The SFE - Doc 50 Framlingham Fireman

Attached to Doc 49
18 (Section IV, Paras. 4-7)

4. Reimbursement of Cost of Doctor’s Statements

Where, for the purpose of qualifying for an allowance under this scheme, an authority requires a doctor’s statement from a member, the National Council recommends that the authorities reimburse any costs incurred in obtaining such doctor’s statement.

5. Effect of neglect or default

If a member of a brigade refuses or neglects to submit him/herself to any medical examination required by the fire authority or if, in the opinion of the fire authority acting on medical advice, the member has –

(a) caused or substantially aggravated any infirmity by neglect or default; or
(b) refused or neglected to co-operate fully in any medical treatment which the fire authority considers necessary in his/her case;

he/she shall not be entitled to paid sick leave and his/her rights thereto will cease forthwith unless the fire authority decide to restore them wholly or in part.


6. Notification and Certification of sickness

(a) The granting of paid sick leave shall be conditional on compliance with the fire authority’s requirements as regards notification of sickness and submission of doctor’s statements and shall include the following:
(i) That notification is made immediately as to the nature to the officer prescribed for this purpose by the authority
(ii) That further notification as to the nature and probable duration of the illness is furnished to the authority by the fourth day of sickness, in such manner as may be required by the authority;
(iii) That a doctor’s statement is furnished to the authority not later than the eight calendar day of absence;
(iv) That any subsequent doctor’s statement are submitted to the authority at the same intervals as they are required for national insurance purposes in those cases where the sickness absence extends beyond the period coveed by the initial statement;
(v) That on return to work a statement is signed detailing the reasons for all absences up to and including seven days.
(b) In cases where the first doctor’s statement covers a period exceeding fourteen days or where more than one statement is necessary, the member must, before returning to work, obtain a final statement as to his/her fitness to resume duties.
(c) A member who in accordance with the National Insurance Act is prevented from attending his/her place of employment because of contact with infectious diseases shall notify his/her officer-in-charge immediately and shall be entitled to receive full pay less any benefits payable under the Act. In case of contact with other infectious or contagious diseases the member should not stay away from duty if he/she feels well but should report the fact to his/her officer-in-charge. A period of absence on this account shall not be reckoned against the member’s entitlement to normal sick leave.
Note: It is recognised that a retained member may have difficulty in complying with sub-paragraphs 6(a) (iii) and (iv) and brigades are asked to be flexible in their approach, for instance, by requiring a photocopy of any doctor’s statement.


7. Sickness during annual and public holiday leave

A member who falls sick whilst on annual leave or who is absent on account of sickness when his/her annual leave falls due, shall be regarded as being on sick leave provided such absence is covered by a medical certificate. In this event, the member may be permitted to take all or part of the outstanding leave at a later date, normally before the end of the current leave year, or, in exceptional circumstances, not later than 31st march of the following year at the convenience of the fire authority.

The SFE - Doc 49 Framlingham Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Mr. A. Wigglesworth
10 Somerleyton Road
Oulton
Lowestoft
Suffolk
NR32 4RD
Your ref
Our ref HR/SD/CAB
Ask for Miss S Davies
Tel (01473) 588888

29th May 1998

Dear Mr Wigglesworth,

It has come to my attention that you were absent due to ill health on and from Wednesday, 6th May until you returned to work on Wednesday, 13th May. I understand you told Assistant Divisional Officer Hayden that your sickness absence was due to back pain arising out of an accident while you were at work on 1st May, 1998 and which you reported on the same day.

I know that A.D.O Hayden discussed with you the incident on 1st may as part of his investigation of your accident. His report indicated that the accident occurred because you failed to follow a safe system of work, even though you were aware of the need to do so and had access to others who were available to assist you.

The matter has been brought to the attention of the Deputy County Fire Officer who is of the opinion that your absence from 6th May to 12th May (inclusive) arose through your own negligence/default on 1st may, 1998. As a result you are not entitled to receive sick pay for the period 6th – 12th may inclusive. Having considered this matter carefully, however, Mr Smith has decided that you should receive half rate occupational sick pay for the full period of your absence (over and above your statutory sick pay of £32.97 for days 4- 7 of your absence). [Section IV, para 5 of the “Grey Book” refers].

This adjustment to your pay will be made at the end of June.

Although no formal mechanism is in place for these circumstances, should you wish to make representation you may do so through the Grievance Procedure. If you decide to do so, I suggest you make an appointment to see me in the first instance. Thereafter, if you remain aggrieved, the stage reached in the grievance procedure would be paragraph 4.1.9.


Yours sincerely

Sarah Davies (now Meelan)
Human Resources Manager

The SFE - Doc 48 Framlingham Fire Station

On or Around 14th May 1998

Station Officer James Parson’s asked Sub O Wigglesworth to step into his office at Lowestoft for a word. This was with regard to the reported accident of 1st May 1998 and the subject of preceding Docs. The main purpose of the discussion was to inform Sub Officer Wigglesworth that he would be receiving a warning letter over the accident. This was to sent to his home address in the next few days. Station Officer Jim distanced himself personally from the action by saying that the “Brigade” would be sending it. He was at pains to stress it was nothing to do with him. And that “they” don’t understand how the training department is stretched to breaking etc. He also said he was merely passing on the message from Hayden who had decided to send the warning letter.

The SFE - Doc 47 Long Melford Fireman

Spare

The SFE - Doc 46 Long Melford Firefighter

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

21 May, 1998 1.55 pm mailbox shd/mail/standard Page 1

Date: 14/05/98

From: P.L. Hayden

Subject: RE: Sub O Wrigglesworth

Sent: 14/05/98 at 8:46 am

Delivered: 14/05/98 at 8: 46 am

To: S. H. Davies

CC: T. J. Tinley

Ref 3348

Sarah, Sub O Wigglesworth booked sick at approximately 0845 hrs on Wednesday 6th May. He stated that he had a “bad back” and that his sickness was due to the accident he had reported on Friday 1st, which had been aggravated by work he had undertaken on a BA refresher on Sunday 3rd. I asked him if he had reported/recorded this “second” incident and he stated that he had not. He said he was unsure how long he would be off, but expected to be off for the remainder of the week. In fact, he returned to work yesterday and when asked, stated that he was now fully fit and able to carry out his normal duties.

I hope the following clarifies the chronological order,

Friday 1st – Books accident, carries on work as normal
Saturday 2nd – BA refresher course (classroom day)
Sunday 3rd BA refresher course (practical day) states that he aggravated the injury of the 1st, but does not book it and continues to work
Monday 4th - PH
Tuesday 5th – Rota
Wednesday 6th – Books sick
Wednesday 13th Books fit

If I can be of any further assistance, please give me a call.

Paul. H


Sick Pay – Monthly in arrears Jo finding out SSP situ 21.5.98 (scribbled handwriting by Sarah Davies?)

The SFE - Doc 45 Long Melford Fire Station

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


Memorandum

To: Paul Seager
Command support
Colchester road
Ipswich
Ext 8881


From: Sue Hall

Date: 6 May 1998

Re Accident 762 SubO Wigglesworth at Lowestoft

Above strained lower back whilst lifting two drill dummies from ground level onto the top of the water carrier in preparation for a decontamination exercise.

Do you need to investigate further, or can this be signed off?

Many thanks


Sue

See attached from ADO Hayden (the HSF1b report that he was to claim later was not produced until after 13th may 1998 when SubO X returned from sick leave)

The SFE - Doc 44 Elmswell Fireman

Doc 44

Sub Officer “X” was denied access to ADO Haydens report on making at least ten formal applications ACFO Ken Seager. He eventually obtained a copy in 2001.

As to the written warning specified by ADO Hayden that never seems to have materialised. i.e. whilst ADO Hayden seemed to be content to deal with the matter via a written warning it seems that higher powers intervened to overrule his subordinate decision. As to who that may has never been formally confirmed. That said Doc 46 may be reasonably suggestive as to who it was?

Of course with regard to ADO Hayden’s intended course of action that strategy was outlined before Sub “X” booked sick on 6th May 1998.

The SFE - Doc 43 Elmswell Fire Station

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

ACCIDENT REPORT HSF1b

1. Name of Investigating Officer: ADO Hayden

2. Name of Injured: Sub Officer Wigglesworth

3. AIN: 762

4. Preliminary Details:

Sub Officer Wigglesworth was assisting with a BA Phase II course at Lowestoft, involving a chemical exercise. The exercise, which had been devised by Sub Officer Wigglesworth, involved the use of the water bowser buck (dismounted) which simulated a road tanker. Two drill dummies simulating casualties were placed on top of the water bowser, and it was whilst positioning these dummies that Sub Officer Wigglesworth injured his back.

5. History

Sub Officer Wigglesworth had devised a chemical exercise as a confirmation of instruction on the BA Phase II course. He was also responsible for setting up the exercise, which was due to begin at 1100 hrs. Although he had arranged for and expected assistance in setting up the exercise from LFF Bartram, when LFF Bartram had not arrived in the drill yard shortly before 1000hrs, Sub Officer Wigglesworth decided to continue alone rather than go back into the building at Normanshurst to seek assistance. Sub Officer Wigglesworth’s drill consisted of a simulated road tanker incident, using the buck of the the 016 water bowser buck. Whilst manoeuvring the two adult size training dummies onto the top of the tank, he injured his back.

6. Immediate Contributory Causes

1. As a result of injuries in the past, the safe movement of training dummies by trainers is a high profile task, and standard operating procedures call for at least two instructors when positioning dummies in a smoke training facility. The manoeuvre being attempted by Sub Officer Wigglesworth was clearly at least as hazardous, if not more so, than working within a smoke training facility and would require a minimum of two people working together to safely manoeuvre the training dummies.
2. Other contributory causes, such as the condition of the training dummies, Sub Officer Wigglesworths kit and the ladder on the water bowser were considered and found to be in good condition. it is unlikely therefore, that these issues contributed to the accident.

7. Pertinent Sub Causes

Sub Officer Wigglesworth is an experienced trainer who is well aware of the manual handling hazards involved in manoeuvering training dummies. Having recognised that this exercise required two instructors to set up safely, he asked for assistance from LFF Bartram. However, when LFF Bartram was delayed he decided to undertake the task alone rather than wait for LFF Bartram or seek other assistance.

At the time of the accident, there was one instructor involved with the course and a further three instructors available in the training office at 016. The positioning of training dummies would have taken two or more instructors less than five minutes to complete and the exercise was not due to commence until 1100 hrs. Therefore, there is no reason why Sub Officer Wigglesworth would have needed to carry out the manoeuvre on his own at 1000 hrs. On interviewing him, he stated that he was “fed up” with waiting for assistance and “could not be bothered” to go back into the offices at 016 to seek help or find out where LFF Bartram was.

8. List of Conclusions of the Investigation

This accident was caused by Sub Officer Wigglesworth failing to observe safe systems of work. there was no immediate necessity for him to undertake the task alone, and by his own admission, his failure to ensure that he had assistance was due to a bad work attitude.

9. Detail the actions Initiated to Prevent Re Occurance

1. Sub officer Wigglesworth has been given a written warning about his work attitude and reminded of his personal responsibility to follow safe systems of work
2. A general reminder has been issued to all training instructors warning them to assess manual handling tasks and ensure that they do not attempt to carry out tasks alone, which are unsuitable for a single person lift. They have been instructed specifically that this applies to manoeuvring training dummies.

10 Further Action

Sub Officer Wigglesworth’s work will be monitored in the future to ensure that he complies with safe systems of work.

11. Attachments

N/A


P. Hayden

ADO Training

The SFE - Doc 42 Elmswell Fire Station

Insight from Doc 41

Some time later ADO Paul Hayden (now 2005 the Chief Fire Officer Hereford & Worcester) would claim that he did not interview Sub Officer X on 1st May 1998 as part of the accident investigation. As part of that claim ADO Hayden stated that he carried out such interview after 13th May 1998. Such a claim was clearly false as can be seen from Doc 41 which shows that ADO Paul Seager the Brigade Health & Safety Officer had closed the investigation on 11th May 1998. From Doc 45 it is reasonable to conclude that ADO Hayden had interviewed Sub Officer X and completed his report Doc 43 before 6th May 1998.

Well said it once now twice who would ever believe a future Chief Fire Officer would descend to the level of telling porky pies?

The SFE - Doc 41 Colchester Road Fireman

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

ACCIDENT REPORT FORM

Part 1

About the Injured Person

Complete all Sections in this Part

Name A Wigglesworth

Date 1st May 1998 Time 10.00 hrs

Date of Birth 08.12.55 Sex Male

Status

Are you an Employee of Suffolk Fire Service Yes

Brigade No 854 Job Title SubO

Normal Period Work 0900 – 1700 hrs

Part 2a Accident Details

Location Drill Yard Lowestoft

Describe Incident

Whilst setting up a decontamination exercise alone I raise 2 drill dummies from the ground onto the top of the water carrier and strained my back.

Part 2b

Further Details Attached Yes

Did Accident Involve a Fall No

Was PPE Worn Yes

Part 3 Witnesses

Nil

Part 4 Details of Injury

Nature of Injury Lower back is uncomfortable and stiff

Did Injured Book Sick No

Accident Book Completed Yes

Part 4a

Is Injured Able To Continue Normal Work Yes

Part 5 Action Taken by Person Responsible for Premises

None

Signed A Wigglesworth

Part 6 Incident Reference

Number 762


Part 7 For BHQ Use Only

All Action Completed Signed ADO Paul Seager

Signature of brigade Safety Coordinater Paul Seager 11/5/98 *

* See Doc 42

The SFE - Doc 40 Colchester Road Firefighter

May 1st 1998 Labour Day
Payback Time?

Friday 1st May 1998 as it was at 08.30 hrs in Lowestoft was a fine spring day. Most certainly at that stage in the day there was nothing out of the ordinary as Wiggy made his way to work in the Suffolk County Fire Service Training Department located on the first floor of Lowestoft Central Fire Station. The Station itself is attired in a slovenly green paintwork typical of 1970s brickworked public premises.

As for duties that day Sub Officer Wiggy’s routine was prescribed by the timetable for the Breathing Apparatus phase two course. The prescription itself originally dispensed by course director ADO Paul Hayden and leading instructor Station Officer Parson’s. By all accounts the former is now the Chief Fire Officer of Hereford and Worcester Fire and rescue Service. Hmm didn’t he do well?

Any Wiggy’s workload for the day was to be concentrated into preparing and directing the Decontamination exercise spectacular after morning tea break. Prior to the exercise the course would be given a lecture about the technical aspects surrounding decontamination. This was according to the course timetable to be given by Stevie Bartram.

Well before the official start of proceedings at 09.00 hrs who was gonna do this that and the other was discussed by the training department crew. This included Station Officer Parsons, Wiggy, Leading Firefighter Bartram, Firefighter Jeff Long, Sub Officer Pete Raven and another instructor. Should also have been Sub Officer Chris Wallis. However, only problem was that he had been out with the course the previous night and got blotto and had a serious hangover. So he didn’t turn up and was absent from duty until later. All very ad hoc to be honest as the appointed duties on the original timetable were discarded.

Firstly Wiggy said he needed somebody to help him set up his Decontamination exercise. Station Jim Parsons (I’ve got another migraine) said he couldn’t help as he had to sort out the transfer of BA spares with Pete Raven. And Pete Raven (in his Michael Caine voice – My name is Peter raven I am a nosey instructor) said I can’t help I have to help Jim.

So then there were two left to help Wiggy. Steve Bartram or Firefighter Jeff Long. Well Jeff Long said he would prefer not be involved with moving Fire Engines about on the drill yard. You see he was suffering from trauma distress on account of him being a victim of the Great Lowestoft Fire Station Fire Engine Disaster (see doc 199 “The Suffolk Hyde Affair” http://www.xanga.com/olivercodliver )
Incredibly, Station officer Jim decided that the completely unqualified (instructor wise) Firefighter Jeff Long would lecture to the course in the class before break. You see Jeff Long was essentially just there to offer labour help to the department. Talk about not being able to spell instructor the week before good old boy Jeff now was one!

As for Stevie Bartram Station Officer Jim instructed him to help Wiggy set up the Decontamination exercise. So the Decontamination plan was made and Wiggy set off to the drill yard to get started. Stevie Bartram said he would be down to help in the merest hint of time. Seems that just as Wiggy had departed ADO Paul Hayden collared Steve Bartram and asked him to discuss some issues in the ADO’s office.

Well Wiggy got stuck with the setting up of the exercise and waited and waited for the arrival of Steve Bartram. By the time it got to 10.00 hrs the exercise set for 10.45 was not yet set up. Wiggy went upstairs to the Training office to see what the delay was. Station Officer Jim said Steve’s in with Hayden. Off Wiggy went down the corridor to knock on the ADO’s office to find out what the delay was. Well Paul Hayden said he was busy with Steve Bartram and had to discuss matters before departing to Ipswich. You will have to get another instructor or do the setting up yourself. So Wiggy went down the corridor to the instructors office to get help. Well Chris Wallis was in by know but was of a green colour due to the over consumption of booze the previous night. He was of no help. Station Officer Jim said him and Pete Raven were too busy and told Wiggy to finish the exercise arrangements himself. Which he did. Unfortunately, in the process of dragging some dummies and hauling them onto the water tanker he slightly twisted his back. Not so serious though to prevent him from continuing at work for the rest of the day. And conducting a Breathing Apparatus refresher at Bury over the next two days, Saturday and Sunday. This involved heavy physical work in the form of the actual wearing of breathing apparatus throughout Sunday.

Anyway the Decontamination exercise went on and was a raging success as far as the participants were concerned.

What with Chris Wallis having a dicky-tummy and hurting head it fell to Wiggy to finish off the course’s final session in the afternoon. He was also left to clear up after the course, and the rest of the instructors, departed without eating their late afternoon fruit-cake. So that was consumed by Wiggy and the northern area fire safety bods and ADO’s including Paul Hayden who had returned from Ipswich. During the afternoon break ADO Hayden said to Wiggy, ‘I am told that you have reported an accident, can I get some details off you for my report before you depart.’ To which the ever helpful Wiggy replied, ‘yes I suppose so.’ And off they went to ADO Hayden’s office. ADO Hayden was shown the accident report form and took a few more details to fill his report.

After that Wiggy got on with loading the van in preparation for the following day’s course at Bury before going home.

Saturday 2nd May 1998 Wiggy worked a full day at Bury with no reaction.

Sunday 3rd May 1998 Wiggy worked a full day at Bury with no reaction.

The SFE - Doc 39 Colchester road Fire Station

Notable events March 1998

On the 4th, 5th and 6th March 1998 Sub Officer Wigglesworth is assigned to recruit testing, all day at Brigade Headquarters Colchester Road Ipswich. Such duties are confirmed by Brigade overtime payment records.

Later the same year a confused ADO Hayden will contend that Sub Officer Wigglesworth was on duties at Lowestoft over the same period stated above.

Well who would ever believe a future Chief Fire Officer would descend to the level of telling porky pies?

The SFE - Doc 38 Bury St Edmunds Fireman

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

Wed 4 feb, 1998 3: 26 mailbox plh/mail/standard Page 1

From: R. J. Batchelor

Subject: Courses for Wrigglesworth

To: P. L. Hayden

Date: 04/02/98 at 2 : 46 pm Delivered 04/02/98 at 2 : 46 pm

CC

Ref 9903

COURSES FOR WRIGGLESWORTH. “MANAGING EFFECTIVE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS”

Paul,

I have been on to County and your first choice of course is temporarily withdrawn, as they are updating the whole lot, and wont have a new list for some time – months!!. The person concerned will send me a current list of what is available, and you and I can select one from there. Will keep you posted as things happen

Bob

Tony – just as I thought we were sorted! I will chase the others and keep you informed. (handwritten)

The SFE - Doc 37 Bury St Edmunds Firefighter

Tony – copy of note sent. We will review as soon as I get a reply, or by end of Jan at latest.
Paul H (handwritten)
SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


From: ADO Hayden

To: S Davies Human Resources Manager

Copy: DO Batchelor

Date: 15. 12. 97

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT INTERVIEW SUB OFFICER WIGGLESWORTH

I have recently completed a Personal development Interview with Sub Officer Wigglesworth in accordance with AA29 and associated guidance notes. During the interview there were two issues raised which I hope you can offer advice on.

Firstly, I was asked about any “Personal Specification” the Brigade had for promotion to the rank of Station Officer. Secondly, the interview identified a training need in the area’s of human resource and time management skills.

In the first instance, I understand his query is in respect of the general requirements which may be applied during suitability assessments for rank. I have given him general advice and guidance, and the PDI process has identified a number of objectives for further development. However, to enable to fully assess further development or training needs appropriately, I would appreciate any further guidance you may be able to offer in respect of any identified generic specification for promotion to Station Officer.

In the second instance, I have identified a need for further development in the area of managing and dealing with people and time management. Although I can offer local guidance, and have set a nd agreed some objectives with Sub Officer Wigglesworth, could you recommend any further training which may be available at County Level specific to these areas?

I have explained to Sub Officer Wigglesworth that the PDI process is not intended as a promotion appraisal scheme and we have set and agreed a number of non related local targets. However, given his length of service and qualifications, I believe it is a reasonable expectation that we identify any particular requirements for further promotion we may have.

Paul Hayden

Section A : Review of Past Performance

Objective 1

Course instructor on full range of internal courses.

Achieved

Objective 2

Organisation of Brigade B.A. spares.

Achieved

Section B : Agreed Objectives for Next Period

Objective 1

Take lead responsibility for the development of Brigade Training Records

Key Tasks

Identify specifications, Formulate alternatives, Manage Brigade trials.

Performance Indicators

Return all reports by the dates identified on the project brief.

Personal Objectives

Objective 2

Apply for transfer operational position 016 or day crew station

Key Tasks

Memo to Command (already done)

Consider opportunities as soon as they arise to gain current experience of operational command.
Development need Yes

Objective 3

Take up available “personal development” training opportunities at County level.

Key Tasks

ADO Hayden to identify suitable training courses.

Performance Indicators

Take up training within next 12 months.

Development need Yes
Objective 4

Identify and work toward achieving personal specifications for promotion to the rank of Stn Offr.

Key Tasks

Identify specification by January 1998.

Set further targets to achieve knowledge, skills, experience & qualifications by February 1998.

Development need Yes

Section C : Training and Development Plan

Personal development training – County provider.

Level of competence

Sound – to be provided to enhance human resource and time management skills.

Performance Level

Undertake suitable training where available

Take a wider role in department project management


Practical watch experience

Level of competence

Sound knowledge and skills, further practical experience will enhance personal portfolio

Performance Level

When transfer request is met, training as per RT 24

Take opportunities as they arise to gain practical watch experience on short term basis.

Personal Development to meet “person specifications” for promotion to Stn. O.

To be identified

Performance Level

ADO Hayden to assist in identifying Brigade objectives for further promotion. Separate development plan required to address any identified shortfall in knowledge, skills or experience (if any)

The SFE - Doc 36 Bury St Edmunds Fire Station

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


From: SubO Wigglesworth

To: ADO Hayden

Copy: CFO

Date: 27th November 1997

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT INTERVIEW – 3rd REQUEST

I repeat my earlier requests to be admitted to the personal development interview process. The first request was made approximately twelve weeks ago

AD Wigglesworth
SubO 854

The SFE - Doc 35 Chelmsford Fireman

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


Memorandum

To: CFO

From: SubO Wigglesworth
Per ACFO Ops

Date 8th September 1997



SUB OFFICER – HAVERHILL

Sir,

As a result of developments notified to my in letter by Miss Claire Debman 5th September 1997 I give notice that I withdraw my application for the Haverhill Sub Officer post.

My application is withdrawn for two reasons. Firstly, on account of one of the interview panel members being ACFO Tinley who has previously and aggressively informed me that he has a personal dislike of me.

Secondly and most conclusively on account that the other applicant, Stuart Foulds, has informed me that he has already been offered the post ahead of the interview on 10th September 1997. And that the interview arrangements are no more than a formality.

A Wigglesworth Sub O 854

The SFE - Doc 34 Chelmsford Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Mr. A. Wigglesworth
10 Somerleyton Road
Oulton
Suffolk
NR32 4RD

Your ref
Our ref HR/SD/CD/SS
Ask for Miss S Davies
Tel (01473) 588888

5th September 1997
Dear Sub Officer Wigglesworth,

Sub Officer – Haverhill

Further to your recent application for the above post, would you please attend Brigade Headquarters for interview on Wednesday 10th September, 1997 at 10.00 am. Interviewers are ACFO Tinley, DO Batchelor and ADO Steggall.

If you are unable to attend please inform the Human Resources Department using the telephone number above.

Yours sincerely

Claire Debman
Administrative Assistant
Human Resources Department

The SFE - Doc 33 Chelmsford Fire Station

TALKTHROUGH

The Suffolk Fire Service Newsletter
September 1997 Issue 8

Harassment & Bullying

In recent years there have been a number of widely reported cases of racial harassment of employees by a third party or by service users

Many of you will have heard of the case of two waitresses employed by a hotel and who were subjected to racial abuse and harassment while working at a function at which Bernard Manning was a speaker; these two made a successful claim against their employer for racial discrimination. Similarly, and more recently, a Social Worker working in another authority, successfully claimed against her employer following racial abuse from one of her clients.

Finally, many readers will already be aware of the appalling case of Raymondo Jones who, at the age of only 16 years started his first job at the Tower Boot Company in 1992. After only 5 weeks at work he was forced to resign as a result of racial abuse and harassment from people who worked alongside him. During his brief time with the company, he had been burnt with a hot screwdriver, had his legs whipped, and had metal bolts thrown at him.

All of these cases are about race, but they could just as easily be about gender, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, physical stature, age, etc. Harassment of the kind described above can focus on anything which can be used to set the victim apart from the majority.

There has been a lot of publicity lately about bullying. For me, one of the key messages to come out of this has been that bullies rely on their targets adopting “victim” behaviour. In other words, people keep quiet, put up with things, become increasingly isolated, and think it must be their fault. Harassers are just the same; they too are bullies.

If you are experiencing harassment or bullying at work, tell someone. The Brigade, as your employer, has a responsibility towards you in this matter. I hope you will never experience anything like the awful things which happened to Raymondo Jones, but if someone you come into contact which at work is making you unhappy, do something about it. Tell someone. Get a copy of the County Council’s Procedure for Complaint’s of Harassment (available from Human resources or from County Personnel at County Hall). Speak to a Harassment adviser (telephone County Personnel on Ipswich 584076 for a list of names).

DON’T BE A VICTIM – SPEAK OUT

If you experience any form of harassment or abuse from a service user, you should report this on an accident or near miss report form, as an 2incident involving violence”. The behaviour complained about doesn’t have to be physical and can be on any grounds (i.e, not just racial or sexual harassment).

Sarah Davies (now Meelan)
Human Resources Manager (now 2005, at Suffolk College)

The SFE - Doc 32 Clifton Road Fireman

Fire Service College

DO M Swan
Suffolk Fire service Headquarters
Colchester road
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP4 4SS

Our ref JDT/JAT

25th July 1997


Dear Mr Swan,

RE: SUB OFFICER A WIGGLESWORTH

Further to our recent telephone conversation, I enclose a copy of a memo received from Sub Officer Wigglesworth and advise you of the current position as I understand it.

You will no doubt appreciate my sense of disappointment at not being able to resolve this matter to the satisfaction of Sub Officer Wigglesworth, but do feel that I have dealt with it to the best of my ability under the circumstances. I am also a trifle disturbed by the actual tone of the memo but do accept that Sub Officer Wigglesworth feels himself, at least to some extent, aggrieved.

A meeting was held on 23 July 1997 as requested. Despite my explanations, Sub Officer Wigglesworth apparently remains unconvinced that the action taken was appropriate and concerned about his present and future fitness level.

I hope you understand that I am not qualified to comment on the observations made in the memo, except that, the actions of the College’s Occupational Health Nurse in obtaining a medical opinion do not, “effectively confirm the serious nature of the injury”. So that there should be no misunderstanding I am copying this letter and the memo of 28 July 1997 to the Nurse. I would be most surprised to hear anything to the contrary of what is contained in this letter. A copy of this letter will go to Sub Officer Wigglesworth. In the presence of Sub Officer Wigglesworth’s Course Director, DO Hanlon, I did confirm that he, i.e. Sub Officer Wigglesworth, felt able to continue the course. He assured both of us that he could. I did point out that I would be writing to the brigade Training Officer in order to make the brigade aware of the situation.

It is difficult to appreciate what more could or should be done for Sub officer Wigglesworth. Perhaps you will take a view on this and if it is possible to take further action, I am sure that the College will use its best endeavours to do so.

J D Tundervary
Senior Divisional Officer
Head of Quality Unit

The SFE - Doc 31 Clifton Road Firefighter

Spare

The SFE - Doc 30 Clifton Road Fire Station

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Mr C Hayward
Ipswich
KES/FBU/MLA
DCFO Seager
(01473) 588939
23rd July 1997

Dear Mr Hayward,



THE DISPUTES AND THE STATUS QUO

I refer to our brief discussions yesterday about the disputes procedure, and what has come to be called the “status quo” arrangement enshrined within it.

As promised, I did seek an opinion on the interpretation of your request for status quo in the dispute (since withdrawn) over General Order OP08.

The advice of Phil white, the employers’ side secretary of the National joint council, and of Adrian Pritchard, the County Personnel Officer, was that the status quo at the time of the registration of that dispute was the agreement which came into force on the 1st July.

The matter was further complicated by:-

(a) The fact that the dispute arose over the interpretation of one part of that agreement, which does not, of itself, render the whole agreement suspended whilst the dispute is heard;

(b) The situation within the brigade prior to the agreement of 1st july was not clear, with different practices being used in different parts of the brigade. Indeed, this is precisely why an agreement was thought sensible, to ensure a consistent approach across the brigade.

Leaving aside the particular issue of OP08, I do believe that the spirit of the paragraph in the disputes procedure which we call the status quo is that it is intended to be a protection for your members in the case of a mangerial decision or action which they believe adversely affects them from the immediate effects of that decision whilst the disputes procedure itself is progressed
In other words, there is an inference that whatever action taken, or intended, by the management has precipitated the dispute, that action is rescinded for the duration of the dispute, pending an agreement or a ruling on the dispute. I think the difficulty arises because of the use of the phrase “status quo” to describe something which is not strictly the status quo!

There are two important caveats to the foregoing, however.

Firstly, as you will no doubt be aware, I do not believe that the disputes procedure can be applied to all instances of disagreement between us, but only to those matters which fall within the scope of the National scheme of Conditions of Service. I know you take a different view, and that you are seeking other opinion on this, but for the time being that remains my firm belief.

Secondly, the disputes procedure itself makes the point that the normal operation of the service should continue whilst the dispute is being heard.

I hope this clarifies the matter. It is too late to make amendments to the disputes procedure booklet which has already gone to press. If you agree with my interpretation, I will ensure that this letter is retained on file as a supplement to the booklet.


Yours sincerely


K. E. Seager,
Deputy County Fire Officer

The SFE - Doc 29 Clare Fireman

COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON
FIRE AND RESCUE BRIGADE

Alfred Thompson G.I. Fire.E
Chief Fire Officer
Fire and Rescue Brigade Headquarters
Framwellgate Moor
Durham
DH1 5JR

Our Ref: KW/CJ Date 22nd July, 1997
Your Ref: This matter is being dealt with by Fax (0191) 3830907 Miss G. Riley
Tel (0191) 3843381 Ext 228

Mr. A.D. Wigglesworth
10 Somerleyton Road
Oulton
LOWESTOFT
Suffolk
NR32 4RD

Dear Sir,

Application for appointment as station Officer Operational Support (flexible Duty System)

I refer to your recent application for the above post and regret to inform you that, on this occasion, you have been unsucessful. If you wish to discuss this further please contact Senior Divisional Officer Welch at Brigade Headquarters.

I thank you for the interest you have shown

Yours faithfully

Alf Thompson

Chief Fire Officer



WE ARE HERE TO SAVE LIFE AND PROPERTY AND PROVIDE A QUALITY FIRE SAFETY SERVICE

The SFE - Doc 28 Clare Firefighter

TUC

Certificate


This is to certify that


ANTHONY WIGGLESWORTH

has sucessfully completed the TUC Stage 1 Health and Safety Course for Union Representatives

Syllabus:

Role of union Representatives Legal Standards
Safety Committees Hazards and Injuries
Communications Employers’ Safety policies
Effective inspections HSE Inspectorate
Safety Monitoring Health and safety information

The course was provided by

NORWICH CITY COLLEGE

date completed 1 JULY 1997

John Monks T Sambrook

TUC GENERAL SECRETARY COURSE TUTOR

The SFE - Doc 27 Clare Firefighter

Doc 26 letter Strathclyde Fire Brigade


The existence of the Strathclyde letter was unknown to Sub officer Wigglesworth until he inspected his personal record file at Suffolk Fire service Headquarters in or around August 2000.

The SFE - Doc 26 Clare Fire Station

Brigade Headquarters Strathclyde
Bothwell Road Fire
Hamilton ML3 0EA Brigade
Tel (01698) 300999

Acting County Fire Officer Malcolm Alcock Our ref
Suffolk County Fire Service Your ref
Colchester Road
Ipswich Assistant Firemaster Coke
IP4 4SS Direct Dial 01698 338261

Date 20 June 1997

Dear Mr Alcock

ANTHONY WIGGLESWORTH –v- STRATHCLYDE FIRE BRIGADE
INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL APPLICATION

I refer to the Industrial tribunal Application brought by Sub officer Wigglesworth of your Brigade against Strathclyde Fire Brigade in which he claims racial discrimination as a result of not being shortlisted for a station Officers post in 1996.

Initially, Sub Officer Wigglesworth was very regularly telephoning and writing to staff at this Brigades Headquarters requesting information and progress of his claim. Thereafter Sub Officer Wigglesworth engaged the services of the Fire brigade Union’s solicitors to deal with his industrial Tribunal application. However, it has recently been brought to my attention that Sub Officer Wigglesworth approached members of this Brigade whilst attending a course at the Fire Service Training College. His purpose therein was to advise Strathclyde Fire Brigade staff of his ongoing complaint and to glean information from this Brigade’s personnel.

I would be most obliged if you would discuss with Sub Officer Wigglesworth his conduct and request that all future requests for information are channelled through his legal representative.

I thank you in advance of your assistance in this matter.


Yours sincerely


Robert. D. Coke
ASSISTANT FIREMASTER R D COKE
DIRECTOR OF TRAINING

The SFE - Doc 25 Clare Fire Station

Reflection Doc 24

As stated in Doc 3 ‘Seems like a Good Guy our Sub Officer “X” ? The Brigade seem to be fairly generous in the provision of a Reference’!

Interestingly, the reference Doc 24 is almost an identical copy of the reference Doc 2 made 14 months earlier. Probably an electronic download of the original saved copy?

Whatever else may apply perhaps one thing we can reasonably assume is that no event or action has intervened, to this point, to lower the integrity and quality of Sub Officer X in the eyes of his Suffolk superiors?

The SFE - Doc 24 Bungay Fireman

Chief Fire Officer
County Durham and Darlington
Fire and Rescue Brigade
Framwellgate Moor
DURHAM DH1 5JR

HR9/SD?CD/JMS
Miss C Debman
01473-588873
3rd June 1997
Dear Sir,

Appointment as Station Officer – Re: Mr. Anthony David Wigglesworth

Further to your letter of 22nd May 1997, I am pleased to provide the following information.

Anthony Wigglesworth joined Suffolk Fire Service on 6th September, 1993, as a Leading Firefighter within the Operations Command conditioned to the 42 hour day duty system. He was promoted to Sub Officer within the Training department on 1st August, 1994, where he is currently in post.

Sub Officer Wigglesworth is quiet by nature and will research and complete a task thoroughly without supervision.

He is fit and a keen distance runner participating in a number of national events.

Over the period Sub Officer Wigglesworth has worked within the Training School I have had no reason to question his ability on any of the tasks set.

Sub Officer Wigglesworth holds the qualifications and has the experience within the service to undertake the full range of duties required of a Station Officer. He feels that now is the correct time to make the move.

Since joining the Brigade, Sub Officer Wigglesworth has had no absence due to sickness.

If you require any further information or I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully

Sarah Davies (Miss)
Human Resources Manager

The SFE - Doc 23 Bungay Firefighter

Note below, from Doc 60, for future reference

“He has taken on the responsibility for representing the Fire Brigades Union in matters of Health and safety in my area, and he has a sound understanding of regulations and procedures. In my dealings with him in this capacity, I have found his sensible attitudes and attention to detail most helpful and he has been entirely supportive of joint safety initiatives”.

The SFE - Doc 22 Bungay Fire Station

Chief Fire Officer
County Durham and Darlington
Fire and Rescue Brigade
Framwellgate Moor
DURHAM DH1 5JR

Pers/GR/LC
OPS/PLH/SH
A.D.O. P. Hayden
01473-588888
3rd June 1997
Dear Sir,

Request for Reference: A.D. Wigglesworth

Application for Appointment as Station Officer – Operational Support (Flexible Duty Stystem)

I am currently serving as a Area Operations Officer in the North Suffolk area. I have known Sub Officer Wigglesworth for approximately 3 years, both in his present position within the Brigade Training School, which is based at one of my stations, and during his service as a Leading firefighter working on the day crewing system.

Although he has never worked directly under my command, I have had the opportunity to assess his abilities, both in his present role within training and on the fireground.

He is a robust individual who takes a pride in his level of personal fitness and to the best of my knowledge, he enjoys good health. As an ambitious Officer, he has also worked hard to improve his academic qualifications and has achieved a degree in science and Technology and is currently studying for an MBA.

These qualifications, which have been attained in his own tie and at his own expense, have required considerable commitment on his behalf and demonstrate an ability to produce work to a consistently high standard. To achieving this, while at the same time working within the pressured environment of a Brigade training Centre, has also required sound organisational and time management skills.

Sub Officer Wigglesworth’s experience at Watch Commander level is limited to one extended period of temporary promotion on the day crewing system and, on occasion, stand in duties for my watch commanders as the need arises. However, from my experience of his performance on these occasions, I believe that he has demonstrated the sound operational and managerial skills required of that post an I have no doubt that he is capable of providing the level of operational cover required of a Station Officer.
I have found Sub Officer Wigglesworth to be an officer of above average intelligence who is willing to question existing concepts and put forward well thought out alternatives. As part of his MBA project work, he has examined the management of the service in its wider context giving him a good understanding of Fire Service procedures and organisation.

He has taken on the responsibility for representing the Fire Brigades Union in matters of Health and safety in my area, and he has a sound understanding of regulations and procedures. In my dealings with him in this capacity, I have found his sensible attitudes and attention to detail most helpful and he has been entirely supportive of joint safety initiatives.

In conclusion, I believe that Sub Officer Wigglesworth has all the qualities required of a station officer flexible duty. In addition, I believe that his strengths, which are his academic and organisational skills, would be particularly useful in the post of Station Officer – Operations Support.

Should you require any further information, or if I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

Yours sincerely


Paul Hayden
Assistant Divisional Officer
A.D.O. Operations

The SFE - Doc 21 Beccles Fireman

Spare

The SFE - Doc 20 Beccles Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

To Sub Officer
055
KES/HR6.1/MLA
DCFO Seager
(01473) 588939
27th May 1997

Dear Sub Officer,

TRANSFERS IN THE RANK OF SUB OFFICER

I thought it might be sensible to write to you following recent events surrounding the potential transfer of sub officers from operations into specialist day-duty posts.

Our general strategy on promotional appointments to Sub Officer rank is that, wherever possible, such appointments are made to operational posts. It follows that where sub officer vacancies do not arise in operational posts, some thought must be given to transferring existing Sub Officers from Operations into specialist posts to create vacancies in the right places to give effect to our general strategy.

Why should this be?

Substantive promotions, as you are aware, are subject to a six month assessment period immediately after appointment. The purpose of this period is to monitor the performance of the individual “on the job” so that weaknesses can be identified and addressed by proper training and encouragement. Promotion examinations, tests and interviews only give an indication of the likely abilities of a candidate after all, and it is clearly wise to make a final judgement after a period of real experience.

It is, in my view, important that wherever possible the assessment period is used to assess the performance of the newly promoted individual in the most demanding area of a Sub Officers work, i.e. operational incident and watch management. There is a risk, if promotions were made first to posts elsewhere than in Operations, that appointments might be confirmed, only for it to be found later that the individual lacks the essential qualities required for incident and watch management. This may prove to be difficult, if not impossible, to put right after the passage of some years already in the rank.

Additionally, there is compelling evidence to show that a Sub Officer in either Fire safety or Training brings to that post invaluable experience, which he or she has gained from first holding an operational appointment.

Finally, there can be no argument, surely, that a broader range of experience at sub Officer level increases professionalism, makes for a more rounded individual, and enhances promotion prospects beyond Sub Officer for those that seek them.

For these reasons, it seems sensible for me to continue with a general strategy of transfers between Operations and specialist posts at appropriate intervals. You should note, however, that it is not possible to predict the duration of transfers with any accuracy due to all sorts of factors, some outside of our control, which can affect it. I shall be discouraging officers in the future from making any predictions, or hints, as to the likely duration of any transfer.

The purpose of this letter is to spell out why I believe this approach is both to the individual’s and to the brigade’s long term benefit and to put you on notice that a permanent appointment to an operational post at Sub Officer rank cannot be taken as an inalienable right. Those who, like you (unless your appointment was a very long time ago) have accepted offers of promotion to sub Officer rank must understand that, sooner or later, a transfer to a specialist post for a period of time is almost certain. It is important for you to realise that your personal circumstances should always have regard to this as a possibility, otherwise you are in danger of being unable to fulfil your contract with us on the terms you agreed when you accepted promotion.

Please do not take this letter as a threat. That is not my intention at all. It is an honest attempt to spell out for everybody’s benefit the clear message about promotion and transfers.

If you would like to discuss anything in this letter with me in more detail, I’d be delighted to hear from you


Yours sincerely


K. E. Seager,
Deputy County Fire Officer

The SFE - Doc 19 Beccles Fire Station

HANDWRITTEN REPLY TO DOC 53


SubO Wigglesworth

Please be more specific about the facilities you would like us to make available. Provided these are reasonable, and can be accommodated without undue pressure on other activities, I am inclinded to support your request.

K Seager DCFO

The SFE - Doc 18 Brandon Fireman

Docs 10 - 14 Progress

Suffice to say nothing further was heard of this until the written record Doc 53 was found by SubO Wigglesworth on his Personal Record File at Brigade Headquarters in or around August 2000.

It is notable that ACFO Tinley by wit or advice omitted any note of discussion on the Strathclyde complaint from his record made 24th April 1997.

The SFE - Doc 17 Brandon Firefighter

ACFO Tinley’s Record of Events 23rd April 1997 Written a Day Later


Date : 24th April 1997

Venue : ACFO Tinley’s Office

Reason : Letter from Sub O wigglesworth to DO Swan


Observations:

I interviewed Sub O Wigglesworth about the attached letter which was sent by recorded delivery to DO Swan and which I found to be unacceptable.

Sub O Wigglesworth went through the incident at the Fire Service College which led him to make a formal complaint and he stated that this letter was a “gee-up” because he had not heard anything. I expressed the view that firstly this was not an urgent matter and as such did not have a completion date attached. Secondly, the Fire Service College was responsible for investigating the incident and they would deal with him directly. If he had taken the time to phone DO swan or ask for an interview he would have been appraised of what was actually happening. The college are proceeding with the investigation and DO swan will be keeping a watch-in-brief.

I informed Sub O wigglesworth that the letter was written in a manner that I thought was harassing the officer concerned and I would not tolerate this in future. I had thought of this as amounting to insubordination and would take action if required.

T J Tinley

The SFE - Doc 16 Brandon Fire Station

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


Memorandum

To: CFO From: SubO Wigglesworth
055 Training

Date 23. April. 1997


Further Education
Sir,

I am currently reading a MBA. This is now near the final phase of study. Successful completion requires that students submit a Dissertation of considerable scope and stature.

I have provisionally chosen the following subject: “THE VIABILITY OF THE RETAINED FIRE SERVICE IN THE COUNTY OF SUFFOLK.”

Understandably this project will require extensive research and access to information. Therefore, in light of these circumstances I respectfully ask if it would be possible for you to make facilities available to me to achieve this objective. I assume the expertise and information of most help to me is likely to be located in Planning and Review and Human resources.

A Wigglesworth Sub O 854

The SFE - Doc 15 Aldeburgh Fireman

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


Memorandum

To: CFO From: SubO Wigglesworth
Per Human Resources 055 Training

Date 23. April. 1997


Station Officer Assessments
Sir,

Following recent developments I am forced to withdraw from the above mentioned assessments


A Wigglesworth Sub O 854

The SFE - Doc 14 Aldeburgh Firefighter

Events 23rd April 1997

SubO Wigglesworth was on duty at Suffolk Fire Service Training Centre in Lowestoft.

Mid morning ADO Tony Fuller instructed SubO Wigglesworth that he was required to immediately go to Brigade Headquarters at Colchester Road Ipswich. The purpose was to meet ACFO Trevor Tinley; re the letter sent to DO Swan the day before.

On arrival ACFO Trevor Tinley met with SubO Wigglesworth and a formal discussion took place about the letter.

ACFO Tinley said ‘the letter was unacceptable and that no DO would dance to a little shit like you.’ ACFO Tinley issued a variety of other derogatory remarks and said that the complaint would go nowhere.

In reply SubO Wigglesworth said that he was unaware that anything had been done to take the complaint seriously and DO Swan was treating the matter as a joke.

ACFO Tinley said that responsibility was the Colleges and not Suffolk Fire service’s.

ACFO Tinley then mentioned the forthcoming Station Officer assessments and informed SubO Wigglesworth that this behaviour would scupper his chances. He would inevitably discuss this matter with the chosen assessors. Therefore, SubO wigglesworth’s attendance at the assessment would be a waste of time.

ACFO Tinley then went on to ask what was happening in Stratchclyde.

SubO Wigglesworth said it was none of his business.

ACFO Tinley said it was as he had received a letter from deputy Firemaster Coke asking for Suffolk’s intervention in the discrimination complaint made by SubO Wigglesworth.

SubO Wigglesworth asked to look at the letter and for a copy. ACFO Tinley refused saying it was addressed to him personally and therefore his property. Despite ACFO Tinley’s attempt to enquire further on the Strathclyde matter SubO Wigglesworth refused to discuss the issue further due to ACFO Tinley’s intransigence on the received letter. As a final point ACFO Tinley said and inferred it would in the interest of SubO Wigglesworth to drop the discrimination complaint.

SubO wigglesworth received that as a threat.

ACFOwent on to

The SFE - Doc 13 Aldeburgh Fire Station

Lowestoft Fire station
PO Box 54
Lowestoft
NR 32 2QA

Your ref Tel 01502 403438

22nd April 1997

Dear DO Swan,

Contrary to what you may of heard I am not dead, nor is such a state imminent.

However, straight to the point I wish to express. Quite simply you do not seem to be taking the submit I sent to you several weeks ago very seriously. If you remember it was headed VIOLENCE AT WORK and, the contents outlined certain incidents occurring to me during the JOA at Moreton.

In light of the delay can you please undertake the following:

1. Provide me with a full report of your activities in responding to my complaint.

2. A full particularised list in chronological order, as per normal legal protocol of all contacts and, exchanges of information during your investigation.

3. Can I have the above by Friday 25th April 1997.

4. Suffice to say if these matters cannot be progressed I will report them to my union representative and my local Environmental Protection Committee representative.

Yours truly



SubO X

The SFE - Doc 12 Lowestoft Fireman

The Complaint Doc 10


SubO X had referred the matter to DO Swan at the beginning on or around 6th March 1997.

There was no feedback or communication from DO Swan.

The SFE - Doc 11 Lowestoft Firefighter

Spare

The SFE - Doc 10 Lowestoft Fire Station

THE FIRE SERVICE COLLEGE
MORETON-IN-THE-MARSH ENGLAND

COPY

DO M Swan
Suffolk Fire Service Headquarters
Colchester Road
IPSWICH Your ref
Suffolk Our ref JDT/PJN
IP4 4SS Date 13 April 1997


Dear Mr Swan

RE: SUB OFFICER X

Further to our telephone conversations, I have now been able to speak to the officers within the College who are able to comment on the facts.

On 4 March 1997, the Duty Officer was contacted by College security staff following a report of a student experiencing disturbance from other students. The Duty Officer went to the residential block in question at about 0100 hours. He could not detect any disturbance from outside the block and checked the location with security. Following confirmation, he went to the first floor landing of “C” Block and found 2 students listening to a radio. There was no evidence of any undue noise or disturbance. He asked the students if they had received complaints about noise or disturbance. They stated that a student had complained, tried to remove their radio, but that the matter had been resolved. The Duty Officer advised them to ensure that they did not give cause for complaint and left the block. The entry in the College log at 0110 hours confirms nothing apparent on investigation.

The memo submitted by SubO X to the Commandant was, in the first instance, considered by the Course Director, DO C Moffatt. He gave an undertaking to subO X that the matter would be dealt with at Course Director level, ie between him and the Course Director of the watch Commanders’ Course, DO D Hanlon. I believe both Course Directors felt that the matter was dealt with to the satisfaction of the student, which negated forwarding the memo to the Commandant. This was the understanding between SubO X and DO Moffatt. Certainly, arranging alternative accommodation was seen as totally resolving the problem for SubO X.

If I can be of any further assistance, perhaps you will contact me again. I am on leave from 16 – 30 May but Pam Newton, my assistant, will be dealing with matters in my absence.

Yours sincerely

JOHN D TUNDERVARY
Senior Divisional Officer
Head of Quality Unit

The SFE - Doc 9 Felixstowe Fireman

Z/GEN/Revised

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE

To: A.D.O. HAYDEN From: FF Y
016 Station: 016
Date: 07-2-97


Station FBU Officials

Dear Mr Hayden,

I formally notify you that following the Lowestoft FBU AGM 6th February 1997 that the following have been elected as station FBU representatives:

Firefighter Y FBU Chair
Mr M Gilbert FBU Secretary
Subo X FBU Health & Safety Rep

Please do not hesitate to contact any of the above if the need arises to discuss station related matters.

Submitted

Firefighter Y

The SFE - Doc 8 Felixstowe Firefighter

LOWESTOFT BRANCH OF THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION

Date 6th Feb 1997

Present As per the attendance book

Apologies As per the attendance book

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and agreed.

There were no matters arising.

Health and Safety Report

1. Hot pods not to be used.
2. F/fighting gloves, should be getting Southcombe gloves, gortex lined.
3. Leather boots. Looks as though we will get them at some point.
4. Helmets. A change on the way.
5. Box filters. These are fairly useless a new system will have to be looked at.
6. Safety glasses. The brigade is refusing to pay for glasses if only required for driving, will pay if they are needed on the fireground.

Election of H&S Rep

Sub O x was nominated for this position.

Nominated by Bro Brown. Seconded by Bro Peaper.

There being no other nominations this was carried.

Brigade Report

1. Cuts 97/98.
2. Investors in People.
3. Firefighting at Sea.
4. Drugs and alcohol Policy.
5. Secondary contracts for FPO’s
6. Liverpool Dockers.
7. Hot Pods.

Regional Report

1. Affiliation to Labour party.
2. FOA & RFU.
3. Height restrictions.
4. FBU conference agenda.
5. Cuts in Essex.
6. Employers shopping list
7. Crewing dispute

Amendment to conference resolution

Proposed to add “with full pension rights and benefits” at the end.

Proposed Bro Waller. Seconded Bro Brown. Carried.

Nomination for Brigade Secretary

1. Bro Woolstenholmes Nom Peaper. Seconded Petitt

2. Bro Hayward Nom Boyce Seconded Wallis

Nom 1 4 votes

Nom 2 12 votes

Nom2 Carried.

A.O.B.

Keith Boyce asked if General orders are orders or Guidance, this was after the CFO told him that they were only guidance at his grievance raised against his failure to obtain promotion. It was concluded that they are orders unless management no longer wish them to be.

It was felt it was a shame that Pete Redbourn did not attend the meeting to discuss his reasons for going to Firefighting at Sea training against FBU policy in Suffolk

Branch Chair Firefighter Y

The SFE - Doc 7 Felixstowe Fire Station

SUFFOLK FIRE SERVICE


Memorandum

To: CFO

From: SubO X
Per ACFO Ops 055 Training


Date 23. 01. 97


VACANCY SUBO POSITION STATION 016

Sir,

Following discussions between myself and Sub Officer Richens the latter has expressed an interest in joining the Training department. On the premise Sub Officer Richen’s is transferred I wish to be given his vacant watch officers post at Normanshurst.

SubO X 854


To ACFO TINLEY via D.O. SWAN MS
Sir for your attention, request noted AJ Fuller

I note this request Trevor Tinley 26/01/97

The SFE - Doc 6 Debenham Fireman

EAST ANGLIAN DAILY TIMES

14th January 1997

Investigation into claims brigade boss drank while on duty.

FIRE CHIEF IN DRINKS PROBE

Also, the other memorable quotes,

The head of Suffolk’s fire service is under investigation for allegedly drinking while on duty. Tony Baker is also a magistrate…………It is believed members of his own staff made the complaint against him…………..Mr Baker, 49 has been on sick leave since last week………….The alleged incident is understood to have happened at a lunch at Normanshurst Fire station, Lowestoft, a week before Christmas. Mr Baker is alleged to have drunk beer and wine at the annual meal in the station mess, which was attended by about 30 firefighters. It is believed two written complaints were made… …………………………….The Suffolk brigade’s alcohol policy came into force two months ago and states: “ From the date of the issue of this order, it is prohibited for any fire service employee to consume any amount of alcohol whilst on duty.”…. …………orders, sanctioned by Mr Baker himself state: “ The county fire officer has overall responsibility for the implementation of the county council policy within the fire service.”………….. Mr Baker was yesterday said to be “unavailable” by his wife,……, at the couples detached house in Ipswich.

What happened next ?
A few weeks later Mr Baker retired on grounds of permanent ill health. At the same time it was circulated that the Hertfordshire CFO, appointed to investigate Mr Baker, conclude no case to answer. As for Mr Baker, shortly afterwards it appears that his permanent illness cleared, as he was appointed a non-executive director of the East Anglian Ambulance service. A role he still holds according to, about us – board at http://eastanglianambulance.co.uk.

At the same time it appears that a false brigade myth was born which established that firefighter Y was responsible for the two complaints made against Mr Baker. The facts are possibly rather more qualified.

Firstly Y was not present, or a witness, to the consumption of alcohol by Mr Baker at the Lowestoft Christmas dinner. The complainants consisted of SubO John Tiffen and another unknown uniformed individual present at the Lowestoft bar at the same time. As for SubO Tiffen’s motivation to report the incident it seems he was particularly inflamed by Mr Baker’s verbal comments when questioned about his drinking in uniform. It seems that Mr Baker’s reply as to why he was drinking was, ‘its POR.’ When the complainant asked what POR was, it is alleged he said, ‘ Privilege of Rank.’ At the same time he may even have pointed to and tapped his epaulettes.

So what was Y’s involvement in all this?
On return to duty at Lowestoft he was approached by SubO Tiffen who told Y all about the incident and asked Y, as the local FBU official, to make a complaint about Mr Baker’s behaviour. It appears that Y advised SubO Tiffen that as he was not present at the time of the incident he could not make any complaint himself, and if SubO Tiffen felt so upset by the situation he should write out a statement himself. When SubO Tiffen wrote out a statement Y then passed the document up the line of command. So, Y’s involvement in the demise of CFO Baker was restricted to that of messenger person and no more.

Whatever, the departure of CFO Baker soured the brigade atmosphere with rumour and counter rumour running rife that centred on Y being the architect of Mr Bakers departure.

The SFE - Doc 5 Debenham Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

SubO X
10 Flowerday Close
Hopton
Suffolk
NR31 9RR

Your ref
Our ref HR8/SD/CHF
Ask for Miss S Davies
Tel (01473) 588872

6th December 1996
Dear Sub Officer X,

Fire service (Discipline) Regulations, 1985
Accused Member – Firefighter C. Fairs

I have to inform you that you have been named as a witness in the above case. Your connection with this case arises out of your attendance at a Ship & Port Fire Training Course at Normanshurst in May, 1994.

The hearing will take place on Thursday 12th December, 1996, commencing at 1430 hours. I therefore order you to attend the above hearing. You should report to reception on arrival at Brigade Headquarters.

Yours sincerely

K.E. Seager
Brigade Investigating Officer

I have received the above letter and note the contents


Signed Date

Please complete the second copy of this letter and return to Sarah Davies at Brigade headquarters

The SFE - Doc 4 Debenham Fire Station

Spare

The SFE - Doc 3 Beccles Fireman

Reflections Doc 2?

Seems like a Good Guy our Sub Officer “X” ? The Brigade seem to be fairly generous in the provision of a Reference!

The SFE - Doc 2 Beccles Firefighter

Suffolk County Council

Fire Service

Strathclyde Fire Service
Brigade Headquarters
Bothwell Road
Hamilton
ML3 0EA

For the attention of Miss P. Hughes
Your ref
Our ref HR9/SD/CD/KMD
Ask for Miss S Davies
Tel (01473) 588939

2nd April 1996
Dear Sir,

Appointment of Station Officer Training – Re: SubO X

Further to your letter of 27th March, 1996, I am pleased to provide the following information.

SubO X joined Suffolk Fire Service on 6th September, 1993, as a Leading Firefighter within the Operations Command conditioned to the 42 hour day duty system. He was promoted to Sub Officer within the Training department on 1st august, 1994, where he is currently in post.

Sub Officer X is quiet by nature and will research and complete a task thoroughly without supervision.

He is fit and a keen distance runner participating in a number of national events.

Educationally sub Officer X is studying to complete his I.F.E. members examination at the same time extending his academic studies by furthering his existing degree.

Over the period Sub Officer X has worked within the Training School I have had no reason to question his ability on any of the tasks set.

Sub Officer X holds the qualifications and has the experience within the service to undertake the full range of duties required of a Station Officer. He feels that now is the correct time to make the move.

If you require any further information or I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours faithfully

Sarah Davies (Miss)
Human Resources Manager

The Suffolk Fire Experience - Doc 1 Beccles Fire Station

The Suffolk Fire Experience a Brief Introduction

If you have stumbled upon this site maybe your wondering who and what the Suffolk Fire Experience is all about?

Well its all about “Sub Officer X”. The term Sub Officer “X” was, for the purpose anonymity, assigned to Suffolk Firefighter by the ACAS appointed mediator Professor Roy Lewis in 2001/02. It was at that time when Professor Lewis became involved and conducted a pseudo inquiry into the industrial relations practice of Suffolk Fire Service. Or as the Professor put it, “the interaction between Brigade management and the local Fire Brigades Union.” Prior to the Professors involvement much of the Suffolk Brigades more unsavoury bits of managerial practice, though not exclusively as Eddie Brown could possibly vouch, had been directed toward Sub Officer “X” and Lowestoft Firefighter “Y”.

So in a nutshell the material on the Sub Officer “X” blog is derived from real life events and documentation from within the UK Fire Service and predominantly the Suffolk Fire Service (now 2005 The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service). The span of the material, so far is from 1996 to the present (June 2005). In total over 2000 documents and who knows how many pages.

So if you are interested in the internal machinations of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service or a scholar of Fire service Organisational behaviour stick with this blog to improve your Fire knowledge.