Fuller appointed chair of Fire Sector Federation

Fuller, who is chief fire officer of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, was the existing deputy chair of the FSF. The outgoing chair Brian Robinson decided not to put himself forward as a candidate and the snap election was contested between Mr Fuller and Dave Sibert of the Fire Brigades Union. FSF members voted for Mr Fuller to take up the post and decided to hold an emergency general meeting (EGM) in June to address the vacant deputy chair role and the possibility of creating a new position of president. 

In what proved to be a lively Annual General Meeting, members approved changes to the Federation’s structure which included the creation of an executive committee to help support the FSF’s existing officers. Members ratified the nominations of five new vice chairs who include Andrew Lynch, Dennis Davis, Susan Lowery, Dave Russell and Jon O’Neill. Ronnie King also agreed to remain in post as treasurer.

A motion of thanks was raised from members for the efforts that Mr Robinson has put into leading the FSF since its creation and he confirmed he would consider taking on the role of president should it be the will of the members at the EGM. Paying tribute to Mr Robinson’s efforts on behalf of the Federation, Mr Fuller said: "Brian’s efforts have built the Federation into what it is today, a strong single voice for the fire sector, which is now perfectly positioned to provide independent opinion and advice to fire sector stakeholders and Government alike. I look forward to taking the organisation forward and further developing its influence to ensure the UK becomes a safer place to live and work." 

Mr Robinson added: "The Federation is at its strongest point and it must now move forward at different pace. I have every confidence that the experience of the newly elected Chairman and Executive will result in a smooth transition for the organisation that will allow it to flourish and continue to represent the views of the UK fire sector at every level and extend its influence in forming national fire policy."

The Fire Sector Federation is a not-for-profit non-government organisation established to influence and shape future policy and strategy related to the UK Fire Sector. Representing some 66 members, the Federation brings together a range of stakeholders which make up the UK Fire Sector and wider built environment. It acts as a forum for the discussion of fire-related issues and aims to develop policy and produce industry guidance for wider dissemination.

The FSF currently has a total or 66 members or associate members and is a not for profit non-government organisation established to act as a forum for the discussion of fire-related issues It aims to evolve as a central source of information on all aspects relating to fire and bring together representatives from a range of stakeholders which make up the UK fire sector.

You can find out more information on the FSF at www.firesectorfederation.co.uk