New Board of Trustees announced by Institution of Fire Engineers

The IFE’s inaugural hybrid AGM welcomed members online and in-person for the Stratford-upon-Avon gathered, in turn marking a pivotal moment not just in terms of technology and logistics, but in relation to the IFE’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusivity and global engagement.

Indeed, this was a critical step forward for the IFE, ensuring that all members, regardless of their location, had the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel connected to the ongoing work and direction of the Institution.

Pleasingly, there was a remarkable surge in member attendance at the AGM, duly reflecting a growing engagement and enthusiasm across the IFE’s community.

New Board members

The new Board of Trustees encompasses a “dynamic and diverse group of leaders” who bring a wealth of experience, insight and dedication to the Institution’s mission in their collective role as directors.

Ryan Cleggett was elected by the International General Assembly. Cleggett is a fire officer with over 20 years’ experience in both career and volunteer roles across multiple Australian Fire and Rescue agencies. He holds Master’s degrees in Fire Safety Engineering and Occupational Safety, as well as an MBA from the University of Sydney, and has led roles in fire safety engineering, operations, risk assessment and emergency planning.

Since 2019, Cleggett has been an active Board member of the IFE’s Australia branch Board and is currently the vice-leader of the IFE’s International General Assembly.

The IFE also welcomes Roy Little to the Board. He has been appointed by the IFE Registrants Group. Little brings over 20 years’ worth of fire engineering experience to bear, boasting a strong background in statutory requirements and the functional objectives of fire safety legislation.

His career includes roles with the National Health Service and Arup, while he now serves as associate director at Design Fire Consultants where he leads on fire engineering projects from inception to handover and also drives strategic initiatives across the company, focusing on technical improvements, standardisation, recruitment and R&D.

An active IFE member, Little chairs the Façade Special Interest Group, serves on the Technical Panel and volunteers as a professional report reviewer as well as an IEng and CEng interviewer.

Co-opted Trustee

Jason Hill, leader of the International General Assembly, joins the Board as a co-opted Trustee for a period of 12 months. Hill is an active member of the IFE and, as such, has played an instrumental role in shaping the New Zealand branch. Occupying the role of assistant fire commander, Hill combines front line experience with a strategic vision for global collaboration.

Further, the IFE has confirmed a second co-opted position which has been sought externally to further strengthen the Board’s range of skills and experience. Jacqueline Lewis has been co-opted to serve for three years until the 2028 AGM and brings a strong legal background, which will add valuable expertise to the Board’s governance and oversight functions.

The new Board reflects the IFE’s continual commitment to strong governance, strategic growth and inclusive leadership. Each Trustee brings a unique perspective and a shared passion for advancing the organisation’s goals and serving its community with integrity and vision.

Sincere thanks are extended to outgoing trustees Chris Bilby, James Lane, Parina Patel and Hao-Giang Tay for their invaluable service and leadership. Each has played a pivotal role during their tenure, contributing significantly towards the early development of the IFE’s strategy, which is now taking the organisation into 2025 and beyond.

*Further information is available online by visiting www.ife.org.uk