Senior fire officer sexually harassed female staff before retiring

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Byron Standen, who retired last year, was found guilty of gross misconduct following an internal investigation – and received no sanction. 

The latest revelations are part of an ongoing investigation by ITV News into claims of sexual harassment and misogyny at the service. 

The fire service has refused to provide details to ITV News of exactly which of the allegations Mr Standen was found guilty of, leaving the possibility that some charges were not upheld.   

A spokesperson for DWFRS said: “We can confirm that following an independent investigation that on May 22, 2022, an individual was found by a disciplinary committee on the balance of probabilities to have committed gross misconduct. The sanction for such gross misconduct was summary dismissal.  

“To the frustration and disappointment of the service, the individual had earlier already given notice of his intention to retire, and, given the length and complexities of the investigation he was able to retire before the sanction could take effect.” 

A whistleblower told ITV News: “I was surprised that he didn't accept there was a problem, because the organisation has known for at least a couple of years there have been problems with the culture, especially with regards to matters of a sexual nature.  

“So I think my initial reaction when I saw it went from surprise verging into anger.  

“There is a culture of fear of speaking out, verging on bullying.” 

Responding to the latest claims, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: “When our Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell met with ITV last week, he made clear that he was unable to talk about individual cases for legal reasons.  

“However, it is also of vital importance, and indeed in the public interest, to demonstrate to the public that we treat sexual misconduct allegations with the utmost seriousness.”  

Mr Standen has not responded to an ITV request for comment.