Episode 2 - Smells Like Team Spirit

Show Notes Episode 2 - Smells Like Team Spirit

Morale is not just an issue for the military, it can affect any group of employees. How can morale be raised within a team, and examples of when employers get it right, and wrong.

‘Gareth’s’ story (ITV - Sep 2024)

https://www.itv.com/news/wales/2024-09-05/south-wales-fire-nothing-has-changed-since-daming-review-says-firefighter

A serving firefighter has described how he believes South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has not acted on the findings of a damning review into its culture.

'Gareth', which is not his real name, told ITV Cymru Wales that "things that haven’t been dealt with and the same old things on station are still being said".

He said if issues continue at the scandal-hit service, it could pose a risk to the public's safety.

'Gareth' said when issues first came to light about bad behaviour at South Wales Fire, he was relieved that he wasn't alone in thinking there were problems.

He told us he had witnessed people making "racist jokes, racist comments about people’s skin, people’s religion, people fleeing horrendous situations."

"There was a story about someone in charge of a watch who had taken the brave step to come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community", he said.

"Then a picture of their face was put on top of a Christmas tree fairy and that was put on top of the Christmas tree. I can just imagine if you were part of that community how that made you feel and how you didn’t think you were accepted as part of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service."

'Gareth' said, "it’s not something that I thought I would have to contend with joining a public service".