Fire Brigade Chief Under Investigation After Damning HMICFRS Report Unveils claims of Abuse of Authority, Sources Tell The Teesside & Durham Post...
- teessidetoday
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
Cleveland Fire Brigade in Crisis, as Chief Faces Investigation
25th November 2025
A senior official has told The Teesside & Durham Post this week that Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Chief Fire Officer, Peter Rickard, is now under investigation — and that the development reportedly directly stems from the findings of a highly critical HMICFRS inspection report published just months ago....
According to sources, concerns raised in the report about bullying, micromanaging, and abuse of authority by senior managers triggered a deeper look into the leadership at the embattled Teesside Fire brigade. One source said the investigation began following the outcome of the damning HMICFRS report, specifically regarding concerns over abuse of authority.
The Teesside & Durham Post understands the complaint against Mr Rickard is being handled by an independent external party, and that the matter is being “managed entirely outside of the brigade”.....
Rickard, who took up the position just over a year ago, now finds himself at the centre of a difficult moment for Cleveland Fire Brigade — a service already under intense public scrutiny following the collapse of the public services arm business Cleveland Fire Brigade Risk management Services CIC, which was plunged into liquidation owing tens of thousands of pounds to its creditors, causing huge reputational damage to the Fire Authority in the process..
A Troubling Culture and Managerial Failings...
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) carried out a 10-week inspection in the autumn 2024. Where the findings painted a worrying picture of Cleveland Fire Brigade’s internal culture, the most damning criticism said to have been focused on “promoting the right values and culture.”
Mr Rickard Joined Cleveland Fire Brigade in August 2024, just weeks before the damming HMICFRS report was undertaken.
Inspectors reported that senior leaders did not consistently act as positive role models, Brigade values were not regularly upheld by those in charge with staff reporting instances of bullying, micromanaging, and authority being misused.
The revelations were said to have aligned with warnings the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has raised for years.
FBU general secretary Steve Wright said the report “vindicates” the union’s concerns:
“Problems with fire the service culture go right to the top. Our reps are on the front line of representing members who are being bullied and harassed.”
Despite Serious Failings, Staff Say Culture Is Slowly Improving
The report highlighted that some positive changes had begun since the appointment of Chief Fire Officer Rickard and the Assistant Chief Fire Officer. Staff told HMICFRS that the new leadership team appeared more approachable, visible and supportive, and that the culture has started to shift in the right direction.
However, these improvements are said to have been overshadowed by the emerging investigation into Rickard — and by wider operational issues uncovered during the inspection.
Brigade’s Response: ‘We Fully Acknowledge the Areas for Improvement’
Rickard responded publicly to the report:
“I welcome the findings… While we are proud of the areas where we are performing well, we fully acknowledge the areas identified for improvement. We remain committed to supporting our staff and communities.”
But his statement now sits against the backdrop of an investigation into his own conduct — raising fresh questions about the future leadership of the brigade in a region where public institutions are facing heavy criticism, following repeated investigations regarding corruption & fraud.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has battled cultural controversies and operational concerns for years.
The latest HMICFRS report confirms:
The brigade has experienced serious leadership and cultural failings
Bullying and abuses of authority were reported by staff
Essential training and workforce development have been neglected
Some improvements are emerging but remain fragile
The Chief Fire Officer himself is now under investigation
Whether its the Fire Brigade, The Tees Valley Combined Authority, or Cleveland Police. It seems no public service on Teesside is held in high regard, even by those tasked to keep them in check !
