Emergency volunteering project news

This update provides news on the four streams of research in the Emergency volunteering project.

Valuing volunteers

In November, PhD candidate Bill Calcutt successfully presented his research proposal to the Higher Degree Research committee of the Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong. The committee reviews first year PhD proposals for continuation of candidature against standards such as research design and methods, the candidate’s knowledge of the field of research, the thesis outline and timelines.

Leadership development program

The second and last workshop of the leadership development program  (LDP) was held in late November 2014 in Sydney. Analysis of this experimentally designed program, based on the psychological Self Determination Theory, is currently underway. Early findings suggest that volunteers, both the leader, as well as the people who report to the leader (direct reports), are more satisfied in their role in the emergency service after the leader has completed the course, and importantly, are less likely to want to quit. While the 2014 LDP was a pilot
program and more data is required, it is hoped to be able to demonstrate that the retention of volunteers in an emergency organisation can be enhanced by providing leaders with meaningful tools that have a positive flow-on effect to their direct reports.

The research team is currently in discussion with the NSW SES to roll out the program over more units in the service. We would like to invite other agencies to be involved in this program too. If you are interested in this opportunity and would like more infomation, please contact Project Leader Michael Jones via email at mjones@uow.edu.au

Gender balance

Recent work on the gender balance study has focused on establishing available research documentation and policies from the various emergency services in Australia on this subject. The team aims to develop this research in such a way that it benefits the emergency services at large. End user input is most welcome.

Cadetship program

The interviews held with members of the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services in late 2014 are currently being analysed and desirable exemplar practices of cadet leadership will be determined. Further studies in NSW and other states will be conducted according to an audit of cadet related research across Australia. Please contact Michael Jones if your agency is able to assist.