“I am ready to lead”: UK fire leadership transition as Phil Garrigan assumes NFCC Chair role
Iain Hoey
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Phil Garrigan appointed as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council
Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM has officially started his term as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), the body has announced.
Garrigan assumed the position on 1 April 2025, following the conclusion of Mark Hardingham’s four-year tenure on 31 March.
Garrigan was elected to the role by NFCC Members in September 2024.
Garrigan has now stepped down from his post as Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
He served with the service for 35 years and was Chief Fire Officer since 2017.
NFCC Chair responsibilities and sector priorities
As Chair, Garrigan will provide professional advice to Government, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Minister responsible for fire and rescue services.
He will also work with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, national employers and sector organisations across the UK and internationally.
Garrigan said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council and to build on the legacy that Mark Hardingham leaves as he starts his well-earned retirement.”
He added: “Our sector faces significant challenges ahead, particularly as we grapple with increasing risk, emerging threats associated with climate changes and a growing gap between demand and resource.
“But I am ready to lead, ensuring that fire and rescue services are fit for the future.”
Phil Garrigan’s background in the fire service
Phil Garrigan joined Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in 1990.
He held several senior positions before being appointed Chief Fire Officer in 2017.
Garrigan also served as Vice-Chair of the NFCC and was previously the NFCC Lead for Children and Young People.
He received the King’s Fire Service Medal in the 2024 New Year Honours.
Reflecting on his career and leadership approach, Garrigan said: “Having worked closely with some of the most vulnerable and deprived communities in the UK, I have continually strived to put those communities at the heart of everything we do in the fire and rescue service.
That is something I want to emulate at a national level.”
New Vice-Chairs appointed alongside Garrigan
Kathryn Billing and Rick Hylton have also been appointed as Vice-Chairs of the NFCC.
Both will serve in this capacity while continuing as Chief Fire Officers in their respective services.
Billing joined Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service as an on-call firefighter in 2000 and became Chief Fire Officer in 2021.
She has served as NFCC lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and is a Director for Women in the Fire Service.
Rick Hylton began his career with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service in 1997.
He joined Essex County Fire and Rescue Service in 2019 and became Chief Fire Officer in 2022.
He has chaired the NFCC Prevention Committee since 2023.
Phil Garrigan appointed as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council: Summary
Phil Garrigan began his term as Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council on 1 April 2025.
He was elected in September 2024 and succeeds Mark Hardingham, who served for four years.
Garrigan steps down as Chief Fire Officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, where he worked for 35 years.
In his new role, Garrigan will provide professional advice to Government and work with sector bodies.
He previously served as NFCC Vice-Chair and NFCC Lead for Children and Young People.
He was awarded the King’s Fire Service Medal in 2024.
Two new Vice-Chairs, Kathryn Billing and Rick Hylton, were appointed by Garrigan.
Billing is Chief Fire Officer of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and previously held national roles in equality and diversity.
Hylton is Chief Fire Officer of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Chair of the NFCC Prevention Committee.
The NFCC confirmed that the Chair role carries an initial two-year term, with the option for renewal.
