West Midlands Fire Service pledges to review wellbeing and disciplinary procedures after death of former chief

Mr Brown took his own life on January 24 last year after escalating social media pressure and press interest relating to the revelation that he did not have an MBA qualification that was listed on his social media profile, and amid allegations about his personal life. 

At the inquest held in May this year Birmingham & Solihull Coroner Louise Hunt heard that Mr Brown did hold a ‘Level Seven’ qualification in strategic leadership appropriate for the position, but died before he could be told and before consideration of any disciplinary action.

Ms Hunt recorded a conclusion of suicide and ordered a regulation 28 Prevention of Future Deaths Report relating to the brigade’s failing to undertake an investigation after Mr Brown’s death looking into its support policies for senior ranking staff, while mental health support was in place for lower ranks, and concerns over note-taking at one-to-one meetings. 

The current chief Simon Tuhill has now responded to Ms Hunt’s request for action stating that an initial review had been carried out and a further review along with “the implementation of linked policies will be completed within the next six months”.

Mr Tuhill stated: “The review concluded that Mr Brown had been made aware of the support available and had been signposted to it and encouraged to access the support available multiple times in the period leading to his death, but sadly he had not accessed it in the relevant period. 

However, we acknowledge that the terms of reference of a review of this nature could be enhanced to ensure that learning is maximised and built into our policies and the outcomes from it better analysed to ensure that appropriate actions are built into our structures.

“We will therefore thoroughly review our crisis management and death-in-service protocols for deaths that occur in the workplace to ensure that they extend to situations where the death of a colleague is linked to their employment. This will also include how we support other members of staff who might be affected. The review and the implementation of linked policies will be completed within six months of this response letter.”

He further stated: “The service is committed to enhancing available support. Therefore, we will carry out a review of the level and nature of support provided to senior officers undergoing a disciplinary process, including before and after any suspension, and make any enhancements identified in that process.” 

Mr Tuhill added that the authority would be sharing its learning from the case to help improve support for fire service staff nationally. This included helping to fund a new wellbeing initiative for senior officers, a helpline and liaising with the Government to consider changes in legislation. 

A Regulation 28 report, also known as a Prevention of Future Deaths report, is a document issued by a coroner when they identify concerns that could lead to future deaths. The recipient is legally required to respond within 56 days, outlining actions taken or planned to address the coroner’s concerns.

•  Anyone needing support can call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123 at any time.