A number of years ago, CCI & Associates were asked to review the training and development of a large Fire and Rescue Service following a sexual harassment Employment Tribunal.
Working in conjunction with the organisation, we identified that, while there were managers in place, their understanding and practical application of management skills and associated knowledge was seriously lacking. There were very few concerns regarding operational knowledge and ability but managing people skills were seriously lacking. As a consequence, CCI & Associates worked with the organisation to develop a series of management development programmes, aimed at various levels of the organisation, which were to be implemented to assist with the cultural change of the whole organisation. This was recognised and appreciated by the organisation as being a very long term strategy.
By the time the Government decided to look at the managerial and cultural development of the Fire and Rescue Services nationally with a view to enforcing a cultural change process, ‘our’ Fire & Rescue Service was seen to be ahead of the game and able to take a National Lead on best practise, sharing knowledge, experience and programmes with their national colleagues. We continue to work with the same Fire & Rescue Service, reviewing and revising the programmes regularly while also supporting them in more specific areas such as mediation, coaching and grievance and discipline.