Independent Advisory Group

Please apply by the 27th June 2025 at 12:00 Midday

South Wales Fire & Rescue Service’s Independent Advisory Group (IAG) is a new group as part of our governance structure which will perform the vital role of a ‘critical friend’ in relation to our policies and processes.

It is a group where independent members can offer advice based on their knowledge and lived experience and contribute to South Wales Fire & Rescue Service’s mission of ‘To Make South Wales Safer by Reducing Risk’

The role of the IAG is to provide informal advice to the Service with a particular focus on ensuring we understand and are able to respond to the needs of all our communities and our staff. The group may be asked to comment on and inform policy and procedures being implemented as well as ongoing operational matters which may be affecting the communities of South Wales. 

We need people with a passion, commitment, understanding from a range of fields including public sector, private sector, cultural change, voluntary sector, inspection and D.I.C.E to ensure we deliver for the communities of South Wales and create a safe, modern workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.

·         Contract: Voluntary (reasonable travel expenses paid)

·         Hours of Work: Availability as set out in Job Profile

·         Location: Meetings to be held at SWFRS Headquarters in Llantrisant and/or by Microsoft Teams

Role Profile

As an IAG member your independent views will help shape South Wales Fire & Rescue Service policy and provide sustainable transformation across the Service. You will agree to:

•              Take part in 6 weekly meetings (subject to review) as a member of the Group.

•              Provide at least 24 months on the panel (minimum of 16 meetings –  subject to review).

•              Provide independent advice about specific issues identified and agreed by SWFRS such as SWFRS policies, practices, procedures and critical incidents.

•              Provide guidance, personal insight and constructive challenge reflecting your perspective, knowledge and background.

•              Retain a good working relationship with other IAG members, SWFRS personnel and any other interested parties.

Responsibilities

To successfully implement the level of change and transformation required across the Service, the IAG will provide a ‘critical friend’ capacity, providing challenge and feedback on proposals and thinking. The group will not be a decision-making body but will have the following responsibilities:

1.    Support the Commissioner’s mission to ensure SWFRS is trusted to serve and protect the communities for which it serves.

2.    Support the Commissioners and senior responsible owner in making the changes required to the culture of SWFRS as identified in the independent Culture Review.

3.    Help quality assure and improve SWFRS’s thinking and plans by providing advice on changes or new ideas.

4.    Advise on the development of new strategies or ideas for SWFRS.

5.    Provide assistance where expertise and resources permit.