A Legacy of Activism:
Representing Firefighters with Purpose and Pride

I had the honour of representing our members during the Centenary of the Fire Brigades Union by attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Firefighters Memorial. This solemn occasion paid tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of Firefighters throughout our union’s 100-year history.

Following the ceremony, I joined fellow representatives and members for a commemorative service at Southwark Cathedral. The gathering served not only as a moment of reflection, but also as a powerful reminder of the values that have shaped our union. Solidarity, service, and the enduring fight for justice and safety in the workplace.

It was a privilege to stand on behalf of our members during such a historic milestone, honouring those who came before us and reaffirming our commitment to those who serve today.

To mark the Centenary of the Fire Brigades Union, I organised a special film screening of "The Firefighters’ Story", a powerful documentary commissioned by the FBU that chronicles the courage, struggles, and solidarity of Firefighters throughout our union’s proud history. The screening took place at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s in-house cinema, a fitting venue steeped in heritage and significance.

As part of the commemorations, I also had the honour of unveiling a Red Plaque dedicated to 21 Firefighters who lost their lives defending the city of Portsmouth during World War II. This solemn tribute stands as a lasting reminder of their sacrifice and the enduring legacy of service that defines our profession.

These events not only celebrated our union’s remarkable 100-year journey but also reaffirmed our commitment to remembering the fallen and continuing the fight for the living. It was a moment of reflection, pride, and unity. One I was privileged to lead on behalf of Region 12.

During the global pandemic, I served as Brigade Chair for Hampshire and Isle of Wight and took decisive action to challenge the service at every level in defence of our members. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, my sole aim was to secure a nationally agreed standard for risk assessments, equipment provision, and training for those working on the frontline.

Firefighters faced evolving threats with limited guidance and inconsistent protections. I worked tirelessly to ensure that our members were not left vulnerable, advocating for clear protocols and equitable access to vital resources. This included pushing for uniform standards that would safeguard crews across all brigades, regardless of local interpretation or budget constraints.

The pandemic tested our resilience, but it also reaffirmed the importance of strong union leadership. I remain proud of the role I played in standing up for our members when they needed it most and I continue to fight for consistent, nationally recognised protections that honour the risks our Firefighters take every day

In the early weeks of my tenure as Regional Secretary, I established a new Regional DECON Sub-Committee with a clear and urgent purpose: to share information, exchange ideas, and develop a unified approach to DECON principles across all four brigades within our region.

This initiative was born out of a growing recognition of the risks posed by contaminants in the Fire and Rescue Service and the need for coordinated, proactive measures to protect our members. By bringing together representatives from each brigade, the sub-committee has created a platform for collaboration, innovation, and consistency in applying DECON protocols in the workplace.

The sub-committee has already made significant progress in advancing the case for DECON within their respective services. Their work has helped embed safer practices, raise awareness, and strengthen the culture of protection for Firefighters exposed to hazardous environments.

This is just the beginning. I remain committed to supporting and expanding this work, ensuring that DECON principles are not only understood but fully integrated into the operational fabric of our service.

During the Fair Pay or Fire Strike campaign, our strength as a union was rooted in unity and clarity. Consistent messaging empowered our members to speak with one voice—repeating our shared demands and reinforcing our collective resolve. Communication was not just important; it was essential. I played an integral role in keeping our members informed, focused, and resolute throughout the campaign.

This moment in Fire Brigades Union history marked a turning point. After years of pay stagnation, our members stood together and broke through the barriers that had held us back. It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we act as one—driven by purpose, solidarity, and the unwavering belief that we deserve better.

The campaign was more than a fight for fair pay. It was a reaffirmation of our collective strength. And it proved, once again, that when Firefighters stand together, we are a force to be reckoned with.

Following repeated failures within a safety critical control system, I worked in close collaboration with Brigade Officials and Firefighter Control Representatives to raise a formal safety critical notice to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). These failures posed significant risks to operational integrity and member safety, and urgent intervention was required.

The submission of this notice prompted an escalation in the response from relevant authorities and the service provider. As a result, the system issues were addressed and resolved, reinforcing the importance of vigilance, accountability, and collective action in safeguarding our members.

This outcome demonstrates the power of coordinated advocacy and the necessity of holding service providers to the highest standards. I remain committed to ensuring that safety is never compromised and that our members can rely on robust systems that support their vital work.

On 1st November 2023, I coordinated a Regional attendance at Westminster for the official launch of the Firefighters Manifesto, a pivotal moment in our ongoing campaign for investment, fair pay, and improved working conditions across the Fire and Rescue Service.

Region 12 demonstrated exceptional solidarity and organisation, with over 90 members attending the event. Transport was arranged for every participant, ensuring full accessibility and maximum turnout. Our region’s commitment and visibility on the day was widely recognised, marking Region 12 as a leading force in the national movement.

This mobilisation reflected the strength of our membership and our shared determination to hold decision-makers accountable. I am proud to have led this effort and remain committed to amplifying the voice of Firefighters at every level of government.

In May 2023, the Government introduced the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, a legislative move that posed a serious threat to the fundamental right of workers to take industrial action. This Act empowered employers to mandate minimum service levels during strikes in key sectors, including the fire and rescue, effectively undermining the impact of industrial action and eroding the legal protections that have long safeguarded workers’ ability to withdraw their labour.

The legislation was met with widespread condemnation from trade unions, legal experts, and human rights advocates, who argued that it violated international standards and risked poisoning industrial relations. Under the Act, unions failing to ensure compliance with imposed service levels could lose immunity from legal liability, and workers who defied work notices could face dismissal without recourse to unfair dismissal claims.

As a Fire Brigades Union Official, I stood firmly against this attack on our rights. The ability to strike is not just a negotiating tool, it is a cornerstone of democratic labour relations. I remain committed to defending that right and to ensuring that our members retain the power to stand up for fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect in the workplace.

As Regional Secretary, I proudly supported Oxfordshire Brigade Representatives in opposing the proposed implementation of Direct Entry into the Fire and Rescue Service. This initiative, which bypasses traditional operational experience, raised serious concerns among our membership regarding safety, credibility, and the integrity of the profession.

To make our position clear, we organised a lobby at the County Council building, where over 50 Fire Brigades Union members gathered in solidarity. Their presence sent a powerful message: Direct Entry is not welcome in Oxfordshire, and our members will not accept policies that undermine the value of frontline experience.

This action reflects our collective commitment to protecting the standards of our service and ensuring that leadership is built on operational knowledge, not shortcuts. I remain resolute in defending the profession and the principles that keep our members and communities safe.

In collaboration with Brigade Reps and the families of Alan and James, I had the honour of commissioning a Red Plaque to commemorate their service and sacrifice. This tribute stands as a permanent symbol of respect, remembrance, and unity. Recognising the profound contributions of two Firefighters.

Working with local reps and service leads, we were able to mount and unveil the plaque following a significant delay caused by the global pandemic. Despite the challenges, our commitment to honouring Alan and James never faltered.

This act of remembrance reflects the Fire Brigades Union’s enduring pledge: to remember the dead and fight for the living. It serves as a powerful reminder of the risks our members face and the importance of standing together in their memory. It is a pledge I dedicate my career to and one I will continue to uphold with pride and conviction.

During my transition from Brigade to Regional Official, I was confronted with a deeply concerning operational change. A newly implemented high-rise procedure directed Firefighters to commit above the Bridgehead without donning breathing apparatus, placing personnel at unacceptable risk by exposing them to potential respiratory hazards without full protection.

In response, I worked closely with the National Officer for Health and Safety to launch a coordinated campaign and legal challenge against this dangerous practice. Our objective has been clear from the outset: to uphold the highest standards of safety and ensure that no Firefighter is ever placed in harm’s way due to flawed policy.

This fight is ongoing, but my position remains indisputable. No personnel should ever be committed into a known or suspected respiratory risk area without full respiratory protection. The safety of our members is non-negotiable, and I will continue to challenge any procedure that compromises that principle.

In 2024, as Regional Secretary for the Southern Region, I organised a lobby of Westminster. Calling on the Government to deliver long-overdue investment in the Fire and Rescue Service and to address the urgent issue of fair pay for Firefighters.

This proactive approach secured exceptional commitment and solidarity, with over 40 members attending the event and actively engaging in lobbying efforts with Members of Parliament. Their presence and participation sent a powerful message: our members will not remain silent when it comes to the future of our service and the welfare of those who serve.

This mobilisation reflects the collective strength of our region and the determination I and our membership share in fighting for the recognition, resources, and respect we deserve

During my four years as Regional Secretary, I have had the privilege of supporting many Firefighters and their families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether facing personal hardship, professional uncertainty, or tragic loss, I have stood alongside our members to ensure they are never alone.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this role has been assisting members and their family through the Accident Injury Fund.  Providing this support has not only offered financial relief but also affirmed our union’s commitment to compassion and solidarity.

These experiences have deepened my resolve to protect our members and to ensure that their safety remains the highest priority for employers. Every Firefighter deserves to work in an environment where their wellbeing is safeguarded, and where their families are supported should the worst occur.

I will continue to fight for these protections, driven by the belief that care, dignity, and safety must be at the heart of everything we do.

In the lead-up to the summer recess of 2025, I coordinated a Regional lobby of Members of Parliament at Westminster, an initiative aimed at ensuring the concerns of Firefighters across our region were heard at the highest levels of government.

Through strategic planning and persistent engagement, I successfully secured meetings with 20 MPs from within our region. This marked a significant increase from the previous year and positioned our region as one of the highest performing in terms of political lobbying efforts nationwide.

This achievement reflects our growing influence and the importance of maintaining strong political relationships to advocate for the rights, safety, and welfare of our members. I remain committed to ensuring that our collective voice continues to resonate in Parliament and beyond.

Since its inception, I have been a committed campaigner for improved maternity provision within the Fire and Rescue Service. The DECON campaign has played a pivotal role in highlighting the urgent need to protect mothers and their babies from harmful contaminants, reinforcing the case for stronger safeguards and better support structures.

My work in this area began at National Conference 2019, where I successfully raised a resolution calling for enhanced childcare subsidies for key workers. This resolution was supported and passed, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to support working parents across Fire Service and the Public Sector as a whole.

I remain steadfast in my commitment to securing better provisions for Firefighter families. This includes the continued campaign for 52-week maternity pay, ensuring that those who serve our communities are not forced to choose between their profession and their family’s wellbeing.

Supporting our members through every stage of life is not just policy, it is principle and I will continue to fight for the protections and provisions our fire families deserve.

Mental and physical health remain among the most pressing challenges facing our membership in today’s fire and rescue service. As an elected representative, I have worked tirelessly to support our members through these difficult times, providing guidance, advocacy, and access to essential resources.

I have successfully secured ill-health pensions for multiple members, ensuring they receive the dignity and financial protection they deserve. These outcomes are not just administrative victories, they are lifelines for individuals and families navigating profound hardship.

My commitment to improving welfare provision across our services is unwavering. I continue to advocate for stronger, more accessible support systems that reflect the realities of our profession and the needs of our people. Our members deserve nothing less.

As a Fire Brigades Union Official, one of the most vital responsibilities we now undertake is ensuring that robust support is in place for members and their families who are facing the devastating challenge of cancer.

Through the implementation of the Dying to Work charter, I have successfully secured full pay for affected members, providing financial stability during an incredibly difficult time.

In addition, I have ensured pensions departments provide all available options clearly, empowering members and their families to make informed decisions when its time to claim.

This proactive and compassionate approach has delivered critical support precisely when it is needed most. It reflects my unwavering commitment to standing by our members, not just in the workplace, but throughout every stage of life.