Hydra Research and Innovation Group

The Hydra environment enables participants to work collaboratively to experience simulated problems that they may experience in their work-lives

Group LeadClaire Parmenter

EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS

Our mission is to collaborate with key organisations, such as police and fire services, to enhance culture and decision-making.

Our expertise spans advanced research methodologies and specialised fields such as law enforcement, emergency services, public health, and education.

Hydra Research and Innovation Group Members

IMPACT

The University of South Wales is the academic home of Hydra, both nationally and internationally, and is the only centre for Hydra research.

Originally designed for 'blue light' services, Hydra is now the gold standard for critical incident training, applied in healthcare, education, public policy, and beyond.

The Group use data, generated from Hydra exercises, to inform research projects that can improve organisational culture and decision making.

Research publications and outputs

Two policing lecturers sat discussing in front of the screens in the hydra simulation centre on glyntaff campus

USW, in collaboration with Welsh Health Board partners, have developed the Hydra-Minerva Immersive Simulation Methodology to provide realistic and immersive training for frontline healthcare professionals helping to improve patient care and safety, and increase practitioner expertise and confidence in dementia care, palliative care, and service-user experience.

Research Focus Areas

Critical Decision-Making in Emergencies

Our research explores how organisations navigate high-pressure situations, allocate resources, and coordinate with other agencies during crises. For example, we examine how police manage large-scale public events or how fire services respond to natural disasters. Key areas include decision-making processes, the role of communication and technology, and the influence of leadership and organisational culture on outcomes. This work aims to improve crisis management strategies across public services.

Culturally Sensitive Leadership

We study how leaders in organisations like police forces, fire services, health boards, and ambulance services integrate cultural awareness into decision-making and practices. Examples include community policing models that build trust or ambulance services providing culturally sensitive care. Our research supports culturally competent leadership, fostering inclusive and effective responses across diverse communities.

KEY PROJECTS

10 KV Debriefing Method

10 KV is a debriefing method that uses anonymous input to enable open, honest discussions without fear of repercussions. It has been applied in critical situations such as murder investigations and pandemic responses, allowing participants to provide feedback freely. Successful 10 KV events have been conducted with Gwent Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Additionally, a community-focused event was held to gather public feedback on police services, identifying areas for improvement.

Gwent Police Collaboration: Culture Action Plan

Our collaboration with Gwent Police led to the creation of a detailed report, including recommendations and an action plan. The report integrates feedback from both internal and community-based 10 KV events, alongside an analysis of staff surveys, cultural audits, HMICFRS reports, and the Force Management Statement. This comprehensive action plan has enabled Gwent Police to prioritise actions that will benefit both the internal culture and the wider community.

Cultural and Conduct Exercise for Frontline Staff

In response to national challenges around culture and conduct, including issues such as misogyny and racism, the Hydra Research and Innovation Group, in collaboration with the Hydra Foundation and external stakeholders, has developed a high-standard culture and conduct exercise for frontline policing staff. This immersive training aims to address significant cultural challenges in policing and other emergency services. By simulating real-life scenarios, we empower staff to recognise damaging behaviours and develop the courage to stand up against them. Launched with Gwent Police in July 2024, this exercise is set for broader rollout, including proposals for similar initiatives for the Fire Service across Wales and other public sector organisations.

Exploring Gen Z’s Declining Trust in the Police

In partnership with police forces across Wales, this project is investigating why trust and confidence in policing is declining among Generation Z (aged 18–29). Through surveys, group concept mapping, and co-produced engagement activities, the research will explore how young people form perceptions of the police, what factors influence trust, and what they value in modern policing. Working closely with young people, policing partners, and youth organisations, the project will generate evidence-based recommendations to help Welsh police forces strengthen relationships with younger communities. Findings will inform policing policy, training, and education, while supporting the development of youth-informed strategies to rebuild public trust and confide

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service collaboration

We partnered with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) to address workplace culture and conduct challenges. Through two Hydra 10kv debrief events involving more than 120 staff, anonymous insights were gathered to identify key issues and inform improvement efforts. The findings were integrated into SWFRS’s cultural development programme and used to create an immersive leadership training exercise based on real-world scenarios. As the first Welsh fire service to adopt this methodology, SWFRS has received positive feedback and attracted national interest, creating opportunities for wider research, and sector-wide learning.

COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS

We collaborate with national and international institutions, organisations, and industries to enhance their operational effectiveness, culture, and decision-making processes.

This includes collaborating with institutions like the College of Policing and the College of Paramedics, as well as regulatory bodies such as HMICFRS and the Independent Office for Police Conduct, to refine training and support safer, more effective public services.

We also undertake research commissions that align with our key focus areas, including culture and conduct improvement, as well as leadership development.

British Virgin Islands Police
College of Policing
Educational Institutions
Fire Services
HMICFRS
Home Affairs Committee
Independent Office for Police Conduct
Local Authorities
National Fire Chiefs Council
National Police Chiefs Council
Police Services
Police and Crime Commissioners
St John Ambulance
Welsh Ambulance Service Trust
Welsh Government

USW HAS BEEN INVALUABLE IN HELPING US IMPROVE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE. THE UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN A GREAT PARTNER AND FANTASTIC TO WORK WITH.

Nicholas McLain

Assistant Chief Constable, Gwent Police

I AM CONTINUALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK OF THE HYDRA RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTRE. IT IS A PLEASURE WORKING WITH THEM AND HAS A REAL IMPACT ON OUR SERVICE AND OUR PEOPLE.

Dominic Mika

Director of Strategic Change and Transformation, South Wales Fire

Work with us

We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.

To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact [email protected].

[email protected]

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH

Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.

Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.