At a time when our emergency services are so critical to national and local safety, our Community Protection and Defence (CPD) Practice is privileged to have been part of the process that has resulted in two superb recent appointments, both of whom are women.
In a profession which is 96% male across the UK, recent work by the CPD Practice is really making a difference in helping to remove some of the cultural hurdles which can be faced by women working within the Fire Service.
Candida Brudenell, formerly the Assistant Chief Executive of Nottingham City Council, was selected recently as the Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Nottinghamshire F&RS. An extremely rigorous process involved a full-scale operational assessment based on a major flood incident, along with media handling, a stakeholder engagement and personality profiling designed by our Leadership & Talent Consultancy.
While Candida admitted that this series of tasks was quite intimidating, she performed exceptionally, ably supported by GatenbySanderson. Our work was recognised by Chief Fire Officer, John Buckley, at a recent National Fire Chiefs’ Council conference for helping to promote diversity and for getting the very best person for his now much more inclusive top team.
From the Fire Service to Policing: The appointment of Louise Harrison to the post of Assistant Chief Constable in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is also helping to address the gender balance. Louise, who was identified by some great research, made the move from a role in Counter Terrorism’s Prevent Programme to take this prominent role in leading the CNC’s operational capability.
We wish both appointees all the very best as they contribute to the fantastic work being done currently by our public services.