Event Round Up: Fire Innovation Forum Launch Event

May 2024 techUK launched its Fire Innovation Forum. We were joined for this kick off meeting by representatives from the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) including; Steve Beakhurst, Steve Taylor, Claire Chambers, and Gillian Fyfe. During the session, attendees gained insight into the infrastructure and challenges of NFCC and their Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) ambitions.  

The group considered what the forum should set out to achieve, aligning NFCC and industry’s idea of what good looks like for the success of these sessions. Considering what policing has gained from industry engagement and sharing of best practice, the group refined its priorities to digital transformation, automation and process improvement, procurement and improving business services. 

A key ask from NFCC was: ‘how they can develop the sector and the different services within it to become better customers.’ At present, there is an intelligence gap in understanding how the fire sector can benefit from technological capabilities, particularly regarding their ambitions of becoming a preventative service rather than reactive. As such the industry attendees gave insight to what they need from fire services in procurement processes, including clarity on resourcing challenges, a defined desired outcome, and market engagement to drive adoption of new technologies, ensuring sustainability in the solution.  

Whilst NFCC desires guidance from the tech sector in identifying their specific problems, there is an awareness of where the current services should be modernised. For instance, a predominant concern is data quality and the need for consistency across services. As such, it was specified that the efficiency of any proposed solution needs to be evidenced to secure long-term funding. 

Alongside the adoption of new technology, it was reiterated the importance of ensuring staff acquire the digital skills needed to really understand and harness the use of digital, data and technology. This is to maintain the inclusive ethos that digital and data literacy needs to be enabled rather than expected. 

The discussion concluded with what both the NFCC and industry members need from each other to ensure the forum’s success. Amongst the suggested, the members intend to have regular meetings and invite the relevant subject matter experts, aligning the discussion topics with the NFCC  DDaT strategy. In addition to this, the group plans to create an innovation hub to showcase their work and a way in which to sign post services to case studies, best practice and thought leadership, ensuring that the forum will go beyond a talking shop and produce tangible outcomes.  

To stay up to date with our Fire Innovation Forum activity, make sure to sign up to our Fire and Rescue Distribution list to be the first to hear all the latest news and upcoming opportunities.  

To find out more, please use the contact information below. 

Georgie Morgan

Head of Justice and Emergency Services, techUK

Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022.

In her current role, Georgie leads techUK’s engagement and initiatives across the blue light and criminal justice sectors. She works closely with industry and stakeholders to drive innovation, address challenges, and anticipate future needs, while showcasing the critical role technology plays in delivering essential public safety and justice services. Through the JES programme, she provides a platform for suppliers, helping them navigate and establish themselves in the blue light and criminal justice markets.

Before joining techUK, Georgie spent four and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. Collaborating with the Metropolitan Police and local councils, she focused on mitigating the impact of crime on the business community. Her efforts spanned addressing low-level street crime and anti-social behavior to managing critical incidents and violent crime.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-henley/

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Cinzia Miatto

Programme Manager - Justice & Emergency Services, techUK

Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.

The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.

Prior to joining techUK, Cinzia worked in the third and public sectors, managing projects related to international trade and social inclusion.

Email:

[email protected]

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Ella Gago-Brookes

Team Assistant, Markets, techUK

Ella joined techUK in November 2023 as a Markets Team Assistant, supporting the Justice and Emergency Services, Central Government and Financial Services Programmes.  

Before joining the team, she was working at the Magistrates' Courts in legal administration and graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2022.  Ella attained an undergraduate degree in History and Politics, and a master's degree in International Relations and Security Studies, with a particular interest in studying asylum rights and gendered violence.  

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, watching true crime documentaries, travelling, and making her best attempts to become a better cook.  

Email:

[email protected]

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