Features Editor Lorna King continues her investigation into service culture.

Does the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) have a cultural problem? According to a number of news investigations and bulletins, it most certainly does. The Independent Culture Review of London Fire Brigade has given more victims of discrimination the confidence to provide testimonies of toxic behaviour within the Fire and Rescue Service, spread nationwide and delivered directly to the chair of the review, Nazir Afzal, as he recently revealed in a BBC Radio 4 programme.

This is encouraging; it is paramount that people feel supported enough to come forward and report discrimination at work so it can be effectively investigated and dealt with, but to counteract the damning effect of these pockets of unacceptable behaviour, it is also important to report on and share what is being done right, and look ahead to new developments that add a positive narrative to this conversation. Otherwise, if we allow the scales to tip too far in the wrong direction, the element of trust in the FRS is at risk of becoming permanently compromised.