Ongoing reform follows Independent Culture Review and HMICFRS inspection
SOUTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE has provided an update on its wide-ranging programme of cultural, strategic and governance reforms following recommendations made in the Independent Culture Review and its own self-assessment ahead of the latest HMICFRS inspection.
A Service Improvement Board, meeting every six weeks and overseen by Commissioner Carl Foulkes, tracks and scrutinises this progress. The most recent meeting was chaired by Director of Strategic Change and Transformation, Dominic Mika.
“Over the last few months, we’ve laid the foundations for a robust programme and project management system that enables meaningful, timely change,” said Mr Mika. “This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about embedding improvements in collaboration with our people and partners, and learning from best practice.”
Key developments
Strategy and Planning
The Service has launched a new strategic framework that integrates over 60 workstreams across prevention, protection, and response. It aligns recommendations from the Independent Culture Review, thematic reviews, and HMICFRS findings. A performance management framework and revised Community Risk Management Planning process have also been introduced.
Governance
A strengthened internal governance structure now includes an Internal Improvement Board, a Strategic Change and Culture Committee, and a soon-to-be-launched Culture and Connection Board focused on staff engagement. An Independent Advisory Group is also being recruited to provide external challenge and insight.
Ethics, Values and Behaviour
The Service has reinforced its zero-tolerance stance on unacceptable behaviour. The ‘Taking Care of Behaviours’ programme, already completed by the Senior Leadership Team, will now be rolled out to all staff. Extensive consultation has informed updates to the Service’s Vision, Mission and Values, involving over 1,300 participants.
Leadership and Development
A new Leadership and Personal Development Academy launched in April. Firefighter and Antarctic explorer Georgina Gilbert has been appointed as its Strategic Lead. The Academy will drive long-term cultural change and leadership development across the Service.
Recruitment and Promotions
Changes have been made to the recruitment process for senior leaders, now underpinned by the Core Code of Ethics. New methods include staff stakeholder panels and independent external oversight. A revised promotion framework for internal progression has also been drafted following staff consultation.
Transformation Programme
The ‘Step Forward Transformation Programme’ covers nine key areas and is central to the Service’s culture change ambitions. A Portfolio Management Office and two Transformation Programme Managers have been appointed to coordinate delivery.
Independent scrutiny
HMICFRS Inspection and Benchmarking
SWFRS proactively invited HMICFRS to conduct a full inspection in November 2024 to benchmark progress and provide a roadmap for improvement. These findings—expected later this month—build upon the 2023 internal self-assessment, which has informed the strategic and improvement plans currently being delivered.
Monitoring and Action Plans
To date, 36 of the Independent Culture Review recommendations are complete and awaiting verification, with a further 26 completed and pending evidence collection. Nineteen recommendations remain in progress, with one on hold. All actions are tracked through a new governance process focused on outcomes, not process.
Frontline engagement
Leadership Visibility and Staff Voice
Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway has visited more than 95% of Service locations and completed a Core Skills Firefighter Course to gain insight into frontline training. A confidential inbox and a new mediation package are also in place to support staff in raising concerns.
Communications and Engagement
The Service has significantly enhanced both internal and external communications. A new Communication and Engagement Strategy has been developed under the guidance of the newly appointed Head of Communications.
