Under techUK’s MoU with the National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) we were delighted to kick off the forum’s activity for 2025 with the fourth session, focusing on data. We were joined by NFCC DDaT representatives Steve Beakhust, Gillian Fyfe and Steve Taylor, who gave an overview of the challenges and opportunities of data quality, usage, collection and sharing within the fire and rescue services.
Within his presentation, Steve Taylor, Strategic Data Lead, gave the techUK members an insight into the current data landscape, which contains information on local incidents, property, demographic, and the number of domestic or non-domestic visits. All of which helps the service identify trends, guide risk assessments, inform resource allocation, and ultimately protect public safety.
There has been significant progress in terms of data objectives through the adoption of technology including the use of drones for monitoring and analysis, the replacement of paper-based admin with digital applications, and the services’ exploration of AI. To promote the efficiency of the new practices, the NFCC are preparing to release a methodology review on data quality. As whilst the 52 fire and rescue services manage their own data governance, the aim is to progress to standardised methods of data collection to improve the integration of data from multiple sources.
In terms of opportunities, the NFCC intend to help fire and rescue take leverage of technology in terms of advanced data analytics for decision making, predictive modelling for risk assessments, moving towards cloud, and developing a data centric culture within the services. As the NFCC emphasise the importance of data in it’s vitality for informing decision making and improving operational efficiency, data literacy training will be implemented so that users understand the significance of their role.
Bringing insight from the frontline, Tim Barlett, Data Analytics Manager for Essex Fire Service, posed data related challenges for the members in attendance to consider. Locally, Tim has found that the biggest challenge is data access, due to silos across departments and partner agencies, limiting the information services have on vulnerable areas. In understanding this, alongside wider GDPR practices, it would be helpful if the fire and rescue services could tap into the wealth of different practices within both the public and private sector.
Going forward, Tim stresses the need for data driven insights to improve resource allocation and proactive risk mitigation. As often services are dealing with outdated or inaccurate data, meaning that such decisions are made upon a ‘rear view approach’. To aid this Tim refers to how partnerships can enhance capabilities, particularly of data integration, for instance Essex are moving on to a Fabric Platform.
Georgie Kelham, Analysis and Insight Manager at NFCC, discussed her role in empowering the fire and rescue sector with actionable insights, reiterating the need for good data. By analysing surveys and data collection from services, the team aims to inform decision making, enhance operational effectiveness, foster innovation, and encourage evidence-based policy practices. Though, for the team to successfully create a picture of the services there is a need for data to be accessible and of high quality.
From the group discussion, the main points included:
Fire and rescue services are still facing issues of data poverty. Data needs to be increasingly considered in procurement processes – in purchasing a system, it’s data quality output needs to be reviewed.
Data-driven response and analytics can help fire and rescue services use real-time data to make better decisions and respond more effectively.
Importance of improving collaboration between industry and public sector.
Many of the challenges discussed are echoed across public sector (policing, health, central government). It's essential to have a cross-sector collaboration mechanism in place, enabling agencies like fire and rescue, ambulances, and police to communicate and share data for a more coordinated and effective response.
There is a need to focus more on digital skills in fire and rescue services as technology plays a bigger role in everyday operations.
Next steps
The next Fire Innovation Forum session will be all about how drones are being used in fire and rescue. Drones are helping to speed up response times, give a clearer picture of the situation, and assist with decision-making during emergencies.
Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities
The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Head of Justice and Emergency Services | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Georgie Morgan
Head of Justice and Emergency Services | Fraud and Economic Crime Lead, techUK
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, progressing to Head of Programme in January 2022. Her portfolio then expanded in January 2024 where she now leads our work across fraud and economic crime.
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.
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, techUK
Ella Gago-Brookes
Junior Programme Manager - Justice and Emergency Services, 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 progressing into Junior Programme Manager in January 2024.
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.
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.
