To mark International Women’s Day this week (8 March), we’re profiling different female staff throughout this week, all of whom play a vital role in Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
Today we meet Anna Davidson, the Service’s Assistant Director – Prevention, based at the HQ at Hindlip.
Describing where she fits in, Anna says:
“I originally joined as the Head of HR & Development and last April took on a temporary Assistant Director role, which I was successful in securing on a permanent basis in December 2021.
“I really enjoy my role and it appeals to me, as I can work collaboratively with a wide range of people striving to provide the best service possible to our local community.”
However, Anna had a council role before making the move, as she explains:
“Prior to working with HWFRS I worked for 15 years at Telford & Wrekin Council in a senior HR role. I made the switch to continue my career and it was important to me to remain in the public sector.
I joined the fire service in February 2019, so that’s three years now, and it’s been highly rewarding.”
Outlining her responsibilities as Assistant Director – Prevention, Anna says:
“The role involves overall oversite for our prevention, people, data and HMICFRS workstreams.
“I am part of the leadership team ensuring that ultimately the Service addresses the needs of the community by delivering in line with the CRMP (Community Risk Management Plan) and meeting the commitments of the core and enabling strategies, translating these into workable outcomes.
“I’m proud to tell people I work for HWFRS and they are sometimes surprised at the breadth of roles we have available across the whole service.
“I would say that the Fire Service has a lot to offer, with everyone pulling in the same direction to provide the best possible outcomes for our local communities. I’ve never worked in an organisation that’s so passionate about doing its best and it’s a pleasure to come to work.”
“I feel empowered by being listened to, having a good rapport and trust with colleagues and being supported by some really talented people.”
Staff networks such as Women@HWFire, and opportunities for networking provide useful vehicles for development, as Anna concludes:
“Our staff networks offer a really valuable mechanism to provide support, a forum to discuss good practice and a vehicle for us to constantly evolve, listen and grow.
“We need to take every opportunity to shout about how the fire service is a great place to work for anyone who is interested – it’s vital that we dispel any pre-conceived ideas about roles in the service and that we’re really transparent about what is required to work in the Service and the skills and qualities we want to encourage in the colleagues we work with.”
If you’d like to know how to join the Fire Service and make a difference in a wide variety of roles, you can find out more at Join us | Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (hwfire.org.uk)