'It'll take a lot of work but we're getting to grips with problems' says struggling West Midlands Fire Service
A governance improvement plan for the struggling West Midlands Fire Service Authority (WMFRA) is due to be discussed by councillors today (Monday, June 16).
A review of the brigade's management is currently being carried out by a Corporate Governance Improvement Board (CGIB) to tackle "significant weaknesses" in its governance after a turbulent year which included the death of former chief officer Wayne Brown, who took his own life in January of 2024.
The review followed a report by external auditors Grant Thornton which identified significant weaknesses including breaches in the process of suspension of a senior officer in May 2024; failure to follow the correct procedures in the appointment of a senior officer earning in excess of £100,000 a year; failure to comply with its responsibilities in checking out the educational qualifications of Mr Brown; and the postponement of an Audit and Risk Committee including a key recommendation.
