Our Culture Journey

On Wednesday, February 5^th 2025, Mid and West Wales and North Wales Fire and Rescue Services published their final reports of a jointly commissioned Independent Cultural Review, conducted 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. 

Background

The Review follows the Welsh Government’s acceptance in March 2024 of a proposal from both Fire and Rescue Services to better understand the progress of improvements to organisational culture in each Service.  The proposal formed the basis of a written statement by the then Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn MS.

In August 2024, an engagement period began to hear the views and lived experiences of all current staff and former staff who were still employed after June 1^st, 2021.  The engagement period included an online survey, interviews and focus groups.

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. 

Information from Crest Advisory about the review is available here.