Middle managers focus on cultural change and core code of ethics

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service middle managers recently participated in a workshop to discuss the service’s ongoing cultural transformation, as reported by the Service.

The workshop, titled “Our Service, Our Values,” reviewed progress made in December by various teams and allowed participants to contribute to draft ideas for the new vision, mission, and values.

The draft proposals were informed by input from 939 operational staff, 283 corporate staff, fire cadets, and the Executive Leadership Team. Additional feedback was gathered from partner organisations and other fire and rescue services.

Leadership emphasises meaningful and strategic change

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan said during the session: “It is time to look ahead and now really start going forward.”

Monahan emphasised the importance of middle managers in driving change, stating: “Managers are key to energising change. We have a window of opportunity to deliver really meaningful change through our strategy.”

The service said it will adopt a “two-speed approach” to change, with immediate actions addressing short-term needs and strategic initiatives requiring longer-term development.

Planned improvements include mediation processes, conflict resolution training, and technology adoption.

A collaborative approach to building vision, mission, and values

The service said its strategy is being developed collaboratively, with the aim of aligning all staff with its future goals.

Dominic Mika, Director of Strategic Change and Transformation, highlighted the importance of this approach: “We want our vision, mission, and values to be our bedrock for who we are and how we get things done in South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.”

He added: “These workshops are important to make sure we represent everyone working in the service and have a vision, mission, and values that are relevant for us all.”

Focus on long-term transformation and community safety

The strategy aims to guide the service through challenges while maintaining its commitment to protecting over 1.5 million people in South Wales.

Monahan said: “A strategy starts with a vision, and from that, we build our mission, values, and path that guides us through the challenges and decisions we need to make.”

Mika stated: “Our transformation programme is ambitious, and we are committed to seeing unprecedented change and improvement across the service – another big step forward for us in our transformation journey.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue unveils cultural change and operational excellence strategy: Summary

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service held a workshop for middle managers to review draft proposals for its vision, mission, and values. Input was gathered from operational and corporate staff, fire cadets, and external partners.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan highlighted a “two-speed approach” to change, combining immediate actions with longer-term strategic initiatives. Planned changes include mediation processes, conflict resolution training, and new technology adoption.

Director of Strategic Change and Transformation Dominic Mika emphasised the collaborative nature of the process and its focus on aligning staff with the service’s goals.

The strategy aims to guide the service through challenges while maintaining its commitment to protecting over 1.5 million people in South Wales.