Northamptonshire’s Choice Raises Eyebrows

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has expressed strong objections to the recent announcement by Northamptonshire’s Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Stephen Mold, regarding the preferred candidate for the position of Chief Fire Officer.

Nikki Watson, a recently retired Deputy Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police, has been selected for the role, following a 36-year career in policing.

Watson’s selection has sparked a heated debate, primarily due to her background in police work rather than fire service.

Background of the Candidate

Watson is noted for her extensive experience in the emergency services and public safety, with skills in civil contingencies gold command and leadership in various critical areas, including counter-terrorism, public order, and strategic firearms command.

She has been recognised for her contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, receiving the Queen’s Police Medal for her role in leading the local response and liaising with the Home Office on Covid legislation.

Despite her commendable career in policing, her lack of direct experience in firefighting operations has raised concerns.

FBU’s Strong Opposition

The FBU’s executive council member for the East Midlands, Adam Taylor, criticised the choice, highlighting the need for a chief fire officer with practical firefighting experience.

He pointed out that the fire service, being distinct from the police force, should not be treated as an afterthought.

Taylor referred to a previous controversial appointment by Mold of an interim chief fire officer with no operational experience, who resigned after public outcry.

He emphasized the danger and insult this choice represented to firefighters and the public.

Adding to the criticism, Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the FBU, accused Stephen Mold of trying to revert the fire service to an outdated model and questioned his competence in overseeing the fire and rescue service.

He stressed the distinct humanitarian nature of firefighting, different from policing, and the importance of maintaining public trust, which could be undermined by appointing a police officer to lead the fire and rescue service.

IFSJ Comment

The controversy surrounding the appointment of Nikki Watson as the Chief Fire Officer in Northamptonshire underscores a significant issue in public safety management – the importance of relevant operational experience in leadership positions.

The strong opposition by the Fire Brigades Union highlights not only the need for specific skill sets in such critical roles but also reflects the broader concerns about respecting the autonomy and unique nature of different emergency services.

This situation serves as a reminder that while cross-disciplinary experience can be valuable, it should not come at the cost of essential, role-specific expertise, especially in areas as vital as fire and rescue services.