South Wales Fire and Rescue Service appoints new Director of Strategic Change and Transformation

As part of the wide-reaching Transformation Programme being undertaken at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), the Welsh Government appointed Commissioners have established a fixed-term role of Director of Strategic Change and Transformation.

Following a comprehensive recruitment process that involved staff from across the Service, senior leaders, and the Commissioners, Dominic Mika has been appointed to the new role.

A career Firefighter and serving Royal Marines Reserve officer with bachelors, post-graduate, and masters qualifications in applied leadership, emergency management, business resilience, and culture, performance management and transformation, Mr Mika joins SWFRS from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of the Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Mr Mika will work alongside the Commissioners and Chief Fire Officer as part of the Executive Leadership Team to lead the Transformation Programme.

He said: “I am grateful to be given the opportunity to become part of the team here at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

“I am excited to work with our staff, partners, and communities. I also look forward to supporting the staff-led working groups that have been established to address the recommendations arising from the recent Morris Review into culture.

“I have been warmly welcomed by a service that is committed to both change and improvement. I would like to thank my future colleagues who volunteered to take part in my recruitment and assessment day. I will make sure that communication and engagement remains an important part of our Service transformation.”

Stuart Millington, Chief Fire Officer at SWFRS, welcomed Mr Mika, saying:

“The Service faces significant challenges in terms of staff trust and public confidence while we deliver the Transformation Programme. Appointing someone of Dominic’s calibre and experience should be a source of reassurance for staff, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. He brings a valuable external perspective and experience from a range of uniformed and blue light services – something advocated by the Morris Review.

“His extensive qualifications and practical experience as a leader and change manager, and recent involvement in Fire Service scrutiny and improvement, will prove invaluable to us all.”

Mr Mika’s life-long commitment to the Fire and Rescue Service began in his teens as a Fire Cadet, before serving as a Royal Marines Commando and then an operational career with West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, and roles with the Fire Service College and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

As a co-author of the National Core Code of Ethics, he is committed to improving Fire Service culture by fostering a collaborative environment where every member of the team feels empowered and supported.

ENDS

Editor’s Notes

Dominic Mika professional background: linkedin.com/in/dominicmika