist jokes shared on messaging platforms described as 'banter'" and "an inappropriate display picture used for work-related group chats."

Read More: Criticism for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire over 'lewd' comments

"One male firefighter objected to three female firefighters being in a team of four, as he said that they wouldn’t be strong enough to carry out the task," he added.

The report comes after the latest figures released by HMICFRS show that across Wiltshire and Dorset, only 5.8 per cent of firefighters identify as female, which is lower than the national average.

This is despite women making up 50.9 per cent of the population in Wiltshire and Dorset.

Multiple instances of inappropriate behaviour towards female firefighters were reportedMultiple instances of inappropriate behaviour towards female firefighters were reported (Image: Getty)

Across the workforce as a whole, 18.8 per cent of people employed by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service are female, which is a higher figure than the firefighters but still well below the population makeup.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service has now been rated 'inadequate' in promoting the right values and culture and 'requires improvement' in ensuring fairness and promoting diversity.

"The service hasn’t made enough progress in equality, diversity and inclusion, and staff don’t have confidence in the grievance and discipline process or the promotions process," said Inspector Roy Wilsher.

The figures that make up Dorset and Wiltshire Fire ServiceThe figures that make up Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service (Image: HMICFRS) "For example, a female staff member told us she discussed the report with a middle manager, but she was continually ignored and interrupted, and then the conversation was closed down without any support being provided.

"We were told about a large number of examples of poor and inappropriate behaviour by male staff members towards women."

Despite the concerns raised, the service was also rated 'good' in five areas and 'adequate' in two and the report has emphasised that not all firefighters took part in the worrying culture.

Read More: Burning flat rescue was delayed by fire cuts, says union

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: "The inspection process is a valuable opportunity for the Service to learn and improve, and we welcome the scrutiny and accountability it brings.

"We remain focused on delivering the goals set out in our Culture Action Plan, embedding significant changes aimed at improving our workplace for both staff and the communities we serve.

"Our commitment to providing the best possible service to our communities, working alongside our partners, remains at the forefront of our priorities, and we will use the report’s findings as an opportunity to keep improving."

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