Ein Newyddion Spring 2016 by i•creation

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Newyddi

Spring 2016

The magazine for First people in South & West Wales

Marie OPTS FOR

Poignant tribute to former colleague PAGE TWO

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New safety initiative will have many benefits By Managing Director

Justin Davies

AS we move into the spring, First Cymru will be rolling out the new Be Safe training and safety system. This is part of a new UK Bus system to ensure the safety of all staff and customers. Training for Be Safe will first of all be for designated champions who have been selected from within the business and then for staff to introduce the new system. The initial trials of the Be Safe system in the Midlands and Yorkshire have led to a significant improvement in safety standards and a much higher level of engagement in safety by all staff members. As a senior team, we are looking forward to the roll out of this important new safety initiative and the undoubted benefits that it will bring. In this magazine you will read about two key appointments in the business with Dai Tyler stepping up to be our Fleet Engineer after many years with us and in the bus industry. Mike Gibbons has joined us from Tata Steel as our Safety, Environment and Facilities Manager. These two new appointees bring a wealth of talent and energy and a fresh perspective to the senior leadership team so I look forward to working with them both in the years to come. We also congratulate Clare Dalton on becoming HR Business Partner in Bristol. Clare spent many years with this company and we wish her well in her new post.

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Driver Alun Fisher with the Adrian Spencer nameplate on the Cymru Clipper dedicated to him as a fitting tribute.

Poignant tributes to a great character ITTING and poignant tributes have been made to former Driver Adrian Spencer with a Cymru Clipper being named after him and fundraising events taking place in his honour. Ammanford and Swansea based Adrian passed away on February 2, aged 47, after suffering a heart attack. Employees at the depots and beyond have pulled together to commemorate their committed and much-liked colleague. A plaque has been fitted to a bus that operates on two services that Adrian regularly drove on. They include Service X13 between Swansea and Ammanford, which also travels past Adrian’s home. An Adrian Spencer Day took

Driver Craig Hunt with the plaque inside the bus.

place on February 29, where colleagues wore red and some volunteered to be waxed for charity. So far their fundraising efforts have seen more than £400 raised for the family’s charity of choice, the British Heart Foundation. Managing Director of First Cymru Justin Davies said: “It is a real testament to Adrian’s character that so many of the staff – not just in Ammanford but right across the company – wanted to do something to commemorate his life. “Adrian was a great guy and a real character and will be really missed. His legacy will live on and I think it’s great that his family will have something to remember him by. “It is a real testament to

Adrian’s character that he inspired such a response from his colleagues who have done a wonderful job to raise money for such a vital cause while remembering their colleague and friend.” ● To donate to the British Heart Foundation, contact Ammanford Depot Supervisor Alison Davies on 01269 592680.

Stalwart bows out COLLEAGUES have wished farewell to stalwart Driver Gwyn Phillips who has retired after more than 35 years’ service with First. The 68-year-old driver spent 28 years of his career at Port Talbot and hopes to dedicate more time to his family and learning to play the guitar. Port Talbot Operations Manager David Cooksley said: “Gwyn’s a great guy and is really well liked by both customers and fellow drivers – we all wish him the very best in his retirement and I’m sure we’ll still see him popping back to the depot every now and again.”

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Callum qualifies as Army Cadet

Callum Harries pictured on his Advanced Instructors Course in the Brecon Beacons. Inset, Callum when he joined First Cymru as a FTR Host.

instructor WANSEA Driver Callum Harries has come a long way since he joined First Cymru around two and a half years ago as our contrasting pictures show. Rusty, as he is known to colleagues, is a fresh faced FTR Host aged 17 in one while the other shows him more recently in uniform of another kind as he completes his 18-month long instructor training with the Army Cadets. Now 19, he recently spent eight days in the freezing Brecon Beacons on his Advanced Instructors Course. Callum said: “I first joined the Cadets as a 13-year-old. I left at 16 and re-joined at 18 as a civilian assistant before becoming a Potential Instructor and starting my training. “That culminated in my last course which was based at Sennybridge Training Camp. It

was white over when I got there.” He passed exams in the teaching of navigation, fieldcraft, obstacle crossing and drill before a final 24-hour field exercise. “I’m now a Sergeant Instructor with the Royal Welsh ACF and teach 15 boys and girls aged 12 to 18 twice a week in the evenings,” said Callum. “It’s a voluntary role but we do get remuneration if we’re away or looking after children for more than 24 hours. “I love teaching. Some of our children come from quite challenging backgrounds so watching them progress and seeing their behaviour change is really rewarding.”

Survey results rolled out to depots EMPLOYEES are being thanked for their response to the Your Voice Survey and the results are now being rolled out to the depots. The survey highlighted that 84 per cent of colleagues feel that they are kept informed of what is expected of them, while 75 per cent believe that staff work well together and treat each other with respect. Another key result demonstrated that 73 per cent of those who took part in the survey felt that First Bus is dedicated to safety. Senior managers will be visiting depots to discuss the findings and ways to implement recommendations and suggestions that will enhance the workplace, as well as give employees the opportunity to share feedback. One-to-one discussions will Customer Service Assistant Klare Evans has also be held with colleagues to a one-to-one discussion with Buddy Driver help keep them in the picture. Steve Clement at Swansea bus station.

Proposal for high school style yearbook SWANSEA depot is looking at the possibility of producing an American high school-style yearbook to help people remember colleagues past, present and in the future. The book would be placed in the depot foyer and would carry photos of members of staff along with their name, job title and when they started. Dates would then be added to each entry when people left or retired. The idea was the brainchild of several drivers who posted the suggestion on the Better Journeys For Life website. It is now being considered by managers.

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Awards for the extra mile STAFF are to be recognised on a monthly basis through the newly launched Extra Mile Awards. The concept is simple – colleagues nominated in one of the five categories reflecting First’s vision and values could receive a bronze or silver certificate. Local teams would then review all silver certificate holders at the end of the year before awarding a gold certificate in each category. These winners will go through to a best of the best section and could win a diamond award at the national Excellence Awards. Nominations can come from both colleagues and customers. First Bus Managing Director Giles Fearnley said: “These new awards are a direct result of your feedback on how we celebrate great performance. I hope everyone in our business feels compelled to nominate someone they work with who has gone the extra mile.”

Learning on the internet COLLEAGUES are being urged to try their hand at anything from basic maths to IT skills or a language course to SCUBA diving to celebrate National Learning at Work Week. Tremendous opportunities are available at the Lifelong Learning Centres in most depots, but courses can also be accessed on smartphones and tablets, wherever there is an internet connection. Information will be posted on betterjourneysforlife.com in the run up to the special week from May 16-22. First Bus wants to hear from colleagues who have studied at work or in their own time to find the stars of Learning at Work Week.

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Two new senior managers take on

key business challenges WO senior employees are beginning to making their mark at First Cymru following their appointments to key roles in the company. Mike Gibbons has joined the Fleet operation as its new Safety, Engineer Dai Tyler. Environmental and Facilities Manager while stalwart Dai Tyler has risen through the ranks in a career spanning three decades to become Fleet Engineer. Former steel industry employee Mike has swapped hot metal for moving metal in his latest job. He has made the switch to transport and is now settling in to what he calls “a new and challenging environment”. Based at Ravenhill depot, Mike said: “From what I have seen so far, I’d say the safety culture at First Cymru is very positive. Everyone wants to improve and that’s very refreshing. Everyone has the same goal and that is to improve and succeed. “My safety message applies to and well.” Married with two everyone, regardless of their role. children aged five and two, We all have a duty to look after Mike lives in Port Talbot and ourselves and our colleagues. The lists photography and baking best course of action before bread as his hobbies. starting any task is to pause, think Meanwhile, new Fleet about the risks and consider what Engineer Dai Tyler is an old could go wrong. hand at First Cymru – he is in “We are then in a better position the 28th year of his career on to put appropriate controls in place the buses having started as an and carry the work out safely. The apprentice fitter/turner. goal with regard to safety is a Promoted from his role as simple one, and that is to Assistant Engineering Manager return home at the at Ravenhill, Dai has overall end of the day fit responsibility for the

TEN tourism students were given a helping hand by First as they explored how public transport can improve the travel experience for sightseers and holidaymakers looking for adventure. The group from Swansea Trinity St David University journeyed on the X55 Cymru Clipper from Swansea to the Vale of Neath as part of a workshop into the benefits of public transport for tourists.

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360-strong fleet as he supports the company’s two engineering managers. Dai, aged 45, said: “I was very pleased to get the role. It’s a challenge but I enjoy engineering and particularly the vehicle side which was why I joined as an apprentice in the first place. “Overall our fleet’s not too bad. We have about 120 vehicles that are under three years old. Our oldest buses now are 2001/2002 vehicles

so they’ve probably done 800 to 900,000 kilometres. “The running gear on them is simple enough to maintain so we could probably keep them going for ever but the real problem is corrosion. “I suppose the biggest challenge I face now is my change in role. I’m okay with the technical aspect, it’s just getting used to the administrative and guidance side rather than being involved at the sharp end. “I have to say I’m enjoying it so far

Safety, Environmental and Facilities Manager Mike Gibbons.

and have to thank everyone at the company for their help and support.” ● Meanwhile, nine staff were nominated for the elected role of Employee Director. The new appointee was taking up his or her role as Ein Newyddion went to press so we will carry a full feature in the next edition. The election itself was managed independently by the Electoral Reform Service with ballot papers sent out to home addresses.

Staff structure changes A number of staff structure changes have been made to the Swansea management team. In order to continue to deliver a high quality services, several interim arrangements have been introduced to coincide with HR Advisor Ben Heliwell and Business Analyst Jamie Slee leaving. As a result, Operations Manager Lyn Harvey will focus on the entire

Operations Manager Lyn Harvey.

Bridgend Depot Supervisor WAYNE O’GORMAN shares his past experiences working in nursing, his love of watching rugby and how he would travel back in time to photobomb.

Bridgend Depot Supervisor Wayne O’Gorman.

Travel study

Question time

Swansea operation, ensuring service delivery. This includes the University services. Ken Fowler will remain on secondment to analyse and deal with customer contacts, comments and complaints. Meanwhile, Staff Manager Mark Jacobs will also remain as Area People Manager and Chris Andrews has been seconded to assist the management team. He will oversee the

operation of the outstations, visiting them all on a regular basis. Current Customer Service Assistant Klare Evans will assist Mark Jacobs and will be instrumental in carrying out investigations into incidents and return to work interviews. In addition, Margaret Cherrington will oversee service delivery while Mark Byrnes will assist with the Unibus operation.

How long have you worked in the bus industry? I started working with First in 2003, driving part time while I was working in a local hospital as a health care support worker. In 2005 I became a full time Driver in the national express unit, before joining Port Talbot as a Relief Controller in 2013. In January this year I took the position of full time Depot Supervisor at Bridgend. What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to become a teacher of special needs children and between school and college I turned to nursing. What are your hobbies and interests? I love watching rugby – I don’t support a local team but just love to watch the game. When it comes to the Six Nations though, it’s Wales all the way. I also love travelling, especially to Austria, which is where my partner is from. There are so many beautiful places to visit. What is the most challenging thing you have every done? I often did overtime when I worked in the NHS, and a night shift in the Accident & Emergency department on a weekend

Staff Manager Mark Jacobs.

would always be a challenge. Alongside all the usual things you get, there would always be an influx of people that have had a bit too much to drink. How else do you relax? Cooking a nice meal and then on the sofa to watch a movie is my favourite way to relax. Which people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party and why? I am a big fan of comedy and love to have a laugh so I would invite Rik Mayall, Stephen Fry and Ross Noble. I believe the conversation would be surreal but hilarious. My partner would also be there as she loves listening to others talking. What era would you go back to if you had a time machine and why? There are so many places I would like to go – but only after the camera has been invented as the goal would be to photobomb as much as possible to keep modern historians puzzled for generations when I kept showing up on photos. Best piece of advice you have ever been given? Look after your people. Respect them and you will get respect back.

Wayne and partner Andrea enjoy the mountain views on holiday in at Gmundnerberg in Austria.

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Two new senior managers take on

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Safety, Environmental and Facilities Manager Mike Gibbons.

Operations Manager Lyn Harvey.

Bridgend Depot Supervisor WAYNE O’GORMAN shares his past experiences working in nursing, his love of watching rugby and how he would travel back in time to photobomb.

Bridgend Depot Supervisor Wayne O’Gorman.

Travel study

Question time

Staff Manager Mark Jacobs.

Wayne and partner Andrea enjoy the mountain views on holiday in at Gmundnerberg in Austria.

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True story videos analyse cause of accidents FOUR drivers involved in road traffic accidents have retold their stories to help others avoid similar situations. The short films use CCTV footage to analyse what went wrong and then apply Smiths principles – rules which when applied can help drivers drive more safely and avoid collisions – to show how safer driving practice would have helped in each scenario.

The campaign reinforces the five Smiths principles of Aim High ® In Steering, Get The Big Picture ®, Keep Your Eyes Moving ®, Leave Yourself An Out ® and Make Sure They See You ®, which are known to reduce accidents when kept at the front of drivers’ minds. ● Look out for the videos on betterjourneysforlife.com and on leaflets and screens around the depots.

Simple, smart and seamless plan for future VERYONE at First Bus is being urged to place a new focus on customer service to build a more successful future for all. Research is underway to help the company understand customers’ changing expectations of public transport and develop services which fit. At the heart of the drive is the plan to make everything the company does to look after its customers simple, smart and seamless. Discussions with customers, employees and even people who don’t use the bus has shown a clear need for improved information, easier access, more reliable services and a better customer experience all round. First Bus Commercial Director Mark Powles said better use of technology and more relevant information would help customers integrate bus transport into bigger journeys, which might start

and finish by bike, on foot or in a taxi. And he said everyone had a role to play in building customers’ trust of services, vehicles and staff to push bus travel up their list of priorities. Mark said: “Feedback from the research will be shared with colleagues in April and we will use it to prioritise action to create a better customer experience.” He said everything from providing better technology and information to cleaner buses and giving a friendly smile and welcome to the bus would make a difference in making sure more customers choose the bus as part of their journey. Moves are already underway to achieve this. Two existing apps, for mticketing and journey information, will be relaunched later this year in a new, improved single app. A huge investment in new

Travel Shop Assistant Vanessa Cooke helps customers Susan Tatton, centre, and Ann Newton, at the travel shop in Stoke-on-Trent bus station. vehicles will continue this year, with more double deckers being introduced on key routes. And work has started on developing smart, modern new uniforms, with employees being consulted on design and practicality. Mark said: “I see huge opportunities to be more customer focused, to improve customer numbers and revenues, and this drives the profit we need to continue to invest in First Bus and its employees.”

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Nominate now for Awards 2016 HUNDREDS of nominations have already been received for this year’s First Bus excellence awards. The awards will recognise outstanding achievement where First Bus people have excelled over the last year, gone above and beyond and done a fantastic job. Any employee can nominate colleagues for an award across 15 categories. To nominate visit firstgroup.com/excellence awards, pick a category; nominate a colleague or a team; write a few words about why they should win; and click submit. For each nomination received, First Bus will donate £5 to Prostate Cancer UK. In the last year First Group has donated over £350,000 to its Charity of Choice.

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Riding her mare is

chill out time ORSE lover Marie Cronin might only be five feet three inches tall but that does not stop her enjoying her hobby – riding her mare Tilly who is a giant by comparison. The 16-year-old warmblood cross stands 16.1 hands high next to the Bridgend-based Assistant Operations Manager who describes her horse as “a bit of a handful – definitely not a novice ride”. Marie has had ponies since she was a girl – her first called Natasha is still alive and at the grand old age of 35 is owned by a family in Llandeilo. “My mum Lynne used to be a bit of a jockey and she taught me to ride when I was little,” said Marie. “We’ve had Tilly for 11 years now. Me and my friend Kay broke her in as a four-year-old. “I ride two or three times a week for at least two and a half hours each time. I go out hacking

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Marie Cronin with her mare Tilly. over the hills and also like schooling Tilly. She’s a bit of an all rounder and is a bit of a fizzy mare. She likes to be ridden.” Keeping Tilly is not cheap. Her box, feed, tack and shoes cost around £2,280 a year. But Marie does not begrudge the expense and said: “There are the vets fees too and she cost me

£2,500 last year when she picked up a leg injury. “We thought we were going to lose her at one point but she pulled through. She’s fine now and I just love riding her. I’m at peace. It’s my chill time and it’s when I’m really me.”

Banging the drum for industry FIRST Cymru Managing Director Justin Davies is again banging the drum for the bus industry in Wales as elections are staged amid predictions of another challenging year ahead. He said: “We are going to be working with a new Government in Wales as the assembly elections take place in May and a year later there will be the council elections in Swansea. “The election of the new Government will mean a new Transport Minister who will no doubt have his or her own personal perspective on what they want to achieve. “Over a long time, the bus industry has been the Cinderella of public transport in Wales and has suffered a period of sharp decline. “As Chairman of the Confederation of Passenger Transport in Wales, I have been working hard with my industry colleagues to ensure the voice of the bus industry is heard.

The UniBus is helping First expand its student customer numbers.

“We stand to benefit as plans have been published for the redevelopment of Swansea City Centre, something we all welcome, although it will not be until 2018 that real works starts. “Until then our target will be to continue to improve the

services we offer, particularly to continue expanding the university students business and to consolidate the operations we have today. We will, of course, always look to benefit from any new developments when they become available.”

BUS memorabilia enthusiast Darren Wilson from First Scotland East is asking First Cymru colleagues to help him track down a 1970s PSV badge – like the one pictured above – to fill in the gaps in his collection. The Galashiels-based driver is willing to pay good money for the correct badge but does have exacting requirements. Darren said: “I’m looking for FF drivers badges with a pale, luminous border issued in the Welsh traffic area in the 1970s.” PSV badges dating from 1935 to 1991 are the prized part of his huge collection of model buses, old uniforms and ticket machines. If you can help, email darren.wilson444@ btinternet.com or call him on 07834 772666.

Lost dog is reunited A lost Jack Russell who jumped onboard a bus has been reunited with his owners after drivers and customers helped track them down. Brandy, who was wearing a collar without a tag, was spotted wandering round the Gorseinon area of Swansea before he hopped on to the 16 service. Driver Chris Baglole took him in to the depot, where fellow employees helped calm him down and made sure he had enough to eat and drink. Luckily, a couple of customers were able to identify his owners and Brandy was returned home all in the same day.

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Huw on track for charity cycle rides CYCLING enthusiast Huw Morris is on track to fill all 60 spaces for the two charity rides that he is organising through East Camarthenshire. Ammanford Traffic Controller Huw has been out and about encouraging people to sign up for both the 15-mile fun ride and the more challenging 45-miler from Ammanford over the Black Mountain to Llangadog and back via Paxtons Tower. He has already managed to fill 45 spaces with First Cymru staff and is in the process of organising insurance and other necessities for the event, which takes place on Sunday May 15. Entrance fees are £10 for the short ride and £15 for the tougher one – all proceeds will go to First’s Charity of Choice Prostate Cancer UK. Huw said: “Living just by the Black Mountain means I’ve had chance to go out and practice parts of the route ready for the ride – the scenery is fantastic and I’d encourage everyone to sign up and get involved.” Colleagues can follow the latest on the rides by signing up to Huw’s blog at jumpedup telephonist.com

Former soccer commentator Paul Rogers with his Swansea City shirt and Chelsea scarf.

Huw Morris in training for the charity cycle rides.

Driver was the

Vetch voice ULCET-TONED Driver Paul Rogers is well known across First Cymru as the fleet union rep but few know that he was once the official voice of Swansea City Football Club. He was the match commentator for club station Radio Vetch from 1972 to 1990 as well as Programme Controller on Radio City – the hospital service broadcasting to Singleton, Hill House, Mount Pleasant and Cefn Coed – combining his extra curricular jobs with driving duties and sometimes swapping shifts so he could attend matches. Paul, who has been on the buses now for 37 years, said: “I first got into hospital radio in the early 70s after working as a mobile DJ and then started working at the Vetch. “I had to climb a 60 foot ladder to get to the commentary gantry. It was freezing in the winter but it was fantastic. Later we

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moved inside behind glass so it was a bit warmer. “I well remember players and managers like Roy Bentley, Eddie May, Robbie James, Alan Curtis, Terry Yorath and John Toshack. As for games, promotion to the old Division One was special and I once commentated on a Wales-Russia game at the Vetch. I couldn’t pronounce the Russian names. “I used to supply match reports to a couple of regional newspapers too and even did a bit of commentary when the club started producing videos of the games. Customers on the bus used to know I was the voice of Swansea and would ask for complimentary tickets. “It all came to an end really with the advent of commercial radio. They were good days but the one thing Swans fans never really knew was that I’m a Chelsea fan.”

A chance to join Neil on a skydive DRIVER Neil Bowden is rallying all First Cymru employees to take the leap with him on a charity skydive in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. So far, event organiser Neil alongside colleagues Chris Young and Allan Stent have signed up for the challenge and they are hoping to encourage at least another six to join them. Neil said: “The minimum number we need for the skydive is 10, but it’s a case of the more the merrier. It’s a chance of a lifetime and all in aid of a fantastic cause so I’m really hoping that people get involved so that we can raise as much as possible.” Email neilbowden1983@gmail.com to take part or pledge a donation.