Wilsher to advise on government’s fire reform agenda

The Home Office has appointed Roy Wilsher as the first independent advisor on fire policy, to support the department’s Fire Strategy and Reform Unit in developing a White Paper on Fire Reform.

Wilsher started his role as Expert Advisor on Fire & Rescue Service Reform on 12 April, having served as the first ever chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). The government says that he will offer valuable operational insight and work with stakeholders on the upcoming White Paper on fire reform.

Fire Minister Lord Greenhalgh said: “I’m very pleased that I will be joining forces with Roy in our ground-breaking work on fire reform. Roy’s operational experience and independent insight will be invaluable in helping us develop the White Paper on Fire Reform, with his long career in the Fire and Rescue Service informing his day-to-day duties.”

Wilsher said: “The Fire and Rescue Service is a great institution with fantastic people who serve their communities. I have spent my whole working life in that service and I am really pleased to be asked to assist with the government’s reform agenda to ensure the Fire and Rescue Service adds even more value in future.”

Wilsher began his career when he joined the London Fire Brigade as a firefighter in 1981 and rose to the rank of Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety. He later became the Chief Executive for the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

The White Paper on Fire Reform will set the direction for English Fire and Rescue Services in three areas: professionalism, people and governance.