A PANEL of experts has been appointed to help steer the county’s fire service following shocking revelations.

Irene Lucas’s independent review of culture at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service described it as corrosive, toxic and dysfunctional.

Many of the claims could have led to criminal investigations had Mrs Lucas not guaranteed anonymity.

They included allegations of bullying by trade union members and “overwhelming” evidence of incidents of serious psychological intimidation.

An expert advisory panel has now been appointed.

They include Steve McGuirk, who was previously Greater Manchester’s top fire officer and Natasha Edmunds, a human resources and organisational development specialist and who works for West Sussex County Council.

Ms Lucas has recommended the panel should also be supported in its work from time to time by a third adviser, Sir Ken Knight, a former Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser to the Government.

In May 2013 Sir Ken published an efficiencies review of 46 fire and rescue authorities, which was commissioned by the Government.

The recommendations for the panel will be put before the Fire Authority on Wednesday.