We were pleased to give seven members of our team from across BFRS the opportunity to attend the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) Training and Development Event 2025 – an inspiring weekend dedicated to leadership, growth, and resilience.
Held annually, the WFS event brings together fire service colleagues from across the country to share knowledge, build confidence, and develop practical and leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. This year’s event saw hundreds of attendees come together with one shared goal: to champion female empowerment in the fire service.
This opportunity wasn’t just reserved for operational staff to advance their firefighting and leadership skills, it also welcomed support staff – offering them a rare and valuable insight into the demands, challenges, and teamwork involved in front-line service. By opening the door to all roles, the event fostered greater understanding and cohesion across all departments.
Our seven representatives immersed themselves in a variety of dynamic workshops, from live fire drills and multi-incident command simulations to sessions focused on wellbeing, assertive communication, and career progression. These opportunities aren’t just about developing on-the-job skills. They’re about building networks, building confidence, and empowering women.
Shelby Hubbard, Fire Safety Business Engagement Apprentice, who attended shared;
“My day with the Women in Fire Service at the college was an empowering experience, connecting with inspiring women and allies all over the UK. It was such a fun and eye-opening day that made me even more excited about the possibilities within fire service. Going from driving my tiny Fiat 500 to a fire engine was definitely an upgrade and an incredible experience!”
Representation matters.
Events like this help pave the way for a more equitable and diverse fire service, one that reflects the communities we serve. The idea was to provide an opportunity for women to feel empowered and supported, inspire others, and step into leadership roles.
That’s why, as a service, we are proud to support the Women in the Fire Service events and encourage participation in these transformative development opportunities. Investing in our people means investing in a stronger, more inclusive Service for everyone.
