Jennie Griffiths, currently Head of Control at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has been appointed as Head of Joint Fire Services Control Centre for the Joint Public Service Centre Project. Jennie will now start working on the transition plans ready for when the new joint fire team becomes operational in April 2016.
For a number of years, fire controls across Wales have led the way in collaborative and joint working initiatives and have been sharing their 999 call information with police through technology. They have also been supporting each other across geographical areas when activity arises.
Jennie Griffiths said on her appointment:
“I am absolutely delighted to be given this fantastic opportunity as Head of the merged Fire Controls at the Public Service Centre with SWFRS, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), and South Wales Police (SWP).
“This is the natural next step for improving our service to the public. We take this step boldly in the knowledge that we have paved a way through experience, training and collaboration for an effective and efficient transition of working together on emergency call handling and response.”
During the transition phase of the project, Jennie’s responsibilities will be ensuring the project delivers a fully functioning joint control room. This includes overseeing the procurement of a new mobilising system, shared joint-working protocols, effective service delivery of core functions and making sure staff involved in the project are fully participating.
Once the Joint Public Service Centre is up and running, her objectives will be to ensure the efficient delivery of a multi-agency response and resilience strategies within the control room. She will also provide strategic leadership to ensure both fire and rescue services to meet their vision, aims and objectives.
Jennie Griffiths added:
“The Public Service Centre Project is a major change management project for both fire controls and South Wales Police. Ensuring this initiative is delivered efficiently and effectively is my main priority. I have enjoyed a long and successful career with the fire service. It is a job I have a fierce passion for and enjoy and I am looking forward to my new role.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Derek Masson, of MAWWFRS, said:
“I am delighted Jennie has accepted this key position. Appointing a Head of Joint Public Service Centre is vital to the success of this project. I am sure through her hard work, collaborative approach and strategic leadership, she will help steer the project in the direction it needs to go for a positive outcome.
“She will also play a vital role in making sure control room staff in both fire and rescue services and in the police see the real benefits of this project.”
SWFRS Chief Fire Officer Huw Jakeway said:
“I am delighted Jennie will be managing the implementation phase of the project. She brings excellent expertise of working with and managing control staff. I am sure Jennie will be a fantastic addition to the project.”
A new email address dedicated to the project has also been created. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about the project please email
psc-fireproject@mawwfire.gov.uk
Notes
Jennie Griffiths – Biography
Jennie’s career in the fire and rescue service spans 33 years. She joined South Glamorgan Fire Service in October, 1980. She worked there until 1996 when South Glamorgan, Gwent and Mid Glamorgan Fire Services amalgamated into SWFRS. She has managed control staff from Watch Manager level and above since 1987. Throughout her career, she has managed many major incidents and events, witnessed technological advances and change management projects within the fire and rescue service and has seen changes to staff shift patterns. She was appointed to her current role in July, 2005.
