A FORMAL apology has been issued for the institutional racism faced by Black and ethnic minority staff at Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service between 1991 and 2018.

Chief fire officer Mark Preece acknowledged the past failings and commended the bravery of those who spoke out.

The apology follows the publication of an Independent Review, which found the service was institutionally racist during that period but is not today.

Preece stressed that while progress has been made, more work is needed to address the legacy of discrimination. GFRS is already acting on the report’s 14 recommendations as part of a transformation programme aimed at creating a more inclusive service.

The full report is available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.