Meet our Trustees – Roy Wilsher

Roy Wilsher is Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). His career in the Fire Service has spanned some 37 years.  Roy joined London Fire Brigade in 1981 rising to Assistant Commissioner for Community Fire Safety. In 2004 he joined Hertfordshire and was appointed Chief Fire Officer in 2005 and Director for Community Protection and Chief Fire Officer in 2011. In 2013 Roy also became Chief Executive for the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

He joined CBT as a Trustee in 2018.

Where did you begin your career in the fire service?

I joined London Fire Brigade on 23 November 1981 and started at my first operational station, Hornsey in North London, in April 1982.

What has been your greatest career achievement to date?

That is really difficult to say, there have been so many highlights, and a few lows, my operational achievements include being Silver Commander at the Paddington rail crash, Gold Commander for the Buncefield Oil Depot fire and strategic lead for the UK Fire Service Search and Rescue team that went to Japan after the 2011 Tsunami.  Other personal highlights have been the award of an OBE in 2007 and Queen’s Fire Service Medal in 2013 and meeting the Emperor of Japan.  Being Chief of Hertfordshire and obviously my current role, plus being Chair of National Operational Guidance Strategic Board and JESIP both for over 6 years.

What does a “normal” day look like for you?

The great thing about still working in the Fire Service is that there is never a normal day, but I can guarantee it will involve meetings, emails and phone calls!

If you could see one change across the fire industry in the UK what would it be, and why?

A little more cohesion, the fire sector is relatively small but also very crowded with a plethora of views and interests.

What would you say is the most satisfying part of your job?

Helping to shape the future of Fire and Rescue in the UK and remembering what a fantastic career and opportunities I have had as a boy who grew up in a council flat and went to the local comprehensive.

You joined the Children’s Burns Trust as a Trustee in 2018. Why did you get involved?

I met some young people who had been affected by burns and spoke to one of the current Trustees, Paul Fuller.  My current charity work had reduced, I am a Trustee for Herts in Trust and thought it was about time I gave more time to charity again, and CBT seemed to be the right charity to get involved with.

What campaigns and causes are you currently championing?

I think one over-riding issue, there seemed to be a sense that we had dealt with fire in the UK and we could move on.  Those of us in Fire and Rescue knew this was not the case and we need to continue to raise awareness of the danger of fire and the effect of all types of burns and scalds.