One of the UK’s largest county Fire & Rescue Services engaged Practicus to transform their People Management capability and to improve organisational performance.
This was in direct response to the Audit Commission’s concerns regarding the integrity of their workforce data.
What support did Practicus provide?
Drove transformation at the Fire and Rescue Service’s HR department, turning them into a performance-focused team that was fully integrated with operational and service delivery teams at every level.
Established people management as a key strategic issue and ensured it was integrated into ‘Business as Usual’. This was achieved by creating a team who delivered results, built credibility with their peers and broke down functional barriers to improve performance.
Implemented a simplified career development framework, consistent with Integrated Personal Development System (IPDS), mapped to national role maps and perceived as more accessible and relevant to staff on the ground.
Delivered a consultation and negotiation framework with trade unions and supported teams to resolve complex industrial relations disputes.
Set up the process to outsource occupational health services and tackled high levels of sickness absence recognising that poor sickness was a deeply embedded cultural issue and that performance would not be improved by improved data or processes alone.
Change was achieved through:
- Clear, unambiguous leadership from the front end of the programme
- Placing responsibility and accountability for performance with junior/middle managers
- Developing multi-channel communications and maintaining management focus
- Implementing rigorous occupational health intervention
- Training and coaching managers to tackle culturally embedded norms
- Creating effective partnerships working between front line operations and HR
- Introducing consistent formal processes and transparent performance data
- Promoting wellbeing and health education initiatives
The Outcomes
A performance culture based upon effective people management.
Introduction of new effective work practices.
The development of effective occupational health services resulted in savings of £200k+ over the period.
Staff absence was reduced by 40% and resulted in further savings of £250k.
The Audit commission acknowledged transformation of people management in the Service, recognising that a robust approach to supporting returning staff had been implemented.
Operational competency of staff is also being enhanced, the People strategy set out high aspirations and there is now a clearer strategic approach in place.
Client Testimonial
‘The Practicus change practitioner had a great approach and positively moved the way in which HR is perceived. He fitted in well across our service which can be difficult for a non-uniformed member of the team.’
