Pathways and barriers to leadership in fire and rescue services
Survey and in-depth interviews identifying challenges (cultural and practical) that staff face in developing their careers as leaders.
Applies to England
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This exploration of pathways and barriers to leadership (fieldwork conducted December 2020 to April 2021) enhances the evidence base underpinning professionalism and people aspects of the current fire and rescue service white paper reforms. The research had input from the NFCC Leadership Board and HMICFRS, comprised a survey of 35 FRSs and 40 in-depth interviews with FRS staff.
Findings identified challenges that staff face in developing their careers as leaders, including a range of culture and people issues experienced over careers which were thought to limit leadership progression opportunities. The report identifies inconsistency in the provision of development programmes across services, and in approaches to managing leadership recruitment rounds as illustrated by the differing range of minimum standards required across FRSs and lack of flexibility in assessment methods.
Last updated 21 December 2022 + show all updates
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The description of the number of applicants by religion was clarified in Appendix 4 to reflect Table A6.
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First published.