Report finds no breach of statutory provisions
The Certification Officer has published the findings of its investigation into the financial affairs of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), concluding that there was no evidence of statutory breaches.
The investigation followed complaints from former FBU officials, who alleged that the union had made secret payments to employees without the approval of its Executive Council.
The report states: “No conclusive evidence that any of the matters referred to in section 37B (2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (the 1992 Act) have occurred.”
The report also examined allegations of a culture of bullying at senior levels within the FBU.
It found no evidence to support these claims.
Governance issues and record-keeping concerns identified
While clearing the union of financial wrongdoing, the report highlights governance issues within the FBU, citing inconsistencies in the interpretation of union rules by Executive Council members and full-time officials.
It also identifies weaknesses in the union’s record-keeping processes.
The report suggests that these shortcomings have contributed to internal disputes within the union.
It states: “Governance shortcomings appear to have amplified pre-existing disagreements within the union.
“The effect has been to provide a catalyst for disputes that, in truth, appear to have as much to do with factionalism as with substantive concerns about financial irregularities.”
FBU acknowledges findings and commits to reforms
The FBU has responded to the report, stating that it welcomes the findings and will act on governance concerns raised in the investigation.
Mark Rowe, FBU national officer, said: “The FBU welcomes the publication of this report.
“It is the product of a thorough investigation which we have complied proactively from the start.
“We are pleased that the report does not find any evidence of a breach of any statutory provision.”
He added that the union will take immediate steps to improve its record-keeping to ensure compliance with internal rules and statutory requirements.
Next steps for the union
The report also suggests that FBU rules, including those governing delegated powers, require review.
The union has stated that it will examine these recommendations through a democratic process involving the Executive Council and wider membership.
Rowe said: “The FBU’s rules, and our collective understanding of rules in relation to matters such as delegated powers, are not fit for purpose.
“This is again something we will examine and look to act upon through a democratic process with the engagement of our Executive Council and wider membership.”
He added that the union acknowledges the need for improvement and will take steps to address governance concerns raised in the report.
Certification Officer report examines Fire Brigades Union governance: Summary
The Certification Officer has published an investigation report into the financial affairs of the Fire Brigades Union.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from former officials alleging secret payments to employees without Executive Council approval.
The report concludes that there is no evidence of statutory breaches.
The report also reviewed allegations of bullying at senior levels within the union but found no supporting evidence.
However, it highlights governance shortcomings, including inconsistent interpretation of union rules and weaknesses in record-keeping.
It states that these issues have contributed to internal disputes within the FBU.
The union has acknowledged the findings and committed to addressing governance concerns.
National officer Mark Rowe stated that the FBU would take immediate action to improve record-keeping and review internal rules through a democratic process.
The union will work with its Executive Council and membership to implement necessary changes.