People and skills

University to run new fire service leadership course

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Photo credit: Emergency Services Times.
Photo credit: Emergency Services Times.

Fire service leadership comes under the spotlight with a new 10-month course from Nottingham Business School intended to build capability for existing and aspiring senior leaders within the fire and rescue sector.  

The Executive Leadership Development Programme has been co-created with the National Fire Chiefs Council and will lead to a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership and Management Practice. Nottingham Business School said that the course aims to build leadership capability by equipping participants to tackle the strategic issues facing the fire and rescue service.The course will explore key themes such as systems leadership, organisational culture, strategic change, and inclusive leadership and align with the NFCC’s Leadership Framework and Core Code of Ethics. 

Nottingham Business School is part of Nottingham Trent University. It has been awarded the contract to deliver the course that is expected to start in spring 2026, with up to 35 participants per intake.


Programme lead and director of Executive Education at NBS, Dr Mel Bull will deliver the programme. On announcing the new course, she said: “This is a critical time for the fire and rescue sector, and we are proud to contribute to shaping its future leadership.” 

Soon to retire chief of Royal Berkshire and NFCC lead for leadership development, Wayne Bowcock added: ““Investing in leadership is one of the most important commitments we can make to the future of fire and rescue services. The challenges we face as a sector are complex and continuously evolving, and they demand leaders who are not only highly skilled but are inclusive and demonstrate integrity and resilience.  

“By working with Nottingham Business School, we are ensuring that our people have access to the best possible development opportunities that will strengthen leadership across the UK and help us build a sector ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.” 

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Catherine Levin

Catherine writes and commissions content from across the emergency services as well as interviewing senior leaders. She also hosts our webinar series exploring timely topics with a range of speakers.

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