Ein newyddion – Autumn 2015

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Newyddi

Autumn 2015

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The magazine for First people in South & West Wales

Employees views are crucial PAGE SIX

Top accolade for eco-excellence JEFF SCOOPS ONE OF A HAT-TRICK OF AWARDS CENTRE PAGES

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Recognition for staff who are achieving great results

By Managing Director

Justin Davies

THE transformation of UK Bus is continuing and this year has seen the introduction of a nationwide recognition of the excellence that exists with so many employees across the business.

For us this has resulted in a fantastic celebration of talent within our business as you can read on pages four and five. Not only have our people and our operation been recognised within UK Bus but we also won four accolades at the Wales National Transport Awards too. See this page.

It just goes to show what a fantastic job we’re doing as a team and what great results we’re achieving – so can I thank you all personally for your hard work and commitment.

Change continues to flow through the business and at the end of August we said goodbye to the ftr operation in Swansea.

The staff performed magnificently through the life of the operation and it was tough to call time but we need to focus on sustainable and economic networks for the future.

At the end of September our business in Swansea steps forward with full provision of a new bus service from the new Bay Campus of Swansea University and the traditional campus at Singleton.

We look forward to welcoming more than 4,000 new students to the city and meeting their transport needs as well as continuing to provide services for existing students, staff and workers.

It is great to see strong economic development taking place in the city. We look to the future with confidence.

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Accolades reflect superb team ethic IRST Cymru scooped four prizes at the CILT Wales National Transport Awards – prompting praise from the Managing Director about the company’s superb team ethic.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport staged its annual ceremony in Cardiff, handing the company the: ■ Best Practice Award for the way the Cymru Clipper network has revolutionised inter-urban travel.

■ Partnership Award for the company’s work with Carmarthenshire County Assistant Staff Council, developing the T1 Manager Christian Traws Cymru bus corridor.

Horn who earned high ■ Outstanding praise from the Contribution Award to Staff awards judges.

Operations Manager Mark Jacobs for the way he has “transformed the way the depots communicate with their staff” alongside his “contagious enthusiasm”.

■ Outstanding Contribution Joint Runner-up Award to Christian Horn, now Assistant Staff Manager covering Bridgend, Port Talbot and Maesteg, for being “one of the most tenacious, committed and enthusiastic junior managers have a great team of people within the bus industry”. working for First Cymru and they Managing Director Justin should all be very proud of what Davies said: “We are so pleased we have achieved. to have won these awards. We “These awards are not easy

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to win and they recognise the hard work and dedication that we have put into making buses a better, easier choice for people in South Wales.”

Tremendous first year for Cymru Clipper

Cymru Clipper is number one – that’s the message from Controller Steve Lynch.

THE revolutionary Cymru Clipper network has celebrated its first birthday after a record-breaking year that saw it carry more than three million passengers – a nine per cent increase on the services it replaced.

Figures also show that at least 200,000 passengers had left their cars at home to use the clear and easy-to-understand network.

The award-winning inter-urban service was launched with a £3.4 investment in 17 new-look and distinctive blue and gold buses. The vehicles come complete with leather seats and free WiFi. They are complemented by another 16 refurbished vehicles.

Managing Director Justin Davies said: “It has been a tremendous first year for our Cymru Clipper services.

We made a big change and we’re thrilled it is proving so successful.”

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Just three drivers clock up 82 years’ service HREE Port Talbot drivers who covered hundreds of thousands of road miles during their careers have retired after clocking up 82 years’ service between them.

Ian Figgins served for eight years while Ray Evans drove for 28 years and Tony Austin, aged 68, completed a whopping 46 years.

Tony, based at the same depot for his entire career, said: “When I first started we had three tickets – single, return and 99 rovers. One day a lady got on and said ‘town please’. I said ‘single love?’ and she said ‘no, I’m married!’

Those were the days.

“I also once had a chap get on the bus with a small canoe. I asked him not to block the aisle so he sat at the back but got off the bus without the canoe. He just left it but came back later to get it.

“I’ve enjoyed everything about my career. I’ll miss the fellas and the management have been good to me. I’m sad to be finishing but I’m 68 now and I've seen so many gone from

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Long serving Driver Tony Austin working in his garden at home.

illness that I just thought it was time.

“I won’t sit still though. I love gardening and I've got my family including five grown up children, four grand children and a great grand child to keep me busy.”

Staff Operations Manager David Cooksley

said: “It’s sad to lose three long serving drivers all at once but they’ve all put in the miles so we wish them well as they enjoy a well earned rest.”

More than half of staff are long servers – see page four.

First support for campaign against mate and hate crime FIRST Cymru has backed a Maesteg disability group’s campaign against “mate and hate” crime – allowing them to film an advice video onboard a bus.

Also produced with the help of the police, it features people from Every Link Counts who spell out what victims should do if their suffer abuse while travelling on public transport.

Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs said: “We as a company don’t tolerate hate crime so anyone who has a problem on one of our buses should ask the driver for a customer service ticket which they can hand to police.

“It carries all the information police need as they investigate and ask us for CCTV footage.”

Martin Sleeman

Phil Connor

Peter Mascall

Martin wins Best Driver in Wales title MARTIN Sleeman did First Cymru proud at the UK Bus Driver of the Year competition – picking up the title of Best Driver in Wales.

The Carmarthen Driver finished the Blackpool final as the second best First driver in the UK to scoop the FirstGroup Shield. He also won the Dawson Rental

Shield for being the competitor in the most consecutive finals. His three accolades won him £300.

On form going into the weekend after winning the Cymru heats, Martin was joined at the finals by Swansea Driver Phil Connor and Peter Mascall from Bridgend who was unable to

repeat his heroics of last year when he finished second.

First Cymru General Manager Simon Cursio said: “This was a great result both for Martin and the company.

Well done to everyone involved.”

Praise went to all 10 drivers who took part in the OpCo qualification heat.

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Question time Bridgend Driver ANDY WILLIAMS croons about his love of all things football, rugby and his David Beckham claim to fame...

More than half of staff are long servers NEARLY half of First Cymru’s staff can be classed as long servers, according to latest figures compiled by human resources.

A total of 343 of the 775 people employed by the company have served between 10 and 40 plus years – that is 44 per cent of the workforce.

Spread across the OpCo and in a range of jobs including drivers, engineers, managers, backroom staff and administration, 16 have 40 years or more while 27 have served for between 30 and 40 years.

There are 83 in the 20 to 30 years’ service bracket and a staggering 217 people have been with the company for between 10 and 20 years.

HR Advisor Ben Helliwell, who has been with First Cymru for just 18 months, said: “I worked previously in the care sector and hospitality where staff turnover is traditionally very high so our figures are a bit of an eye opener.

“To see such massive numbers of people remaining with us means we must be doing something right otherwise they wouldn’t stay.”

Swansea Driver Ken Beckers, aged 67, who started on the buses in 1966, said: “It was a steady job once I was driving and fetching up a family so I just kept going.

The years have flown but I’m still enjoying in and now aim to complete my 50 years next year.”

Fans are the perfect match PORT Talbot-based Business Manager Colin Morris and his new bride Suzie are the perfect match – they both love football and are huge Arsenal fans.

The 52-year-olds met in 2011 while Colin was working in the same role at First’s Hengrove depot in Bristol.

He proposed while they were on holiday in Tenerife where Suzie’s parents live and they married at Neath Registry Office earlier this year. Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs was best man.

The wedding was followed by a reception at the Castle Hotel and the happy couple honeymooned in Tenerife.

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Bridgend Supervisor Marie Cronin was a joint winner of the Safety First Award.

Inaugural awards recognise

Service Personnel Supervisor Jeff Johns with his Environmental Excellence Award at Ravenhill depot.

efforts to go extra mile HREE First Cymru staff were winners at the inaugural South of England and Wales Excellence Awards – with four other staff and services also making shortlists.

Ravehill-based Service Personnel Supervisor Jeff Johns won the Environmental Excellence Award for his work promoting waste recycling, preparing for audits and ensuring compliance.

The 54-year-old, who celebrates 25 years in the bus industry next year, said: “It was nice just to be nominated and I didn’t expect to win especially since in my category I was up against a team and a depot so that was a surprise.”

Bridgend Supervisor Marie Cronin and Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs were joint winners of the Safety First Award Mark, now covering for Swansea Staff Manager Clare Dalton who is on secondment in Bristol for nine months, said: “There’s been a considerable improvement in the number of staff injuries in the workplace and reductions in collisions and collision claims costs.

“The team are focused on reducing passenger injury figures

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and there is evidence that this hard work is starting to pay off – so I accepted the award on behalf of our teams and drivers who’ve put in so much hard work.”

Marie, who had at least 400 injury prevention conversations over 10 months, said: “It’s sunk in now. I felt numb at first and then thought ‘oh my god, I won.’ I’m not done yet. There’s plenty to do.”

Also recognised for going the extra mile was Christian Horn who was highly commended in the Quantum Leap category. His nomination for the award which recognises personal development read: “Due to Christian’s dedication and commitment to First Cymru, he was identified as one of the top 15 people within First Cymru with the potential to be a future business leader.

In other categories at the awards ceremony staged in a Reading hotel, Swansea Driver and Lifelong Learning Rep Debbie Fleming was shortlisted for the Community Award, Haverfordwest Driver Darren Norton made the final seven for Driver of the Year and the Cymru Clipper service was up for Innovation and Change of the Year.

Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs proudly holds his Safety First trophy.

How long have you worked in the bus industry?

I’ve been in the industry for just over 22 years, passing my bus test in 1993 with Brewers.

In this time I’ve covered many different types of driving work and been an acting transport manager.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Growing up I wanted to play football for Manchester United.

I’ve been to Old Trafford a few times – and almost got run over by David Beckham! I heard a toot of a horn, turned round to see a Porsche badge and David and and his wife Victoria looking at me. I thought I hope you play better than you drive.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’ve always had a passion for football and play five-a-side on Sunday. It does take a bit longer to recover these days. I also love watching Wales in the Six Nations and hopefully they will go far in the World Cup. Come on Wales.

How else do you relax?

I like to spend time with my granddaughter. She will be two in December and she puts a smile on everyones face especially when she does her funny face. I also like to chill

Wales and Man United – two of Andy Williams’ sporting passions.

out with a couple of cold lagers especially when there is footy or rugby on.

Favourite film?

Platoon or Top Gun.

Which people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party and why?

I would say it would have to be just Stephen Fry for his wit and intellect. He’d be the perfect dinner guest.

What era would you go back to if you had a time machine and why?

It’s got to be back to the 1950s to see the Busby Babes play at Old Trafford. Duncan Edwards was obviously going on to great things before he was tragically killed in the Munich air disaster. So sad.

What is the most challenging thing you have every done?

There’ve been a few but I was a football coach for children with special needs – challenging but great fun.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Always treat people the way you expect them to treat you and never expect anyone to do what you wouldn’t do yourself.

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Question time Bridgend Driver ANDY WILLIAMS croons about his love of all things football, rugby and his David Beckham claim to fame...

More than half of staff are long servers NEARLY half of First Cymru’s staff can be classed as long servers, according to latest figures compiled by human resources.

A total of 343 of the 775 people employed by the company have served between 10 and 40 plus years – that is 44 per cent of the workforce.

Spread across the OpCo and in a range of jobs including drivers, engineers, managers, backroom staff and administration, 16 have 40 years or more while 27 have served for between 30 and 40 years.

There are 83 in the 20 to 30 years’ service bracket and a staggering 217 people have been with the company for between 10 and 20 years.

HR Advisor Ben Helliwell, who has been with First Cymru for just 18 months, said: “I worked previously in the care sector and hospitality where staff turnover is traditionally very high so our figures are a bit of an eye opener.

“To see such massive numbers of people remaining with us means we must be doing something right otherwise they wouldn’t stay.”

Swansea Driver Ken Beckers, aged 67, who started on the buses in 1966, said: “It was a steady job once I was driving and fetching up a family so I just kept going.

The years have flown but I’m still enjoying in and now aim to complete my 50 years next year.”

Fans are the perfect match PORT Talbot-based Business Manager Colin Morris and his new bride Suzie are the perfect match – they both love football and are huge Arsenal fans.

The 52-year-olds met in 2011 while Colin was working in the same role at First’s Hengrove depot in Bristol.

He proposed while they were on holiday in Tenerife where Suzie’s parents live and they married at Neath Registry Office earlier this year. Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs was best man.

The wedding was followed by a reception at the Castle Hotel and the happy couple honeymooned in Tenerife.

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Bridgend Supervisor Marie Cronin was a joint winner of the Safety First Award.

Inaugural awards recognise

Service Personnel Supervisor Jeff Johns with his Environmental Excellence Award at Ravenhill depot.

efforts to go extra mile HREE First Cymru staff were winners at the inaugural South of England and Wales Excellence Awards – with four other staff and services also making shortlists.

Ravehill-based Service Personnel Supervisor Jeff Johns won the Environmental Excellence Award for his work promoting waste recycling, preparing for audits and ensuring compliance.

The 54-year-old, who celebrates 25 years in the bus industry next year, said: “It was nice just to be nominated and I didn’t expect to win especially since in my category I was up against a team and a depot so that was a surprise.”

Bridgend Supervisor Marie Cronin and Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs were joint winners of the Safety First Award Mark, now covering for Swansea Staff Manager Clare Dalton who is on secondment in Bristol for nine months, said: “There’s been a considerable improvement in the number of staff injuries in the workplace and reductions in collisions and collision claims costs.

“The team are focused on reducing passenger injury figures

T

and there is evidence that this hard work is starting to pay off – so I accepted the award on behalf of our teams and drivers who’ve put in so much hard work.”

Marie, who had at least 400 injury prevention conversations over 10 months, said: “It’s sunk in now. I felt numb at first and then thought ‘oh my god, I won.’ I’m not done yet. There’s plenty to do.”

Also recognised for going the extra mile was Christian Horn who was highly commended in the Quantum Leap category. His nomination for the award which recognises personal development read: “Due to Christian’s dedication and commitment to First Cymru, he was identified as one of the top 15 people within First Cymru with the potential to be a future business leader.

In other categories at the awards ceremony staged in a Reading hotel, Swansea Driver and Lifelong Learning Rep Debbie Fleming was shortlisted for the Community Award, Haverfordwest Driver Darren Norton made the final seven for Driver of the Year and the Cymru Clipper service was up for Innovation and Change of the Year.

Staff Operations Manager Mark Jacobs proudly holds his Safety First trophy.

How long have you worked in the bus industry?

I’ve been in the industry for just over 22 years, passing my bus test in 1993 with Brewers.

In this time I’ve covered many different types of driving work and been an acting transport manager.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Growing up I wanted to play football for Manchester United.

I’ve been to Old Trafford a few times – and almost got run over by David Beckham! I heard a toot of a horn, turned round to see a Porsche badge and David and and his wife Victoria looking at me. I thought I hope you play better than you drive.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I’ve always had a passion for football and play five-a-side on Sunday. It does take a bit longer to recover these days. I also love watching Wales in the Six Nations and hopefully they will go far in the World Cup. Come on Wales.

How else do you relax?

I like to spend time with my granddaughter. She will be two in December and she puts a smile on everyones face especially when she does her funny face. I also like to chill

Wales and Man United – two of Andy Williams’ sporting passions.

out with a couple of cold lagers especially when there is footy or rugby on.

Favourite film?

Platoon or Top Gun.

Which people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party and why?

I would say it would have to be just Stephen Fry for his wit and intellect. He’d be the perfect dinner guest.

What era would you go back to if you had a time machine and why?

It’s got to be back to the 1950s to see the Busby Babes play at Old Trafford. Duncan Edwards was obviously going on to great things before he was tragically killed in the Munich air disaster. So sad.

What is the most challenging thing you have every done?

There’ve been a few but I was a football coach for children with special needs – challenging but great fun.

Best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Always treat people the way you expect them to treat you and never expect anyone to do what you wouldn’t do yourself.

AUTUMN 2015

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Union backs Your Voice survey TRADE Union representative Mick Dowds, who is UNITE Convenor and Chair of the National Joint Consultative Forum, underlined the importance of taking part in the survey.

He said: “The employee survey is very important to us as a union because it helps communication and engagement between the employee and the employer.

“It’s important every employee has their say whether positive or negative. It will help ensure the business continues in the right direction.

“One of the biggest changes for us was communication.

“I can say after a few years of working on Better Journeys for Life that communications has moved on.”

Employee views will shape all our

futures E’RE urging every one of First Bus’s 17,000 employees to help the company improve by taking part in the 2015 Your Voice survey.

Employees can have their say – in total confidence – on what is good about working for First Bus and what can be improved.

It will give an invaluable picture of opinion and an opportunity to address issues identified.

We’d like employees to complete the survey online where possible, but printed copies are available.

So we’ve pledged to donate £1 for every paper copy sent in, and £2 for every completed online survey, to our national charity partner Prostate Cancer UK. The survey starts on October 5. Go to www.yourvoicesurvey.com – the password is VOICE2015.

It’s important that as many people as possible take part so we can understand the depth of what’s going on in the business.

The survey is confidential and while we need to know job titles and depots there is no way you can be identified from the results.

An independent firm will compile results and we will share them with you. You will see what’s All been said winners from and what s the First UK Bu we will be Excellence Awards doing in d ere ent n bee have response p’s rou into FirstG to make international the business Be First an even Awards. better place to

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You can watch the latest Channel First episode and videos from our excellence awards ceremonies by following the AR instructions below and scanning the Channel First logo above.

By First UK Bus Managing Director

Giles Fearnley work. Last year’s survey told us people were more confident in where we’re heading as a business and felt we were looking after customers better.

Issues of how we work together as teams were highlighted in some cases.

Again, we have been working hard to support each other better.

Anyone who needs help completing the survey can speak to their manager, supervisor, trade union rep or employee director.

So please help us to continue improving First Bus for everyone’s benefit.

Please make a difference by spending some time completing the Your Voice survey.

Package rewards all staff FIRST Bus employees are being urged to sign up to the company’s rewards scheme at www.firstmyrewards.com The site contains a huge number of exclusive offers and useful information on pay and pensions.

Employees can take advantage of First Exclusives for great savings with popular brands including ASDA, Thomas Cook and B&Q. They can buy shares in First while paying less tax and the company even throws in some shares for free!

There’s free bus travel in the UK and discounted rail fares like a FirstRail Day Rover ticket for just £6! ● All you need to log on is your National Insurance Number. To find out more visit firstmyrewards.com

Bring the page to life with our exciting mobile app

Download our free First Bus AR app from the app store.

Scan the photo or logo where you see the ‘Scan Here’ marker.

When the video starts, double-tap your screen for full screen view.

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Quick action saves the life of a toddler WANSEA Driver Andy Powe has spoken of the moment he dived off his bus to save a little boy’s life – dismissing any talk that he is a hero for what he did.

The 41-year-old was driving the Service 25 bus to Blae-y-Maes when the toddler made a break for it as his mum struggled with a pram at the Caereithin stop.

Andy said: “His mum had two other children with her and I could see she was struggling when the little boy did a runner.

“I jumped out and grabbed him just as a car came past. I suppose my RAF training just kicked in. I get a bit embarrassed when people say I’m a hero. I just

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did what comes naturally and was just doing my job.”

Customer Huw James Driver Andy wrote in to commend Andy.

Powe whose action In his letter Huw said: “I was was commended sat at the back of the bus in a letter from a and could see clearly what customer. happened. While she was struggling with the pram the little boy had wandered off the bus and onto the main road.

“There was a blast of horn from a car and one or two little screams on the bus. The driver flew out of his seat quicker than a “I truly believe that the drivers’ greyhound out of the traps and quick thinking and prompt actions ran round the front of the bus, saved the little boy from scooped him up off the main road becoming a fatality. Situations and made sure he was secured in develop and happen so quickly his buggy before we pulled away. especially with children and I have

no doubt your driver saved a life.”

Andy has been with First Cymru for eight years now and previously served for 11 years in the RAF, completing tours of duty in the Falklands and Iraq.

Intrepid trio rise to the three peaks challenge CONQUERED – three Swansea engineering colleagues pose triumphantly for the camera on the summit of Cadair Idris while successfully taking on the gruelling Welsh Three Peaks Challenge.

Ravenhill Engineering Manager Paul Bessell-Williams, left, his deputy Dai Tyler, right, and Workshop Planner Wayne Dempster tackled the mountains in Wales known as the three peaks in a fantastic 14 hours and 50 minutes.

They set off at 1am from Swansea with Wayne as the designated driver and started the ascent of Snowdon at 4.45am, before taking on Cadair Idris and finally summitting Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons at 18.35pm.

Paul, who suffered ankle ligament damage in the weeks before, said: “When we originally spoke about the challenge it was a joke – so for it to become reality gave us a terrific sense of achievement.

“Wayne was like a mountain goat all day while both myself and Dai found it tougher going. To be honest we underestimated the challenge.

“The regular training at Pen y Fan was

not anywhere near enough and the walking itself on the day creased us.

“It’s done us all a big favour with our fitness and weight loss though. We’ve already said perhaps something more testing next year – may be to swim the channel in the middle of winter with breeze blocks tied to our ankles!”

The trio are now well on course to raise somewhere in the region of £1,200 for First’s Charity of Choice, Prostate Cancer UK. The total they have raised so far consists of sponsorship and £600 in matched funding from the company.

Matched funding CHARITY fundraisers across the company are being reminded they can apply to First UK Bus for matched funding to boost their coffers. They can apply for up to £200 from the Group by simply emailing communityfirst@ firstgroup.com or visit firstgroupplc. com/community for an application form.

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Replacing bendy buses to progress ALL ten bendy buses operated by the company are being removed from service and replaced with more environmentally friendly vehicles from September.

The ftrMetro buses have been in service since 2009 and needed refurbishment inside and out as well as the updating of electronic equipment.

But the development of more fuel efficient and cost effective vehicles means it makes more sense to replace them with conventional buses. In addition, taking the vehicles away allows the Kingsway in Swansea to be redeveloped by the city council as part of its overall plan for the city.

Events raise awareness Driver Chris Baglole with Shane the dog and new owners Gavin Williams and his partner Louise Watkins.

Doggie tale with two

happy endings SPCA volunteer Chris Baglole joined First Cymru as a driver – just weeks after helping look after an injured puppy that was abandoned on one of the company’s buses.

Sheer coincidence in a tale of two happy endings brought him together with the pup nicknamed Rover after it was dumped on a Swansea bus and taken to the RSPCA’s Llys Nini animal centre in the city.

Chris, a former professional musician, said: “I’ve been volunteering at the RSPCA for six or seven years. We exercise the dogs and help socialise all the

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animals who come in like the cats and rabbits.

“Rover had a lacerated face and was very timid when he came in. He was in bad way but ended up doing really well.

“Around that time I’d applied for a drivers’ job so when I came for interview I mentioned the RSPCA and the Staff Manager told me about the puppy.

“As volunteers we don’t have anything to do with their care but I was able to check on him because we have access to the kennels. All recognition should go to the Cymru team for his rescue.”

Chris has since been reunited with the puppy now called Shane and loving life in his forever home with new owners Gavin Williams and his partner Louise Watkins.

Louise said: “We’d didn’t know Shane’s story when we saw him but Googled it afterwards.

“We’d been looking for a dog for a few weeks and when we saw him it was love at first sight.

First and the RSPCA looked after him brilliantly and he’s now settled in at home with us.

“He’s awesome – very calm and cuddly. We renamed him after the rugby player because he’s small and nippy.”

TWO Swap With Me events have been staged by First Cymru and its partners as it continues to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by visually impaired people when using the bus.

In Carmarthen the company joined forces with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Wales Council for the Blind.

The RNIB and Guide Dogs Cymru were involved in the Maesteg event which was also attended by MP Huw Iranca-Davies and Welsh Assembly Member Janice Gregory.

First to win vouchers TWO drivers have each received £100 worth of shopping vouchers after becoming the first winners of the Diolch Drive (Cheers Drive) initiative. Phil Squires from Swansea and Ryan Coslett in Port Talbot were nominated for the awards by customers impressed by their exemplary service. The customers each received a month’s free bus travel.