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The Fire Fighters Charity has announced the appointment of Sherine Wheeler as Chief Executive.
Joining the charity at the end of April, Sherine brings extensive leadership experience having worked to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of charities, most recently Mayhew, and including Marie Curie, Action for Children and Young Lives vs Cancer. She has also advised a number of charities on strategy, impact and performance.
“It’s exciting to join such an impactful and dynamic organisation. It will be an absolute honour for me to play a part in The Fire Fighters Charity’s vital services, supporting the whole fire community and ensuring fire service personnel are fit and well, so they can be there for us when we need them most. I’m very much looking forward to working with all the incredible individuals, teams and partners that support and deliver The Fire Fighter’s Charity’s work day-in-day-out.”
Sherine Wheeler, new Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Sherine’s appointment follows the announcement in November 2023 of current Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey’s resignation.
During her time as Chief Executive, Dr Tolfrey oversaw significant change across the organisation, including expansion of its in-person and community services, the development of its digital, self-help and prevention-focussed services, the £1.8m redevelopment of the Charity’s Harcombe House centre and, most recently, the launch of its new Suicide Crisis Line.
Over recent years, Dr Tolfrey has also led the Charity through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, both of which required the charity to move quickly in the provision of agile, responsive services for the fire services community, and which brought considerable challenges in regard to fundraising.
“Stepping away from the Charity comes with some sadness. However, I am very proud of all that has been achieved over the last 10 years and, as we look to begin a new strategic period, I feel the time is right for someone new to take the helm and to drive the Charity forward in its ambition to achieve long term sustainability, together with continued excellence in the field of health and wellbeing.”
Dr Jill Tolfrey, current Chief Executive of The Fire Fighters Charity.
Having safely navigated those storms, Jill leaves the charity at a time when it is now supporting over 10,000 people a year, providing accessible in-person, community-based and digital services for all serving and retired personnel, as well as their families. Dr Tolfrey will leave The Fire Fighters Charity on 31 May, after working alongside Sherine during a transition and handover period.
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In 2023, The Fire Fighters Charity marked its 80th year and shared its work and ambitions in an exclusive series for Emergency Services Times. Take a look at the series here.