For Fire and Rescue Services, clear and effective communication is a critical skill, not just for daily operations but also for career progression. As part of the Career Progression Gateway (CPG) assessment, candidates are required to demonstrate their ability in a case study and role play. These exercises are designed to assess the skills needed for leadership and decision-making in the role. Among these assessment components, the Case Study exercise is often a challenge for many candidates. It requires them to evaluate information, structure responses, and present solutions clearly and concisely. The Role Play exercise, which focuses on verbal communication and decision-making in real-time, is also a vital part of the process. Both exercises together test a candidate’s ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and consider both influences and solutions.

What Is the Case Study Skills Workshop?

Our 2.5-hour workshop focuses on providing candidates with the tools, strategies, and techniques needed to do their best in the Case Study exercise. The workshop is ideal for those who want to improve their ability to:

  • Clarify the Case Study: Understand its purpose, the context, and how to approach it in a
    structured and effective way.

  • Structure Responses: Learn how to organise their answers in a clear, concise, and logical
    manner that meets the assessment criteria.

  • Analyse Data and Context: Gain skills in interpreting the provided data and applying it
    effectively to form well-thought-out solutions.

  • Avoid Common Mistakes: Identify the most frequent errors candidates make and develop
    strategies to avoid them.

  • Build Confidence: Approach written tasks with clarity, precision, and confidence.

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This workshop not only helps candidates prepare for the Case Study exercise but also improves their general written communication skills, supporting their career development long-term.

Real Impact: Shropshire FRS Results

The workshop has already shown measurable improvements with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) clients, where candidates who attended saw notable increases in their pass rates and average scores for the Case Study exercise.

  • In 2025, Shropshire FRS saw a 24% increase in the pass rate, rising from 46% in 2024 to 70% in 2025.
  • The average score for candidates who attended the workshop also improved, increasing from 59.9 in 2024 to 63.2 in 2025, demonstrating a significant improvement in overall performance.

These results highlight the effectiveness of the workshop in helping candidates understand the Case Study exercise, structure their responses more effectively, and ultimately perform better.

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Why This Workshop Matters for Your Service

The CPG process is a crucial part of developing your future leaders. The Case Study Skills Workshop
ensures that candidates are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the Case Study exercise
and, by extension, in their roles as leaders within your Service.
Key benefits for your Service include:

  • Improved performance in promotion assessments, leading to more qualified and confident
    leaders.

  • Stronger written communication skills, which are essential for report writing, strategic
    planning, and collaborative working

  • Increased candidate confidence, ensuring they are better prepared for future assessments
    and responsibilities.

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What Participants Are Saying

Feedback from candidates who have attended the workshop speaks for itself:

“The trainer clearly explored the relevance of the case study and written work to the role.”

Candidate A, 2025, Shropshire FRS

“The session helped me understand how to structure written work.”

Candidate B, 2025, Shropshire FRS

“The session helped me understand what needs to be included in most written tasks.”

Candidate C, Shropshire FRS

Workshop Details: How to Get Involved

The Case Study Skills Workshop is available for just £95 + VAT per delegate. Each session lasts 2.5 hours and supports up to 10 delegates. The workshop includes pre-course work and post-session resources to ensure continued learning and development.

Next Steps

This workshop offers a practical, effective solution to support candidates preparing for the CPG assessments.

Book a session today or contact us to learn more about how this workshop can help improve your candidates’ performance in the Case Study exercise and their overall career progression. With proven success, the Case Study Skills Workshop will help your candidates excel in the CPG process and develop the written communication skills needed to succeed in their future leadership roles.

Let’s Discuss

What are your thoughts? Do you use other methods to assess leadership potential in your organisation? Let’s connect and share strategies for identifying and developing leadership in FRSs.