The State Fire Commission (SFC) endorsed an independent review (the Review) of workplace cultures in the TFS and SES to better understand what the organisations do well and where improvements are needed. Independent consultants, EB&Co (led by Elizabth Broderick) were appointed to undertake the Review. The TFS-SES Culture Review will help inform actions to develop a culture where inclusion, strong values, respect and trust are at the forefront.

The Review launched on 1 August 2024 and over several months EB&Co provided TFS and SES members with a range of options to participate and share confidential feedback and information. This included an online survey, written submissions, one-on-one interviews and group listening sessions. A report of findings and recommendations from the Review will be delivered to the SFC in late March 2025.

The Secretary of DPFEM will receive a copy of the report and will be consulted as head of the Department and in their capacity holding ultimate duty of care for SES members as PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking).

After consideration by the SFC and TFS-SES Executive, the full report will be shared with the whole of the TFS and SES. Once a date for release has been agreed upon, this date will be shared.

The TFS-SES Executive have considered what the cultures of the TFS and SES should look like in the future, and have agreed on the following vision:

Our vision for TFS and SES are cultures based on our organisational values. Where everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported and safe. Organisations we are proud of.

Throughout February and March 2025, independent consultants, EB&Co are analysing the data collected through the information gathering phase (conducted Aug-Dec 2024). EB&Co will produce a report of key findings, along with recommendations.

The TFS-SES Executive are preparing for the release of the report and will be working alongside leadership and subject matter experts across the organisations to co-design meaningful actions and programs of work to address recommendations from the report.

TFS and SES members can access Conexus (the internal intranet service) to learn more about the Review. There is a dedicated Review space available on Conexus that provides further detail, FAQs, relevant links and contact details for the Review Team.

If the Review has raised any wellbeing concerns, TFS, SES and BES members can contact Wellbeing Support 24/7 on 6173 2873.