CHIEF FIRE OFFICER Fin Monahan has outlined bold plans to shape the future of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, emphasizing operational excellence and cultural change.
At a recent workshop with leaders from across the service, Mr. Monahan said: “It is time to look ahead and really start moving forward. I am loving this job, especially engaging with everyone on stations and at headquarters. I am incredibly proud of who you are and what you do.”
Managers were described as pivotal in driving meaningful change. “You, as middle leaders, are key to leading this journey,” he said. “Today, we are focusing on our destination, how we will get there, and the benefits for the service and for you as individuals.”

Progress and feedback
The workshop was part of ongoing efforts to embed the National Fire Chiefs Council Core Code of Ethics and foster cultural change. Middle managers reviewed the outcomes of the December “Our Service, Our Values” sessions, which saw contributions from 939 operational and 283 corporate staff, fire cadets, the Executive Leadership Team, and external partners.
Draft ideas for the new vision, mission, and values were shaped by over 160 team sessions and enriched by feedback from staff and partner organizations.

“We are building a strategy that outlines our journey to embed operational excellence,” Mr. Monahan added. “This involves both immediate changes and longer-term strategic goals.”
A two-speed approach to change
The strategy involves a “two-speed” approach. Immediate actions include introducing a mediation process, delivering conflict resolution training, and leveraging new technologies to improve efficiency. Longer-term changes will focus on broader strategic developments.
“Strategic change takes time and careful planning,” Mr. Monahan said. “It starts with a vision, followed by a mission and values, guiding us through challenges while ensuring we remain focused on protecting over 1.5 million people in South Wales.”
A united vision
Dominic Mika, Director of Strategic Change and Transformation, emphasized the importance of aligning the service with its vision and values.
“Our vision, mission, and values will be the foundation of who we are and how we operate,” he said. “Colleagues have made significant progress, and our ambitious transformation programme is already delivering tangible improvements.”
Workshops are being used to refine the draft ideas and ensure inclusivity. “These sessions are vital to ensure we come together as one team, striving to be the best for each other and our communities,” Mr. Mika added.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is on an ambitious journey of transformation, with its leaders determined to deliver a stronger, more unified service for the communities they serve.