Independent cultural review for North Wales and Mid and West Wales fire services

As reported by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services have appointed Crest Advisory to conduct an independent review of their workplace cultures.

This initiative follows the Welsh Government’s March approval of a proposal from these fire services to evaluate their cultural advancements.

This proposal was initially outlined in a statement by the then Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn MS.

Both fire and rescue services emphasise the importance of creating a positive and supportive workplace.

Crest Advisory, experts in organisational standards, performance, and culture, will begin their work in July, adhering to terms of reference based on the Deputy Minister’s statement.

The review will conclude with a report assessing the progress and suggesting areas for improvement.

Commitment to cultural journey and transparency

North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said: “We first embarked on a cultural journey in 2021 with a comprehensive Fire Family Staff Survey commissioned from an independent company, followed by diligent action plans and regular progress updates.

“The Service has seen positive shifts since then, and this work continues following our latest staff survey conducted in the Autumn of 2023.”

Docx emphasised the dedication to ensuring community and workforce safety and well-being: “We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities and our workforce and recognise the importance of external assurance, scrutiny, and challenge in our ongoing progress on our cultural journey.

“We are committed to implementing any recommendations stemming from the cultural review in a transparent, inclusive, and effective manner.”

Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas echoed these sentiments: “We have also undertaken a robust cultural audit via an external company, and as a result, through the formation of a Culture and Inclusion Board and Working Group, an action plan to make wide-ranging enhancements is underway, a process which has been welcomed by Welsh Government.”

Support from Welsh Government

Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning, Julie James, expressed her support: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their place of work and I welcome these independent cultural reviews which will help provide important assurance about workplace culture and staff welfare in both North Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services.

“We will consider the findings of the reports carefully.”

The review will engage openly with current and former members of the fire and rescue services.

Crest Advisory will capture views and experiences through surveys, one-to-one interviews, and focus groups across both services.

Further information on how to participate will be made available soon.

The final report, with any identified areas for improvement, will be published in January 2025 and presented to both Fire and Rescue Authorities and the Welsh Government as evidence of independent assurance.