The London Assembly Fire Committee met to discuss the priorities for the new London Fire Commissioner (LFC), firefighter safety and wellbeing, and the future direction of the London Fire Brigade (LFB). The committee heard from expert panels on cultural reforms, emerging risks, and the use of technology, and questioned the new LFC, Jonathan Smith, and Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe CBE, on their plans for the LFB. The committee agreed to delegate authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion on firefighters' exposure to contaminants.

Priorities for the New London Fire Commissioner

The central focus of the meeting was to determine the key priorities for the new LFC, Jonathan Smith, on his first day in the role. Discussions were held across three panels, each addressing different aspects of the LFB's operations and future challenges.

Cultural Reform

The first panel discussed the most urgent cultural reforms needed within the LFB. Deborah Riviere-Williams, Chair of the London Fire Brigade UNISON branch, emphasised the importance of inclusivity and educating staff about London's diverse communities. David Shek, Executive Council Member for London, Fire Brigades Union (FBU), raised concerns about the disciplinary process, suggesting that officers were afraid to make decisions due to a culture of fear. He also highlighted the need for the LFB to address the Serious Adverse Incident (SAI) report into the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Martin Forde KC, Independent Chair, LFB Advisory Panel, stressed the importance of consistent and fair treatment of firefighters, suggesting indicative sanctions guidance and training on the disciplinary process.

Jonathan Smith acknowledged the need for cultural change and committed to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders. He also supported the continuation of the Independent Advisory Panel.

Emerging Risks and Future Challenges

The committee then heard about the evolving risks facing the LFB, including wildfires, floods, and new technologies. Steve Hamm, Chief Executive Officer at the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), highlighted the challenges posed by energy storage systems and timber construction, advocating for greater engagement with industry and external stakeholders. Professor José Torero, Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering at University College London and expert witness at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, emphasised the need for technical competency and better communication between the fire service and other sectors.

The panel also discussed the increasing risk of wildfires and floods due to the climate crisis. Professor Torero stressed the importance of preparedness and urban planning in managing these risks, advocating for better communication between the fire services and the city.

Innovation, Technology and Standards

The third panel focused on innovation, technology, and standards within the LFB. Suzanne McCarthy, Independent Chair of the Fire Standards Board (FSB), emphasised the importance of professional standards and continuous improvement. Steve Hamm highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in community safety and building safety. Professor Torero cautioned against the uncritical adoption of AI, stressing the need for technical competency and workforce development.

Jonathan Smith outlined his vision for the LFB over the next five years, emphasising quality training, investment in technology, and collaboration with other organisations. He highlighted the potential of AI, drones, and new firefighting media to improve the LFB's operational capabilities.

Firefighter Safety and Wellbeing

The committee addressed the risk of firefighters' exposure to contaminants and its impact on their health and wellbeing¹. The committee noted a report on the topic as background to putting questions to invited guests and delegated authority to the Chair, in consultation with party Group Lead Members, to agree any output arising from the discussion.

Equipment and Resources

Equipment and resources for firefighters were discussed, with concerns raised about the fit and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly for women. David Shek mentioned issues with breathing apparatus (BA) boards and the need for lighter PPE for hot weather. Martin Forde KC raised concerns about shower facilities and broken beds at fire stations, which affect morale. Jonathan Smith acknowledged the issues and committed to ensuring that PPE and workwear are appropriate for everyone in the organisation.

The Babcock Contract

The controversial contract with Babcock International for training services was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. David Shek stated that the FBU had never seen a copy of the contract and called for training to be brought back in-house. Martin Forde KC suggested that the LFB should get independent advice on sharing the contract with the FBU, redacting any financial commitments. Jonathan Smith committed to getting that advice and sharing the contract where possible.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the LFB were also discussed, with concerns raised about the under-representation of women and the need for more action to address racism, homophobia, and misogyny. Hina Bokhari OBE AM highlighted the need for Islamophobia training and raised concerns about the lack of consequences for discriminatory behaviour. Jonathan Smith acknowledged the challenges and committed to making the LFB a more inclusive organisation.

Financial Resources

Funding for the LFB was a key concern, with David Shek calling for more money from both the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the government. Jules Pipe CBE confirmed that he was making representations to the government for more funding and committed to protecting equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) funding.