North Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services today published their final reports of a jointly commissioned Independent Cultural Review, facilitated by Crest Advisory.

This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment of both fire and rescue services to fostering a supportive, inclusive and progressive workplace culture.

The review, initiated in response to the Welsh Government’s endorsement of the fire and rescue services’ cultural improvement proposals, assessed the progress made in creating positive workplace environments and identified opportunities for further development.

It represents the beginning of a new chapter in the cultural evolution of North Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Services. By implementing these recommendations, both fire and rescue services reaffirm their dedication to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, heard and empowered, and to enhance the services provided to their communities.

Key findings and recommendations

The independent review highlights both achievements and areas for growth, providing a roadmap for enhancing organisational culture and staff well-being. The findings underscore both fire and rescue services’ ongoing efforts to ensure that their workplaces reflect values of safety, inclusivity and community service.

North Wales Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx said:

“Our staff have asked for change, and we are listening. We appreciate their courage in providing honest feedback. They have recognised the improvements already made but reflect that we still have some way to go.

“This review marks a watershed moment for us and I want to say sorry to those who have not had a good experience – everybody deserves to feel heard, safe and valued in their workplace.

“We are meticulously reviewing the report and turning recommendations into measurable actions. This includes setting up a confidential hotline and bringing in a leadership development specialist. Change starts now, and we pledge to improve and accelerate progress. I accept the findings in the report and am determined that working together across our organisation, we can strengthen our workplace culture and provide the best service to our communities.

“I would like to emphasise that this report does not bring into question the services we provide to the public – the vast majority of our staff are truly professional people who provide a fantastic service to the public across North Wales.

“Our staff respond to protect the public, day in day out, with kindness and respect – and the findings of this report are about making sure we improve how we treat each other with kindness and respect.”

Mid and West Wales Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas KFSM added:

“Firstly, and most importantly, I would like to apologise unreservedly to any of my colleagues who have been subject to buylling, harassment or discrimination in any form. This is wholly unacceptable and does not align with the values and behaviours that we espouse or endorse as a Service.

“Secondly, I accept the findings and recommendations within the review which support my ambition to improve the culture of our Service, which was one of my key aims when I was appointed as Chief Fire Officer. Whilst we have evidently made progress to address these issues it is equally clear that we need to do more to ensure that our staff feel safe, supported and valued.

“Through initiatives like our Culture and Inclusion Board and Working Group and their associated action plans, we are already building momentum towards a more inclusive, diverse and supportive organisation.

“This review now provides us with clear recommendations to guide future improvements in our culture and diversity.”

North Wales Fire Authority Chair Councillor Dylan Rees said:

“The publication of this report is a pivotal moment for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. As Chair of the Fire Authority, I want to thank all those who took part in this process. Their honesty and courage in sharing their experiences are instrumental in shaping a better future for our Service.

“We fully accept the findings of the review and recognise the importance of driving meaningful cultural change. While positive progress has been achieved under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Dawn Docx, we acknowledge that there is more to do to ensure that every member of staff feels safe, supported and respected.

“Our commitment is clear: we will work closely with the Chief Fire Officer and her team to ensure that the recommendations of this report are turned into tangible actions. We will provide the necessary oversight and support to embed lasting improvements, making North Wales Fire and Rescue Service a workplace where professionalism, inclusivity and respect are at the heart of everything we do.

“This is an opportunity to build a stronger, more positive culture for the benefit of our staff and the communities we serve - and we are determined to get it right.”

Mid and West Wales Fire Authority Chair Councillor Gwynfor Thomas said:

“Members of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority are saddened to read the findings of the independent culture review of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“We are humbled by people's courage in giving open, honest and challenging feedback, and it is with thanks to those who contributed that we can see the urgency with which we must act to tackle poor culture and behaviour where it exists.

“Under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer Roger Thomas, meaningful progress has already been made towards achieving a safer, more inclusive environment for all at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service but we are acutely aware that the findings of this report make clear there is more work that needs to be done.

“What is important now is that staff, key stakeholders and the public can see and contribute to meaningful change to strengthen the workplace culture at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“You have my assurances that where appropriate, the recommendations within this report will be delivered without delay and Members of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority will play an active part in this process.”

Immediate next steps

With the reports now published, both fire and rescue services will embark on the next phase of their cultural journeys which will include:

• Turning the report recommendations into actions that will guide improvements to workplace culture.

• Engaging staff and stakeholders at all levels to foster awareness and participation, so make sure change is meaningful and reflects the needs of everyone.
• Maintaining transparency and accountability through regular updates and feedback opportunities with staff and wider stakeholders.

About the review

Crest Advisory, specialists in organisational culture, conducted the review with input from staff, representative bodies and other stakeholders. The process involved surveys, interviews and focus groups to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current workplace culture.

The final report and a summary of its findings are available on the fire and rescue services’ websites.

www.northwalesfire.gov.wales

www.mawwfire.gov.uk

Information from Crest Advisory about the review is available here.