Leadership

National Fire Chiefs Council announces appointment of new Chair

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CFO Phil Garrigan with Fire Minister, Dame Diana Johnson and current NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham. Photo credit: Merseyside FRS
CFO Phil Garrigan with Fire Minister, Dame Diana Johnson and current NFCC Chair Mark Hardingham. Photo credit: Merseyside FRS

Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has been elected as the new Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, taking up the post in April 2025 as Mark Hardingham steps down after four years in the role.

Currently serving as one of two vice-chairs for the NFCC, CFO Garrigan also has a national role, leading National Resilience. New National Resilience training facilities recently opened next to Aintree fire station in Liverpool in a boost to capability across fire and rescue services.

The NFCC advertised for new leadership to take on the four-year role, opening up applications from current Chief Officers and those who have served in the past two years. Three applicants put themselves forward for election by the membership.

Appointed as chief of Merseyside in 2018, CFO Garrigan led his service to achieve Outstanding grades in three areas in its last inspection by HMICFRS. He was also awarded an OBE in 2021.
 
The NFCC is an independent membership association and the professional voice of the UK Fire and Rescue Service. The NFCC Board of Trustees confirmed the result of the election last week and a process to formalise the appointment will now take place. The appointment is a full time job and no detail has been provided about when CFO Garrigan will leave his role in Merseyside before taking up the Chair position.

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